Cybersecurity Summit

Nov. 12, 2026, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. WMU Student Center
presented by Information Technology and the Cybersecurity Program

Registration

Registration is open!

Nov. 12, 2026

WMU Student Center, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Speakers/Sessions

Additional speakers and sessions will be added as we confirm event details.

Sponsorship

Help make the event a success!

What is the summit about?

The Cybersecurity Summit brings together students, educators, industry professionals, technology experts, and community members to explore the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. Through engaging presentations, expert-led discussions, networking opportunities, and interactive learning experiences, the summit fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and cybersecurity awareness for all attendees. The planning team is currently developing the theme and program for this year's event. Please check back soon for updates and additional details as they become available.

When?

Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026
8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Where?

WMU Student Center

The Cybersecurity Summit will take place in the WMU Student Center's second-floor ballroom, and adjacent rooms. For directions and more information about the location visit wmich.edu/student-center

Who should attend?

  • IT directors, staff, and their supervisors
  • Higher ed leadership and decision-makers
  • IT and business-focused instructors and students
  • K-12 educational partners
  • High school tech and cybersecurity students
  • Local and state security professionals
  • Small business owners and entrepreneurs
  • Community leaders and nonprofit organizations
  • Public service professionals
  • Anyone who uses the internet and wants to stay safe online and be part of the Cybersecurity conversation.

Pathways

Pathways for this year’s Cybersecurity Summit are currently being developed and will be announced at a later date. We’re working to create engaging learning tracks and experiences for attendees of all backgrounds and interests. Please check back soon for updates and additional details as they become available. All pathways and session offerings are TBD at this time.

Schedule

Nov. 12, 2025, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Please note that the schedule is subject to change. We will make every effort to adhere to the planned agenda, but adjustments may be necessary to accommodate unforeseen circumstances.

Takes place in Ballroom A/B and adjacent rooms.

Exhibitor, vendor, and sponsor check-in starts at 7:30 a.m.

Attendee check-in starts at 8 a.m.

A continental breakfast will be served from 8-9 a.m. the perfect opportunity to network and talk with your fellow attendees and cybersecurity aficionados.

Welcome to the morning and introduction to the summit.

Keynote Speaker: TBD

10-minute break. Visit the Student Center website for building maps and amenities.

TBD

Lunch options and format TBD.

TBD

10-minute break. Visit the Student Center website for building maps and amenities.

TBD

10-minute break. Visit the Student Center website for building maps and amenities.

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Meet the speakers

An innovative, collaborative team builder and complex problem solver with more than 20 years of higher education administration and executive leadership experience. Relentless culture mechanic and proponent for positive, progressive change. Deeply values transparency and transformative thinking. Constantly seeks opportunities to empower people and teams to develop their talents and creativity, and utilize their experiences, diverse perspectives, and knowledge.

Erica Santana, Ninjio - Manager of Sales

Erica K. Santana is a passionate cybersecurity awareness evangelist and Manager of Sales at NINJIO Cybersecurity Awareness Training, where she helps organizations of all sizes empower their people to become the first line of defense against cyber threats. Ranked in the Top 10% of TryHackMe, Erica blends deep industry insight with an engaging, storytelling-driven approach to make cybersecurity approachable and memorable for everyone.

With a career spanning healthcare, Security compliance, and technology, Erica brings a unique perspective to digital safety. Before joining NINJIO, she held roles as a Senior Cyber Compliance Specialist at Mid-State Cyber and Business Development Manager at Gartner, where she honed her expertise in risk management, regulatory compliance, and enterprise technology strategy. Her professional journey began in nursing, giving her a natural ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical guidance for everyday users.

Erica is a frequent speaker and trainer at conferences and webinars, known for her dynamic style and real-world tips that help individuals recognize scams, protect their digital identities, and secure their home networks.

She believes cybersecurity education should be engaging and accessible, whether delivered through anime-style videos, interactive training, or community events.

When she’s not helping people outsmart cybercriminals, Erica is an avid video game enthusiast, lifelong learner, and advocate for creative approaches to online safety.

Her mission is simple: to inspire confidence and empower individuals to protect themselves in today’s ever-changing digital landscape.

Bronco Cybersecurity Club

The Bronco Cybersecurity Club stands as a vibrant community, uniting individuals with a common passion for cybersecurity. Our doors are open wide, welcoming enthusiasts from every academic avenue. Here, whether you're majoring in computer science or marketing, your presence is not just welcomed – it's celebrated. Join us, and together we'll unravel the captivating mysteries of cybersecurity.

Business Technology Network (BTN)

The Business Technology Network (BTN) strives to educate students on the importance of technology within the business world. We focus on how technology affects every industry, and we provide opportunities for networking, professional development, and social events.

WRAVEN RSO Logo

Western Research Advisory for Vulnerabilities, Exploits, & Networks is committed to advancing the field of cybersecurity through research, collaboration, and education. Our mission is to cultivate a community where students can develop technical skills, exchange knowledge, work towards industry certifications, and engage in impactful projects focused on vulnerabilities, exploits, and networks. Whether you're an experienced professional or just beginning to explore cybersecurity, WRAVEN provides a welcoming environment for learning, contributing, and networking.

Exhibitors/Sponsors

Want to sponsor the event or be an exhibitor? User, Key, Cypher, Hardened, and Root sponsorship levels available. Learn more about sponsorship options.

Parking

Parking for the day event will be available in Lot 41 at no charge.

Visit the Campus Maps website for additional campus and parking information.

Meals

Breakfast

Continental breakfast will be served from 8-9 a.m.

Lunch

Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

 

Learn more about our Sponsors

What makes it successful? Collaborating and partnering with industry experts and connecting with the students, faculty, staff, and Cybersecurity minded individuals around Michigan.

Would you like to see your company or organization featured at this year's Cybersecurity Summit? We invite businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, and community partners to support the summit as a sponsor or exhibitor. Sponsoring the event provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your organization, connect with students and professionals, build brand awareness, recruit emerging talent, and demonstrate your commitment to strengthening cybersecurity awareness and education.

Multiple sponsorship levels are available to fit a variety of goals and budgets, including User, Key, Cypher, Hardened, and Root sponsorship packages. Each level offers unique benefits and visibility opportunities before, during, and after the event. Organizations may also participate as exhibitors to engage directly with attendees, share resources, and highlight products, services, career opportunities, and initiatives.

Join us in making this year's Cybersecurity Summit a success while positioning your organization alongside leaders in cybersecurity, technology, education, and innovation.

Learn more about sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.

Underlying principle every year.

It takes all members of the community to create a secure environment

The WMU Cybersecurity Summit seeks to inform participants of best practices for increasing individual cybersecurity awareness, learn more about cybersecurity in the educational setting, and serve as a networking opportunity within the West Michigan community.

Planning Committee

Alan Rea
Co-Director/Professor
Cybersecurity Program

Jason Johnson
Co-Director/Faculty Specialist II
Cybersecurity Program

Trevion Thomas
Program Manager Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Program

Andrew Holmes
Chief Information Officer
Office of Information Technology

Garald (Gary) Barton IV
Marketing Manager
Office of Information Technology