2024 Michigan Regional Tribal Technology Forum
Event Details:
When: June 10-11, 2024
Where: Little River Casino Resort
Manistee, MI
Call +1-888-568-2244 to book your room, block rate is $159++, cut off date is 05/27/2024.
Aside from the great new connections that all attendees will gain, a primary intent of our regional forums is always to engage technology minded leaders and executives at tribes and tribal enterprises within an environment that allows everyone to uncover opportunities, openly discuss shared challenges and in some prior cases, leave with collaborative new ideas and innovation.
Developing Agenda
Monday 06/10/2024
Times: | Speaker: | Session Name: |
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8:30am - 3:00pm |
RegistrationMore DetailsCheck in with the TribalHub team- pick up your badge and important forum materials. TribalHub Members grab your welcome gift! |
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8:30am - 9:15am |
BreakfastMore DetailsBreakfast on behalf of our sponsors. |
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9:15am - 9:30am |
Event KickoffMore DetailsYour official welcome to TribalHub's Regional Forum- a preview of what's ahead and how make the most of your time here! |
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9:30am - 9:30am |
Roundtable Kickoff- Attendees OnlyMore DetailsYour regional group ambassadors and the TribalHub team, kick off one of our attendee favorites- the morning roundtable! |
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9:30am - 11:30am | Facilitated by your Regional Ambassadors
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Roundtable Session- Attendees OnlyMore DetailsAlways one of the most popular and meaningful sessions in our annual regional events, this is your opportunity to connect or reconnect with your peers at tribes from your region. In this roundtable style session, everyone will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and to share information or questions with the entire group in a session that will be limited to only employees from tribes. Also, be sure to drop a name ticket in the bucket- one attendee is getting a $50 visa gift card during this session! |
11:30am - 12:00pm |
Regional Data Session- Attendees OnlyMore DetailsHave your laptop charged and ready for this morning's exercise! TribalHub has decades worth of data that is available and valuable for you to access, some of it is about YOUR tribe or enterprise. Make sure your tribe's details are up to date and accurately represent your current technology profile. |
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11:30am - 12:00pm |
Event Sponsor MeetingMore DetailsEvent sponsors only- meet to hear from the TribalHub team on how to make the most of your time here. |
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12:00pm - 1:00pm |
Lunch and LearnMore DetailsJoin together for lunch on behalf of your sponsors! PLUS have time to network and hear from the event sponsors. Be sure to visit them at their table for a chance to win some cash!! |
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1:00pm - 2:00pm | Sarah Jelinek
Director of Power Platform Solutions
Arctic IT
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Transforming Tribal Operations: Power Platform as a Catalyst for ChangeMore DetailsIn this session, attendees will explore the transformative potential of Microsoft's Power Platform within tribal departments, focusing on the strategic replacement of outdated legacy systems with secure, flexible, efficient, and scalable solutions. The Power Platform—comprising Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, and Power Pages—offers an unprecedented opportunity to modernize operations, enhance service delivery and citizen engagement. This session will dive into real-world applications, strategic approaches for implementation, and best practices to ensure a smooth transition from old to new, aligning technology with the unique needs and values of tribal communities. |
2:00pm - 3:00pm | April Bacon
Sr Manager
Wipfli
Steven Drews
Sr Manager
Wipfli
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Budgeting Approaches and Strategies for TechnologyMore DetailsTechnology purchases are complex. Every organization needs to discover the pathway to elevate capital budgeting processes within their organization. Whether the current processes are centralized or decentralized budgeting we will discuss best practices for budgeting for capital asset wish lists, maintenance agreements, and annual licensing needs. Regardless of the budgeting tools used for your organization we will cover best practices to strategize for and enhance your budgeting processes to ensure the latest technology is available and annual licensing costs are not missed throughout the budget cycle. Enhancing this process is key to building a successful future for your organization. |
3:30pm - 5:00pm | Luke Freeman
Principal, Leadership Design
Purpose & Performance Group
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Build Your Bench: Cultivating Talent for Organizational ContinuityMore DetailsThis 90-minute interactive workshop aims to explore the vital aspects of succession planning, talent development, and knowledge transfer within organizations. Through engaging exercises and discussions, participants will gain insights into identifying, nurturing, and retaining talent to ensure the continuity and success of their teams and organizations. Learning Objectives • Understand the importance of succession planning and talent development in organizational sustainability and growth. • Learn strategies for identifying and nurturing talent within your teams and across departments. • Explore methods for effective knowledge transfer to ensure seamless transitions during team member changes or promotions. • Discuss challenges and solutions related to talent development, including developing individuals for leadership roles and addressing longevity concerns within the workforce. • Engage in interactive exercises to simulate real-world scenarios, fostering collaboration and problem-solving skills essential for effective succession planning and talent development. Through this workshop, participants will emerge equipped with practical strategies and tools to enhance their organization's capacity to develop and retain talent, fostering a culture of continuous growth and adaptability. |
