8:00 AM – Registration & Breakfast

Kick off TechFest 2026 with a hot, hearty breakfast, networking with fellow IT professionals, business leaders, and technology partners before the day begins. Check in early to pick up your event materials, special gifts, and meet our exhibitors.

9:00 AM – Jake Schulte

Welcome – Technology Leadership & Innovation
Jake will kick off TechFest 2026 by sharing a behind‑the‑scenes update on what’s new at Networks Plus, including current initiatives, upcoming innovations, and how the team is evolving to support clients in a rapidly shifting digital world. This session sets the stage for the day and highlights how organizations can stay prepared, protected, and future-focused.

9:30 AM – John Bryant

The Evolving Threat Landscape: Insights from CISA Region 7

John Bryant, Acting Chief of Cybersecurity for CISA Region 7, brings a front‑line view of today’s cyber battlefield to TechFest 2026. As a Department of Homeland Security leader supporting public and private organizations across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, John works directly on K–12 cybersecurity initiatives, cyber assessments, and incident‑response planning — giving him unparalleled insight into emerging threats. In this session, he’ll break down the evolving 2026 threat landscape, highlight the tactics attackers are using now, and share practical guidance any organization can apply to strengthen its defenses. A valuable opportunity to learn from one of the region’s most trusted cybersecurity strategists!

10:30 AM – BREAK

10:45 AM – Devin Henderson

"Something Greater Is Coming" – Motivational Keynote
Get ready for a keynote that’s part inspiration, part entertainment, and 100% unforgettable. Award‑winning speaker, mentalist, and humorist Devin Henderson takes the stage with a powerful message about perseverance, creativity, and the resilience needed to thrive in a constantly evolving tech world. Blending laugh‑out‑loud moments with jaw‑dropping surprises, Devin will show how to push past limits, rethink what’s possible, and stay energized in the face of change. This dynamic session will deliver a boost of motivation right when the day needs it most — leaving attendees inspired, recharged, and ready for whatever comes next.

11:45 AM – Lunch

Enjoy a catered lunch while networking with peers, vendors, and presenters. Great opportunity to discuss morning sessions and prepare for the breakout workshops.

12:30–1:15 PM – Breakout Sessions

Disaster Recovery Workshop (Concurrent Session)

Presenter: Dan Strom
In this hands‑on workshop, regional cybersecurity expert Dan Strom will walk attendees through the real-world essentials of building a Disaster Recovery strategy that actually works when it matters most. Dan will break down evolving DR requirements, common gaps organizations overlook, and the practical steps needed to ensure business continuity during outages, cyber incidents, or data loss events. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of recovery planning and actionable insights to strengthen their organizational resilience.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium / Copilot Deep Dive (Concurrent Session)

Presenter: Pax8
Pax8 experts will lead a focused deep dive into the security, productivity, and AI capabilities built into Microsoft 365 Business Premium. This session will unpack modern tools like Copilot, data protection features, identity management, and automation opportunities that help businesses work smarter and more securely. Ideal for IT teams and business leaders ready to unlock the full power of their Microsoft ecosystem.

Cyber Insurance: What Businesses Must Know in 2026 (One Session ONLY)

Presenter: Shepherd Insurance
Cyber insurance continues to evolve rapidly, and businesses face more requirements than ever. Shepherd Insurance will demystify today’s cyber liability landscape, explain what underwriters look for, how to prepare for renewals, the controls needed for coverage approval, and how cyber insurance fits into an overall risk‑management strategy. Attendees will leave with clarity on what coverage actually protects and how to avoid costly policy gaps.

1:30–2:15 PM – Breakout Sessions 

Disaster Recovery Workshop (Repeat)

Presenter: Dan Strom

Microsoft 365 Business Premium / Copilot Deep Dive (Repeat)

Presenter: Pax8

NIST Framework Demystified (One Session ONLY)

Presenter: Matt Topper, ConnectWise
Matt Topper will break down the NIST Cybersecurity Framework into clear, approachable concepts any organization can understand. This session will cover the five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover — with practical examples of how businesses can implement them without feeling overwhelmed. Perfect for leaders and IT professionals seeking a structured, proven approach to strengthening security.

2:30 PM – Marc Laliberte, WatchGuard

"Why Network Security Is Still Important in the Cloud Age"
Marc Laliberte returns with his deep expertise in threat research and network defense to explain why traditional security layers remain essential - even as organizations rapidly adopt cloud services. As a highly sought‑after global speaker, Marc brings frontline insight from his threat research and collaboration with WatchGuard partners to break down the risks of hybrid environments and modern attacker tactics.

Attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of modern network vulnerabilities, how adversaries are adapting in the cloud era, and the practical, layered‑security steps every organization must take to stay protected in 2026.

3:30 PM – Cyber Matt Lee

" From Chatbot to Co-Worker: Why AI's Evolution Is Now a Personal Security Issue (Aka: The more Ai can do FOR you, the more it can do TO you!)”

 In this session, cybersecurity professional Matt Lee traces the evolution of AI from 2023's isolated chatbot to today's autonomous, agentic co-worker - and explains why that leap in capability comes with an equally significant leap in personal risk. When AI goes wrong today, it doesn't just give bad advice. It acts. And the consequences can be life changing.

Walk away understanding the real security implications of the AI tools you're already using and what you can do to protect yourself.

4:30 PM – Social Hour

Unwind after a full day of learning. Enjoy refreshments, network with peers, and talk directly with presenters. A great opportunity to build lasting relationships and explore collaborations.