March 25, 2026 in partnership with Walsh University

9th Annual Community Cybersecurity Summit Presented by Pelican3 and Walsh University

Earn 5.5 CPEs. Leave with Tangible Solutions.

Join us as peers from the Northeast Ohio IT community come together for a hands-on cybersecurity summit focused on real-world challenges and practical outcomes.

Walsh White letters

 

Register Today

The event has wrapped up, thanks for joining us! Stay tuned and check back soon for exciting details on next year's summit, where we'll be celebrating our 10th anniversary.

Register now! The event starts in...

00

days

00

hours

00

minutes

00

seconds

Regulatory Readiness (CMMC & Beyond)

Get Ahead of Compliance Changes

Understand what CMMC means now, what’s coming next, and how to prepare without overengineering your program.

CMMC 150

 

AI You Can Actually Use

Turn AI From Hype Into Value

Learn how organizations are using AI safely and responsibly to improve operations, security, and decision-making.

AI graphic 150

 

Take-Home Solutions (Not Just Notes)

Leave With Tools, Not Just Slides

Walk away with frameworks, checklists, and next-step actions you can apply immediately in your organization.

checkmark gold 150

 

About the Conference

A Practical Cybersecurity Conference Built for Action

 

Join us for our 9th Annual Community Cybersecurity Conference, where business and IT professionals gather to share insights, learn from peers, and tackle today’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges.

This year’s event will focus on CMMC readiness and responsible AI adoption, with sessions designed to be practical, discussion-driven, and immediately applicable.

Attendees will earn 5.5 CPEs and leave with tangible guidance they can put to work right away. No theory, no fluff.

Who Should Attend

Designed for business and IT professionals, as well as students interested in pursuing careers in cybersecurity and related fields, across the Northeast Ohio community, including:

  • Business owners and executives

  • IT and cybersecurity leaders

  • Compliance, risk, and audit professionals

  • Government contractors and suppliers

  • High school students exploring cybersecurity and technology careers

Supporting the Next Generation

Investing in Future Cyber Professionals

High school students interested in cybersecurity and related fields are welcome to attend free of charge.

This event provides students with a unique opportunity to engage with industry professionals, learn about real-world cybersecurity challenges, and explore potential career paths in technology, security, and risk management.

Pricing & Registration

Students
Free (High school/University students)

Early Bird
$175 • Until March 1

Standard Admission
$200 • After March 1

Includes lunch • Earn 5.5 CPEs

REGISTER TODAY 🔗

 

Our Speakers

The experts and thought leaders bringing real-world insight to the stage on security, AI, and what's next for the industry.
IMG_5873 Kirk Herath Headshot Flags

Kirk Herath

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Former Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor to Ohio Governor DeWine,  Chairman of CyberOhio

1517543640818

John Woodard

Procurement Specialist

Ohio APEX Accelerator

rob blanchard-3758

Rob Blanchard

Managing Member

Pelican3 Consulting LLC

gorenflo

Jon Gorenflo

CEO

ATTACKD

NOheadshot

Nick Oles

President

Entoo Security

Agenda
7:30AM
Registration

Kick off the day by checking in, grabbing your badge, and fueling up with a light breakfast and fresh coffee. Connect with fellow attendees and get settled before the sessions begin.

8:00AM
Kirk Herath
Keynote Speaker

Cyber in the Real World: Reflections from the Trenches on Governance, Standards, and Compliance That Reduce Risk and Build Resilient Organizations

9:00AM
Panel Discussion

Industry experts explore how AI is reshaping the threat landscape, the gap between compliance and real security, vendor risk, incident response realities, the workforce skills gap, and practical steps businesses can take today to strengthen their security posture.

10:00AM
Break

 

10:10AM
John Woodard

Introduction to APEX Accelerator and Working with the Federal Government

11:00AM
Rob Blanchard

Practical AI: Scale Efficiently and Avoid the Adoption Trap

11:45AM
Lunch
12:15PM
Rob Blanchard

Hands-On Workshop: Build aSimple App Using AI Without Coding

1:15PM
Jon Gorenflo

Secure Application Development: Building Fast Without Building Risk

2:00PM
Break
2:15PM
Nick Oles

AI is the New Intern: How to Hire it Before Getting Fired

Ready to Join the Conversation?

Earn CPEs. Connect with peers. Leave with solutions you can actually use.

REGISTER TODAY

Green Dash

Location & Venue

Barrette Business and Community Center, Walsh University

The conference will be held at the Barrette Business and Community Center on the campus of Walsh University, a university with a strong and growing focus on technology, sciences, and workforce-ready education.

Conveniently located in North Canton, Walsh University provides an accessible location for attendees across Northeast Ohio, with a campus setting that supports focused engagement throughout the day.

3186_walsh-university-online-1

 

 

 
 

FAQ