5:00pm - 6:15pm |
Cocktail Hour Sponsored By RelayMore DetailsNew friends and old friends- make connections at this event leading into dinner! |
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6:15pm - 7:45pm |
Dinner Sponsored by World Wide TechnologyMore DetailsEnjoy wrapping up the day at dinner on behalf of our title sponsor, World Wide Technology. |
Tuesday 06/11/2024
Times: | Speaker: | Session Name: |
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8:30am - 9:30am |
BreakfastMore DetailsFuel up for another great morning! |
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9:30am - 10:30am | Larry Fretz
VP Industry Research and Sr. Managing Partner - Gaming & Hospitality
Info-Tech Research Group
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AI with Integrity: Navigating Responsible AI Practices and PoliciesMore DetailsAI systems, like silent architects, shape our reality—from diagnosing illnesses to managing financial portfolios, from curating entertainment to optimizing transportation. Yet, within their digital veins lies immense power and potential peril. How do we wield this force responsibly, ensuring it uplifts rather than undermines? Let’s explore the path to AI integrity, guided by responsible practices and policies. |
10:30am - 11:30am | TBA
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Cyber InsuranceMore DetailsWhat's the current and future state for tribes? The must haves, the unrealistic, the costs, the unknowns and what are underwriters looking at for the future with the wave of cyber attacks on tribes growing? Tech and non-tech leaders alike need to be at this session and stay informed! |
11:30am - 12:30pm | Mike Day
Founder & Executive Officer
TribalHub
Tiffany Korenic
Connections & Membership Representative
TribalHub
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Know Your Region and What's NextMore DetailsAnother attendee favorite, in this session attendees can see data on their region- who is using what, what size and structure IT departments do others have, how to find someone else who is building a new X or upgrading to Y. This eye-opening session will share some info like this and more specific to your region AND tribes across the U.S. Don't leave early- this one is worth sticking around for! PLUS, get some final details from the TribalHub team regarding the actionable steps you can take as well as important dates to mark on your calendar including the 25th Annual TribalNet Conference & Tradeshow! Get the inside scoop of what's next for the TribalHub Community, ways to engage year-round, and upcoming events you won't want to miss! In this session you'll also hear more about the 501(c)3 Tribal Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC). TribalHub is a proud supporter of the Tribal-ISAC's mission to safeguard sovereignty of all tribes through information sharing and collaboration over isolation. One lucky attendee is going home with a $200 visa gift card as well- must be present to win! |
Ambassadors
Special thanks to this group of leaders from Michigan- helping to spread the word, shape the agenda and lead meaningful conversations!
Dawn McGrady
Director of Finance
Little River Casino Resort
BIO
Dawn McGrady is a Tribal Member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and a Master’s in Business Administration. Dawn has 25+ years of gaming experience working in multiple Tribal casinos in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and currently in Michigan.
Frank Tecumseh
CEO
Firekeepers Casino Hotel
BIO
Frank has been in the hospitality industry for over two decades and is currently the CEO of FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, MI. In his current role he leads the service and gaming operations while providing the strategic operational direction and support for FireKeepers’ 2100 Team Members. Frank is also the current President of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Entertainment Corporation which oversees the Prairie Band Casino & Resort. In 2023, he was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to serve on the Michigan Travel Commission and serves on boards for Battle Creek Unlimited and Michigan Works! Southwest Chapter. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Computer Information Systems from Haskell Indian Nations University, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Business Administration from Baker University. Frank is also a tribal member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation from Mayetta, KS.
Ryan O’Brien
Director of IT
Little River Casino Resort
BIO
Ryan O’Brien serves as the Director of Information Technology at Little River Casino Resort. With a technology career spanning over three decades, Ryan initiated his professional journey with a boutique consulting firm. In the year 2000, he transitioned to the tribal casino industry, joining Little River Casino Resort. Over the past 18 years, he has led the IT department. His expertise is backed by a suite of certifications from Microsoft and Cisco, among others.
Amy Gates
Director of IT
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan
BIO
Amy Gates, Director of Information Technology for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. Amy began her career in Tribal IT over 24 years ago and for the last 17 years has been the Director of IT. Amy is responsible for the overall vision and direction of technology for the Tribe as well as Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Saganing Eagles Landing Casino and Hotel, Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel and Migizi Economic Development. Amy has been an Advisory Board member of TribalNet for over 15 years and serves as an Advisory Board member for Gaming and Leisure Magazine. Amy holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Central Michigan University and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technologies from the University of Maryland Global Campus.