Secure and Connect 2025 Conference

Jul 30, 2025 Omaha, NE

Save Your Spot Today

Register now before the deadline approaches

When

Wednesday, Jul 30, 2025 at 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM CDT

Where

Scott Conference Center, 6450, Omaha, NE, 68106, United States. Map

Who

Prime SecuredOrganizer Detail

About the Secure and Connect 2025 Conference

Join us for the 11th annual Secure & Connect Conference, hosted by Prime Secured—a one-day conference with a welcome reception kicking the event off the night before, is designed for professionals in security, IT, and business leadership.

  • Welcome Reception: July 29th 6:00-8:00 PM @ Smash Park
  • Conference: July 30th 8:00 AM-4:00 PM @ Scott Conference Center

 

2025 Keynote Speaker:

Four-time national champion Former Nebraska Volleyball Head Coach:

John Cook

Meet & greet following presentation

 

Why Attend?

We’ve curated an incredible lineup for security & IT professionals, and business executives looking to scale, innovate, and future-proof their organizations.

This free, one-day conference features:

  • Keynote: Legendary Nebraska Volleyball Coach John Cook – meet & greet to follow!

  • Emcee: Nebraska’s own comedian, Kris Covi, keeping the day lively.

  • Three Dedicated Session Tracks: Choose from three tailored session tracks—or mix and match based on your interests. Each track is designed to deliver relevant, actionable content for:
    • Security Leaders & Technical Staff

    • IT Leaders & Technical Staff

    • Business Owners & Executives

  • Giveaways All Day: From Yeti coolers to GCI rockers.

  • Grand Prizes: Blackstone Griddle, Nespresso Machine, and two $500 Airline Vouchers!

  • Welcome Reception at Smash Park: Food, drinks, duckpin bowling, axe throwing, and mix of indoor & outdoor fun.

 

Who Should Attend?

  • IT Directors & Network Engineers

  • Physical & Cybersecurity Professionals

  • Business Owners & C-Suite Executives

  • Technology Decision-Makers

 

Please note that participation in this event is intended exclusively for end-users and is not meant for other technology service providers.

Sessions

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08:00 AM

Check-in, Breakfast & Exhibit Hall Opens

Pre-Function/Foyer
08:30 AM

Morning Kickoff & Prime Panel Discussion

Center Ballroom
08:45 AM

Exhibitor Networking

Center Ballroom
09:05 AM

Business Leadership

The Art of Security Leadership: Applying Military Leadership Principles to Your Business

Executive Boardroom
09:05 AM

IT & Cybersecurity

Next-Generation HPE Aruba Central: Smarter Networks, Simplified Operations

Northwest Room
09:05 AM

Physical Security

Modern Access Control: How Alcatraz Delivers Security, Simplicity, and Compliance 

Southwest Room
09:50 AM

Break/Exhibitor Time

Center Ballroom
10:05 AM

Physical Security

Axis and Anava - True AI, Unmatched Capability

Southwest Room
10:05 AM

IT & Cybersecurity

Scaling Securely: Building SOC 2 Readiness Through Strategic Partnership

Northwest Room
10:05 AM

Business Leadership

Building High-Performing Teams: Mastering the Five Behaviors

Executive Boardroom
10:50 AM

Break/Exhibitor Time

Center Ballroom
11:05 AM

Business Leadership

Win the War for Talent

Executive Boardroom
11:05 AM

Physical Security

Genetec Unlocking the Cloud

Southwest Room
11:05 AM

IT & Cybersecurity

Modern Threats, Smarter Defenses: A Strategic Cybersecurity Update

Northwest Room
12:00 PM

Lunch & Keynote Presentation: John Cook

Pre-Function & Center Ballroom
01:00 PM

Meet & Greet with John Cook

Center Ballroom
01:30 PM

Business Leadership

Leveraging Podcasting for Business Growth and Brand Leadership

Executive Boardroom
01:30 PM

Physical Security

HID Mobile Access

Southwest Room
01:30 PM

IT & Cybersecurity

Reimagining the SOC with XSIAM: How AI-Driven Automation Transforms Threat Response

Northwest Room
02:15 PM

Happy Hour & Grand Prize Drawings

Pre-Function & Center Ballroom

Speakers

Bryan Norman

CEO

Norlem

Inc. in 2005 with the vision of delivering exceptional technology solutions. Bryan’s dedication to cultivating a customer-focused, “Engineering first, Engineering last” approach to Cybersecurity continues to drive Norlem’s success in an ever-evolving threat landscape. 

