Speakers/Sessions
Additional speakers and sessions will be added as we confirm event details.
Beyond the Firewall: Humans, AI and the Future of Trust
From Students to Security Leaders, from AI Innovators to Everyday Users. Together, we'll build the future of trust.
As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes how we learn, work, communicate, and make decisions, cybersecurity is no longer just about protecting systems and networks. The future of security depends on something even more important: trust. The 5th Annual Cybersecurity Summit explores the intersection of human behavior, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Whether you're a student preparing for a career in technology, an educator navigating new digital tools, an IT professional securing critical systems, a business leader managing risk, or a community member seeking to better protect your digital life, this summit offers valuable insights, practical strategies, and meaningful connections. Through engaging presentations, expert discussions, and networking opportunities, participants will examine how humans and AI can work together to build secure, resilient, and trustworthy digital environments.
As technology evolves beyond the traditional firewall, creating a safer digital future will require collaboration across disciplines, industries, and communities. Together, we can strengthen cybersecurity awareness, foster responsible innovation, and build the trust needed to thrive in the digital age.
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
The 5th Annual Cybersecurity Summit is designed for attendees of all experience levels and interests. Whether you're looking for practical online safety tips, exploring a cybersecurity career, leading a team, or working hands-on with technology, there's a pathway for you.
You are welcome to follow a recommended pathway or mix and match sessions to build an experience that matches your goals. Cybersecurity affects everyone, and some of the most valuable learning opportunities happen across disciplines.
User & Consumer
Protecting Yourself in an AI-Driven World
Learn practical ways to stay safe online as AI becomes part of everyday life. Explore how to spot scams and misinformation, protect your accounts and personal information, and build confidence in the digital tools you use every day.
Best for: Faculty, staff, educators, community members, families, and everyday technology users.
Student
Building Skills for the Future of Trust
Explore cybersecurity careers, emerging technologies, and the growing role of AI in the workplace. Connect with professionals, discover opportunities for growth, and learn how you can help create secure and trustworthy digital environments.
Best for: High school students, college students, career explorers, and aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
Managerial & Business
Leading Through Risk, AI, and Change
Learn how organizations can manage cybersecurity risks while embracing innovation. Explore strategies for governance, resilience, security awareness, and building trust with employees, customers, and stakeholders.
Best for: Managers, directors, executives, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and organizational decision-makers.
Technical
Securing the Technologies Shaping Tomorrow
Dive into the technical side of cybersecurity, including threat detection, incident response, security operations, and AI-enabled security tools. Gain insights into emerging threats and the technologies shaping the future of cyber defense.
Best for: IT professionals, cybersecurity practitioners, engineers, analysts, researchers, and technically focused students.
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.
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.
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.
Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) at Western Michigan University is a student organization dedicated to supporting, advancing, and empowering women and underrepresented genders interested in cybersecurity and computer science.
The organization seeks to provide educational opportunities, professional development, networking, and a supportive community while promoting ethical and responsible practices within the cybersecurity field.
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.
- NINJIO
- Bronco Cybersecurity Club
- Women in Cybersecurity WMU Student Chapter
- WRAVEN
- Small Business Development Center
- WMU Office of Information Technology
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.
WiCys
User Level Sponsor and Core Planning Partner
Women in Cybersecurity WMU Student Chapter RSO
WRAVEN
User Level Sponsor and Core Planning Partner
Western Research Advisory for Vulnerabilities, Exploits, & Networks RSO
Michigan Small Business Development Center
User Level Sponsor and Core Planning Partner
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
Kavya Cherukuri
Summit Graduate Assistant
Cybersecurity Program
Bonnie Gabriel
Small Business Development Center Regional Director
Office of Research and Innovation
Erika Ekblaw
RSO President
Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS)
Jayden Colwell
RSO President
Computer Club
Ridley Ehrhardt
RSO President
Business Technology Network (BTN)
Austin Quakenbush
RSO Director
Western Research Advisory for Vulnerabilities, Exploits, & Networks (WRAVEN)
Fin Burns
RSO Deputy Director
Western Research Advisory for Vulnerabilities, Exploits, & Networks (WRAVEN)
Lochlan McElroy
RSO Technical Specialist
Western Research Advisory for Vulnerabilities, Exploits, & Networks (WRAVEN)
Jose Ortiz-Martinez
RSO President
Bronco Cybersecurity Club
Andrew Holmes
Chief Information Officer
Office of Information Technology
Garald (Gary) Barton IV
Marketing Manager
Office of Information Technology