CYBERSECURITY CONFERENCE AGENDA, SPEAKERS AND SPONSORS

Does artificial intelligence improve cybersecurity or is it potentially exposing sensitive data? We'll explore that question at the 2026 conference, CYBER-AI vs. AI-CYBER, Oct. 29 at the University of Nevada, Reno!

Illustration of a robot with a human-like face with a hand under its chin in a pondering pose with light colored code on a dark background.

Conference Agenda

8 a.m.: Registration, breakfast, networking
8:30 to 8:45 a.m.: Conference welcome and opening remarks, Mridul Gautam, Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation, University of Nevada, Reno
8:50 to 9:30 a.m.: Keynote address, Heather Case-Hall
- 10-minute transition
9:40 to 10:40 a.m.: Byte Talks
- 10-minute transition
10:50 to 11:50 a.m.: Byte Talks
Noon to 1:30 p.m.: Lunch, visit industry showcase area, network with industries
1:30 to 1:45 p.m.: College of Engineering Dean Tom Weller
1:45 to 2:45 p.m.: Byte Talks and University Cybersecurity Center Updates
- 15-minute transition
3 to 4 p.m. Panel: Cyber-AI vs AI-Cyber
4 to 6 p.m.: Evening social — drinks and refreshments, networking

Keynote Speaker

Heather Case-Hall

Heather Case-Hall is a cybersecurity leader, U.S. Army veteran, author, speaker, and the 2026 Woman Cybersecurity Leader of the Year. With nearly three decades in cybersecurity and more than 30 years working with data, she has built her career across government, military, enterprise, and consulting environments.

Heather most recently managed data security strategy and created the Data Security Health Assessment (DSHA) program at Myriad360; helping organizations discover sensitive data, understand who has access to it, identify hidden risk, and turn technical findings into executive-ready strategies for reducing exposure and preparing for AI. Her work bridges technology, people, process, governance, and ownership rather than treating data security as a technology problem alone.

Heather is also the author of Data in Plain Sight: Finding, Classifying, and Protecting Sensitive Data Before AI Exposes It, which explores why organizations must understand and govern their data before AI dramatically expands who and what can access it.

A 22-year U.S. Army veteran and Army-trained cybersecurity warrant officer, Heather has worked as an attacker, defender, advisor, and security leader, giving her a unique perspective on the intersection of Cyber-AI, AI-Cyber, data security, and the human decisions connecting them all.