 

Prior to Norlem, Bryan’s lifelong passion for technology led him into a successful career in software development where he wrote enterprise applications. As a lead software architect, Bryan gained invaluable experience, and developed a deep understanding of software anInc. in 2005 with the vision of delivering exceptional technology solutions. Bryan’s dedication to cultivating a customer-focused, “Engineering first, Engineering last” approach to Cybersecurity continues to drive Norlem’s success in an ever-evolving threat landscape. Prior to Norlem, Bryan’s lifelong passion for technology led him into a successful career in software development where he wrote enterprise applications. As a lead software architect, Bryan gained invaluable experience, and developed a deep understanding of software and system design. Leveraging his extensive expertise in systems architecture and software development to solve security challenges, Bryan has grown Norlem into a premier Managed Detection and Response (MDR) partner. Under his leadership, the company has become synonymous with innovation, reliability, and excellence in cybersecurity within Palo Alto Networks and among Norlem’s many partners/clients.d system design. Leveraging his extensive expertise in systems architecture and software development to solve security challenges, Bryan has grown Norlem into a premier Managed Detection and Response (MDR) partner. Under his leadership, the company has become synonymous with innovation, reliability, and excellence in cybersecurity within Palo Alto Networks and among Norlem’s many partners/clients.

About Bryan Norman

CEO
Norlem

Byron McFarland

Founder

The McFarland Group

Byron McFarland, born to entrepreneurial teenage parents, grew up immersed in small business, learning grit and resourcefulness from his family’s ventures in construction, restaurants, and real estate. Starting his own journey at age 9 by selling live bait to fishermen, Byron’s entrepreneurial spark ignited early. His U.S. Marine Corps service instilled discipline and attention to detail, which he carried into a financial services career, building a practice serving business owners and coaching top producers. In 2004, he founded The McFarland Group LLC, now an international advisory firm guiding over $2 billion in business value. Passionate about exit planning and equity-based incentives, Byron advises business owners on leveraging leadership as an asset. An avid trout fisherman, he finds clarity in nature, drawing parallels between business and the act of casting a fly. He’s been married to his wife, Terri, for many years; they have two adult children and two beautiful granddaughters. His mission is to inspire business owners to safeguard their “goodwill” and build lasting legacies.

https://www.themcfarlandgroup.com/

About Byron McFarland

Founder
The McFarland Group

Jason Bryan

Director of Channel Sales

Alcatraz

Jason Bryan, also known as “JB,” is the Director of Channel Sales West at Alcatraz. JB has been in the security industry for 23 years, both as a systems integrator and on the manufacturer side, with experience in many access, video, and biometric solutions.

https://rock.alcatraz.ai/

About Jason Bryan

Director of Channel Sales
Alcatraz

Justin Ekstein

Solutions Engineer

Prime Secured





www.primesecured.com

About Justin Ekstein

Solutions Engineer
Prime Secured

John Cook

Former Nebraska Volleyball Head Couch

University of Nebraska

About John Cook

Former Nebraska Volleyball Head Couch
University of Nebraska

Kris Covi

Nebraska's Second Tallest Comedian

Kris Covi
https://www.kriscovi.com/

About Kris Covi

Nebraska's Second Tallest Comedian
Kris Covi

Kyle Harris

Partner Account Executive

Genetec

www.genetec.com

About Kyle Harris

Partner Account Executive
Genetec

Matt Tompkins

Founder

Two Brothers Creative

With a background deeply rooted in radio and television broadcasting, Matt Tompkins understands the power of engaging audiences through compelling content. As the founder of Two Brothers Creative and host of The Content Box Podcast, Matt helps businesses navigate the complexities of modern marketing with affordable and effective solutions. His passion lies in empowering entrepreneurs to embrace video podcasting as a dynamic tool for growth, leveraging its potential to fuel SEO, social media engagement, and overall brand awareness. Matt's "Midwest Mindset" of genuine helpfulness and his relatable approach make him a trusted partner for businesses seeking to amplify their message and connect with their audience on a deeper level.

www.twobrotherscreative.com

About Matt Tompkins

Founder
Two Brothers Creative

Michael Reiner, CPP

Senior Consultant

Group Nine

As a Security Forces officer in the U.S. Air Force, Mike built a powerful record of forging high-performance teams across diverse environments and delivering award-winning results. His 25-year career culminated with his assignment as the senior security and law enforcement officer for Air Force Special Operations Command, providing executive oversight for physical security, law enforcement, anti-terrorism, force protection, and emergency management programs supporting 19,500 Airmen at five main installations and multiple combat operating bases worldwide. As a colonel, he served as the Installation Commander for four US / NATO military bases in England and Norway, commanding 6 squadrons with 745 US, British, and Norwegian military and civilian employees. He deployed to Colombia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, applying his security expertise in high-risk combat environments and being awarded the Bronze Star and Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He also served as the installation Chief of Police for bases in Florida, Colorado, and Ohio. 

