TribalNet Conference & Tradeshow continues its nearly three-decade history of bringing technology leaders, decision-makers, and solution providers together to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of technology for tribes and tribal enterprises.
One of the few events dedicated to Native American government, gaming, and health technology, the conference and tradeshow will feature real-world solutions and emerging technologies designed to help tribes save money, improve operational efficiency, and protect digital infrastructure.
The conference will take place Sept. 20–24 at the Hilton Anatole Dallas at 2201 N. Stemmons Freeway in Dallas, Texas.
Education And Technology Leadership
Tara Fisher, Director of IT Gaming and Hospitality at Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, said she sees TribalNet as a great source for education and connection in the technology world.
Fisher is also a member of TribalNet’s Gaming & Hospitality Advisory Board.
“I’m always interested in hearing about what’s happening in gaming and hospitality, especially the new technologies and digital experiences that are being developed and deployed,” Fisher said.
“What I find interesting is how the different topics come together from AI and cybersecurity to gaming, hospitality, and leadership. The sessions highlight how technology can be used strategically to improve operations and enhance guest experiences.”
The gathering will offer opportunities to tap into a growing network of resources, experience, and industry connections, ensuring that enterprise and government leaders have the tools and information they need to thrive in their industries.
TribalNet Conference & Tradeshow offers a variety of sessions within several different concentration tracks, including general technology, cybersecurity, AI, leadership/executive, let’s get technical, tribal gaming/hospitality, tribal government/member services, tribal health information management and more.
Tribal Technology Perspectives
JR Walters, Information Technology Executive Director with the Samish Indian Nation and a member of TribalNet’s Government & Member Services Board, said he enjoyed working with other members for the conference and helping make it impactful.
“The most exciting aspect for me is the sheer volume of useful, relevant topics presented by experts across the industry,” Walters said. “It’s truly a conference that offers something for everyone. This was my first year serving on the Government & Member Services Board. I was impressed by how involved TribalHub members were and how much their opinions were valued throughout the creation and evaluation of the agenda.
“Input from every TribalHub board was carefully considered, and we left each meeting feeling that our perspectives mattered and that we were helping bring more relevant content to attendees.
“Many conferences offer content relevant to IT professionals, both within and beyond the tribal space. What sets TribalNet apart is its focus on the unique needs of tribal organizations, including the distinct governance structures of tribes and the importance of sovereignty,” he said.
“Even when a specific topic is not covered in a session, attendees gain valuable insights through conversations with peers who have already navigated similar challenges. You leave the conference not only with knowledge from industry experts, but also with a strong network of tribal technology leaders who continue to serve as resources long after the event ends.”
Hot Topic Sessions
General Technology
● Understanding What Technology Structure is Right for Your Tribe – Sept. 22
● Strategy and Innovation: Where Technology Really Shines – Sept. 23
Cybersecurity
● Third-Party Vendor Risk: Is this your Weakest Cyber Link? – Sept. 23
● We Will Rock You: The Power of Information Sharing – Sept. 23
Artificial Intelligence
● AI Purchasing and Licensing: What to Consider in Agreements and Operations – Sept. 21
● The Foundational Policies and Practices for Tribes – Sept. 21
● Upskilling: Preparing your Employees for AI – Sept. 22
Leadership/Executive
● Technology Responsibilities of Non-Tech Executives – Sept. 21
● Leadership’s Role in AI – Sept. 21
● Transformation and Automation: What to Focus On – Sept. 22
Let’s Get Technical
● Active Directory Security: Deeper Dive – Sept. 21
● Tools and Tips to Defend Against Phishing and Vishing – Sept. 22
Tribal Gaming/Hospitality
● The Tech Behind Better Guest Experiences – Sept. 21
● Gaming Systems Panel: Hear From Industry Leaders – Sept. 22
Tribal Government/Member Services
● Data Sovereignty Best Practices – Sept. 22
● Engaging Tribal Youth in Government Through Culture and Technology – Sept. 22
Tribal Health Info Management
● Using PATH EHR to Enhance Traditional Medicine Practices for Holistic Care – Sept. 21
● Enterprise AI in Healthcare – Sept. 22
The full schedule of speakers and sessions is available through the official event agenda.
Tradeshow Highlights
The Annual TribalNet Tradeshow is a dynamic gathering that continues to expand year after year, consistently attracting a focused audience of over 700 key decision-makers from tribes and tribal enterprises across the country and over 200 exhibitors on the tradeshow floor.
Participants represent diverse sectors including Tribal Gaming, Tribal Government, and Tribal Healthcare and hold influential roles such as CIOs, IT Directors, VPs of IT, Network and Systems Administrators, Tribal Council Members, General Managers, CFOs and other senior leaders.
Fisher said TribalNet is a unique opportunity to explore solutions and broaden their knowledge.
“What makes TribalNet such a unique experience is that the topics are intentionally organized around the challenges tribal organizations face, with tracks such as AI, cybersecurity, leadership, general technology, tribal gaming & hospitality, tribal government and tribal health,” Fisher said.
“The conference is centered around helping tribal organizations use emerging technologies, leadership strategies, and vendor partnerships to improve operational efficiencies, leverage technology and strengthen security.”
The official event information confirms that the conference brings together technology-minded professionals from tribal gaming and enterprise, tribal government, and tribal health, while providing opportunities to build vendor partnerships and learn from industry experts.
Based in Portage, Michigan, TribalHub is a national membership-based organization and resource network dedicated to connecting technology leaders and decision-makers across Native American and Alaska Native communities. Founded over 25 years ago, it initially launched through its flagship annual event, TribalNet. The organization serves tribal governments, healthcare facilities, and gaming or commercial enterprises. TribalHub provides a collaborative platform where tribal IT professionals, cybersecurity teams and executives can share peer insights, access educational.
Internal Links URLs
https://security.world/from-strategy-to-solutions-tribalnet-powers-innovation-for-tribal-governments-gaming-hospitality/
External Links URLs
https://tribalhub.com/events/tribalnet-conferences/2026-tribalnet-conference-and-tradeshow/
https://tribalhub.com/events/tribalnet-conferences/2026-tribalnet-conference-and-tradeshow/agenda/
FAQs
1. What Is TribalNet 2026?
TribalNet 2026 is a conference and tradeshow focused on technology for Native American government, gaming, hospitality, healthcare, and tribal enterprises.
2. When Is TribalNet 2026?
TribalNet 2026 will take place Sept. 20–24, 2026.
3. Where Is TribalNet 2026 Being Held?
The event will be held at the Hilton Anatole Dallas in Dallas, Texas.
4. What Topics Will TribalNet 2026 Cover?
Topics include general technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, leadership, technical operations, tribal gaming and hospitality, tribal government and member services, and tribal health information management.
5. Who Attends TribalNet?
Attendees include CIOs, IT directors, technology executives, network and systems administrators, tribal council members, general managers, CFOs, and other senior leaders from tribal organizations and enterprises.