TribalNet’s Annual Conference and Tradeshow celebrates successful virtual event

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Over 350 technology decision makers and business execs from tribes across the nation engaged in TribalNet’s Annual Conference and Tradeshow during the three day event which was hosted 9-11 November. Like most other events in 2020, the Annual TribalNet Conference and Tradeshow was held virtually, instead of in person, as it had been for the past 20 years. Attendees included C-level executives and technology professionals from tribes, tribal enterprises and tribal health centers from across the country.

During the 2020 event, conference attendees were able to engage and learn from two keynote sessions and nearly 30 breakout sessions across five tracks including: Leadership & Management, General Technology & Information Security, Tribal Gaming & Hospitality, Tribal Government and Tribal Health Information. Each year the TribalNet Advisory Board members create a conference agenda that speaks to the most pressing issues facing tribal organizations and enterprises. This year was especially challenging and critical to deliver sessions that would bring the most value in a tightened up agenda and the advisory boards did not disappoint.

Sessions were focused on a range of topics with some of the best attended including: Information Sharing and Security, The Growing Remote Workforce, Leading Through Crisis, Cashless Gaming, Digital Communities an Annual Update from Indian Health Service, CIO and more. Also, staying true to its roots, the event gathered together representatives from technology product and solution providers who are dedicated to serving tribes. Attendees had the opportunity to meet and connect virtually with these representatives and view new products and solutions from over 60 companies on the virtual tradeshow floor. Now more than ever, building and maintaining relationships with technology vendors is critical to staying current on both cost saving and revenue driving technologies. All present at TribalNet this year.

Moving into 2021, TribalNet is optimistic that face to face will safely resume by the 22nd annual conference in November 2021. With the overwhelming positive feedback on August regional events delivered by TribalHub and the annual November event delivered by TribalNet, there are more plans for continuing to bring valuable resources and information to this industry in any way that’s possible in the new year. Shannon Bouschor, Director of Operations states, "We heard so many people tell us how glad they were that we didn't cancel this year. Although virtual will never be the same as face to face, we knew how important it was to push forward and find a way to continue to provide an opportunity to learn, connect and grow. So many people in our industry look forward to TribalNet each year and although it looked a little different in 2020- people still gained so much by being a part of it, whether it was their 1st or 21st year attending."

The long-standing core of TribalNet is about being a platform for connections. In a year where the world has been physically disconnected, there has been more need and desire to come together in every other way possible. “As the pandemic accelerated technological innovation in a way never seen before, we wanted to continue to be a part of the solution for tribes to succeed. In that effort, we worked to leverage what we believe to be an invaluable asset – the collaborative efforts of tribes coming together,” said Tracy Kinney, Marketing Manager.

Plans are already well underway for TribalNet 2021, being held 8-11 November in Grapevine (Dallas), TX at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center.