Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Bridgewood Resort Hotel & Conference Center | Neenah, WI
Today’s networks are being asked to support more—more users, more data, and more intelligent systems.
This event brings together IT and security leaders for practical discussion on how AI is reshaping network strategy, security planning, and infrastructure readiness.
Speaker and Session Details Coming Soon!
Securing & Scaling AI
Hear directly from EDCi customers and partners on how organizations are putting AI into practice securely and responsibly. This panel will explore real-world use cases, lessons learned, and proven strategies for driving productivity and measurable outcomes. From governance and risk to user adoption and security, get practical guidance on what’s working today—and how leading organizations are preparing for what’s next.
Through her leadership, Endries achieved digital transformation by implementing cloud migration and ERP system alignment to enhance operational efficiency and streamline business processes. The organization recognizes Detert for her strong commitment to team development, innovation, and process improvement. She works to develop flexible and efficient systems that enable Endries to grow while remaining competitive in the industrial distribution market.
Detert studied at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and maintains a strong interest in continuous learning and self-improvement. She is an active member of The User Group (TUG). During her free time, she is an avid reader and supports the local animal rescue.
He is known for aligning technology strategy directly to business outcomes — bridging enterprise vision with practical execution, and building high-performing, accountable teams along the way. Much of his recent work centers on enterprise data and AI: he is currently leading a company-wide transformation initiative at WSI that modernizes core data infrastructure and builds the architecture for secure, scalable AI adoption, including agentic AI capabilities and citizen-developer enablement across the business.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Sebastian holds a Master's in Sustainability Management and a Bachelor's in Leadership and Organizational Development from UW-Oshkosh. He speaks frequently on IT leadership, trust, and organizational resilience, and is a regular voice on how technology executives drive change without disrupting the business.
Blending deep technical expertise with real-world business insight, Kody brings a pragmatic perspective on governing AI usage—from policy and risk management to automation and enablement. Known for making complex topics approachable, he helps organizations strike the right balance between innovation and oversight—so they can confidently accelerate their AI journey.
You Already Have an AI Strategy (You Just Didn't Write It)
While most companies were "still evaluating" AI, it arrived anyway —being adopted across the business. Some of it you bought intentionally. Some of it your most resourceful employees carried in the side door. And many are quietly embedded into the software you already own, announced by nothing more than a release note.
In this session, Curt shares the story of a manufacturer that discovered 14 AI systems operating within its business, but could identify only one. No futurism, no vendor pitch, no demo. Just what happened next: three unglamorous moves - one email, one experiment, one hour a week - that answered a question this company had been living with for nine months. Through this real-world example, attendees will learn practical, no-nonsense steps to gain visibility into AI use, reduce risk, and build an intentional AI strategy before it evolves on its own.
Join interactive breakout table topics led by EDCi Managing Consultants, where you’ll dive into timely topics like AI in manufacturing, data governance, Zero Trust, AI security, and collaboration protection—designed to spark practical conversations and peer-driven insights. Each group will share key takeaways with the greater group, turning discussion into actionable ideas.
Despite significant investments in advanced cybersecurity technologies, manufacturing organizations remain uniquely vulnerable to cyber threats. Why? Because even the strongest technical defenses fall short without a purpose-built workplace culture that empowers the people using them.
In this session, Dakota will share qualitative insights from U.S. manufacturing executives and translate them into practical strategies that leaders can apply to strengthen organizational resilience. Discover how credible communication and empathetic, adaptive interventions can transform frontline workers from a potential vulnerability into an active line of defense against cyber threats.
