PORTAGE, MI – TribalNet has announced its 2026 advisory boards, welcoming back returning members and introducing several new leaders from across tribal governments, gaming enterprises, and health organizations nationwide.
Made up of industry professionals and technology executives, the advisory boards play a key role in shaping the direction of the Annual TribalNet Conference & Tradeshow. Their insights help guide the topics, priorities, and focus areas – ensuring TribalNet stays relevant, forward-thinking, and aligned with the evolving needs of tribes and their enterprises.
“Being a part of the TribalNet board allows me the chance to help design a conference that bridges the gap between those implementing technology and those driving tribal strategy – because both are critical to serving our communities,” said Patrick Tinklenberg, VP of IT at Sycuan Casino Resort and a TribalNet board member.
Insights from the 2026 advisory boards will shape the 27th Annual TribalNet Conference & Tradeshow, taking place September 20–24, 2026, in Dallas, TX. The event brings together the TribalHub community – the largest group of technology-minded leaders from tribes across the country. Attendees connect with engaged leaders and solution providers, explore technology, and gain insights to drive growth and success in an environment designed specifically for tribes and tribal enterprises.
Cassie Brown, Director of Clinical Informatics/IT at Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and a TribalNet board member, said that one of the standout themes at TribalNet under the Tribal Health Information Management Track is the growing role of AI in healthcare. “Tribal leaders should be in the room at TribalNet 2026 to help shape decisions around Indigenous data sovereignty, ensure solutions reflect real community needs, and build partnerships that support long-term growth,” said Brown.
In addition to three keynote speakers, seven session tracks, and 30+ sessions in those tracks, the conference also has a two-day tradeshow floor with dedicated time to meet and engage with 200+ vendors working in the tribal space. These solution providers work with tribes and tribal enterprises and are dedicated to improving what tribes do.
“Technology is no longer something organizations can afford to treat as separate – it’s central to every part of tribal operations,” said Tinklenberg.
TribalNet’s advisory boards reflect the organization’s continued commitment to industry-led guidance, helping ensure the conference delivers timely, relevant content and remains a key gathering for those advancing technology and innovation across tribal nations.
Travis O’Neil, CEO of Angel of the Winds and a TribalNet board member, said that after 36 years in tribal gaming, he has seen how technology continues to reshape casino operations and tribal economies. “TribalNet is a tremendous resource for tribal professionals, leaders, and innovators all in one place,” said O’Neil. “I encourage all tribal leaders to attend and gain exposure to everything available to benefit their tribal operations and communities.”
The TribalNet advisory board will meet in the coming months to finalize conference tracks, sessions, and speakers, with announcements to follow. Registration for the 2026 TribalNet Conference & Tradeshow is open; early bird pricing is available until Aug. 1.