 

Following his military service, Mike transformed the campus safety of Creighton University by significantly enhancing physical security, emergency preparedness, technology integration, and crisis response during his 8-year tenure as AVP of Public Safety. Since retiring from Creighton in Feb. 2025, Mike serves as a senior consultant with Group Nine Risk Consulting, a security risk management and forensic consulting firm dedicated to enhancing the security and resilience of businesses, campuses, communities, and facilities. He also serves as adjunct faculty for the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, teaching online undergraduate and graduate courses for Department of Defense (DoD) security professionals. 

 

Mike holds a bachelor's degree in astronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy, and master's degrees in criminal justice, strategic intelligence, and strate

https://groupnine.us/

About Michael Reiner, CPP

Senior Consultant
Group Nine

Paul Arthur

Channel Systems Engineer | MO, KS, IA, NE, SD

HPE Aruba Networking

About Paul Arthur

Channel Systems Engineer | MO, KS, IA, NE, SD
HPE Aruba Networking

Philipe Bruce

Head of Security, Governance, Risk & Compliance

Detego Health

Philipe Bruce leads Security, Governance, Risk, and Compliance at Detego Health, where he is building a scalable, enterprise-grade framework to support SOC 2, HIPAA, and operational resilience in a fast-paced, regulated environment. With deep experience in third-party risk management, audit readiness, and information security governance, Philipe brings a cross-functional, execution-focused lens to emerging risk challenges.

 

His work bridges executive strategy with hands-on implementation, driving vendor oversight, policy governance, and business continuity programs that align with both compliance mandates and business priorities. He also brings strategic insight into how organizations can embed security and compliance into their core operations to enable sustainable growth and long-term audit readiness.

detegohealth.com

About Philipe Bruce

Head of Security, Governance, Risk & Compliance
Detego Health

Phil Coppola, PSP

Mobile Evangelist

HID Global

About Phil Coppola, PSP

Mobile Evangelist
HID Global

Ryan McBride

Partner Business Manager, North America

Field Effect

About Ryan McBride

Partner Business Manager, North America
Field Effect

Ryan Wager

CEO

Anava.AI

Ryan is a lifelong software developer and a serial entrepreneur who has a knack for developing impactful software solutions that dramatically improve the lives of its users.  With a background spanning everything from retail, to the restaurant industry, to mobile network operations, to cybersecurity, Ryan draws from a breadth of experience when building solutions. Anava is named for Ryan's two daughters, Ana and Ava.

https://www.anava.ai/

About Ryan Wager

CEO
Anava.AI

Tracy Winkler

Chief Accountability Architect™

Elevate2Grow

Tracy Winkler is a Chief Accountability Architect™ and leadership strategist who helps executive teams align fast, lead with courage, and embed systems that drive accountability and cultural transformation.

She brings over 30 years of experience as a business owner and facilitator, combining execution tools with behavioral alignment strategies that work. Tracy is a Get Strategy Done Partner Coach, an Authorized Partner of Five Behaviors® and Everything DiSC®, and a Certified Working Genius Facilitator.

Tracy’s work equips leaders with the clarity, tools, and rhythm to move from stuck to high-performing, all while building a culture they’re proud of and a team they can trust.

 

https://elevate2grow.com/

About Tracy Winkler

Chief Accountability Architect™
Elevate2Grow

Sponsors

About Alcatraz

https://rock.alcatraz.ai/

About Altronix

https://www.altronix.com/

About Assa abloy

https://www.assaabloy.com/group/en

About Axis Communications

https://www.axis.com/en-us

About Field Effect

https://fieldeffect.com/

About HPE Aruba Networking

www.hpe.com

About IDP Americas, Inc.

https://www.idpamericas.com/

About Genetec

www.genetec.com

About Vaidio

https://www.vaidio.ai/

About Palo Alto

https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/