Seventh Annual Tribal Security and Surveillance Conference
October 28-29, 2025
Pechanga Resort Casino - Temecula, CA
Event Details
The Seventh Annual Tribal Security and Surveillance Conference will be held October 28-29, 2025, at the Pechanga Resort Casino – Temecula, CA.
This unique conference will cover one of the most important aspects of running a casino, hotel, or another enterprise: security, surveillance, and cyber security. Crime has no preference. Every day, you are at risk for a wide variety of threats, including physical violence, theft, fraud, and other inappropriate behaviors that risk the welfare of your patrons.
You will learn from top security, surveillance, and cyber security experts from around the country regarding the best practices to protect your employees, customers, and brand. All sessions ensure you bring back knowledge to your enterprise to help create a safer, more secure organizational environment.
Our goal is to deliver an educational event with maximum networking opportunities and create a one-of-a-kind experience for all participating.
Who Should Attend:
- Tribal/Commercial Casino and Hotel Executives and Owner Operators
- Security Directors, Managers, and Coordinators
- Surveillance Directors, Managers and Coordinators
- Information Technology (IT) Directors and Staff
- Compliance Directors, Managers, and Coordinators
- Human Resources Directors
- Risk Management Directors and Staff
- Cybersecurity Directors and Staff
- Public Safety Directors and Staff
- Emergency Management Directors and Staff
- Gaming Commissioners and Staff
- Tribal Leaders and Council Members
- Facility Managers
- Homeland Security Professionals
- Law Enforcement Professionals
- Business Leaders
- Security Consultants
- Security/Law Enforcement Instructors
- Security Service Providers
- Brand Protection Experts
- Security Trainers
- Architects and Engineers
To speak with a representative about attending, speaking, sponsoring or exhibiting, please call us at 201-857-5333 or email sales@nativenationevents.org.
Register Now To Attend
For Tribal Government or Tribe-Owned Enterprises' Leadership, Executives, and other Personnel
Tribal Super Early Bird
$945
Tribal Early Bird
$1045
Tribal Standard
$1145
Group Rate (4 or more paid from same tribe or entity)
Group Tribal Super Early Bird
$845
Group Tribal Early Bird
$945
Group Tribal Standard
$1045
For Other Industry Professionals
Pro Super Early Bird
$1045
Pro Early Bird
$1145
Pro Standard
$1245
HOTEL INFORMATION
Pechanga Resort Casino45000 Pechanga Parkway
Temecula, CA 92592
1-888-PECHANGA
Room Rate $189
Booking Code: 1676005
Room Block End Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
You must mention Native Nation Events or the Seventh Annual Tribal Security and Surveillance Conference to receive the discounted rate.
Book Your RoomSeventh Annual Tribal Security and Surveillance Conference
October 28-29, 2025
Tuesday, October 28
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Registration and Networking Breakfast
9:00 - 9:15 AM
Welcoming Remarks
Justin O'Connor
President | Native Nation Events
Chase Martin
Director, Business Development | Relay
9:15 - 10:30 AM
Building Better Security: Lessons from the Evolution of Assessment Practices
Andy Speropoulos - Moderator
NORAM Sales Manager | Cognitec Systems Corp.
Steven Gomez
Chief Physical Security Officer | Tuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
Clint Johnson
Director of Public Safety | Chumash Enterprises
Matt Anderson
Director of Security | Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos
Alex Torres
Safety & Compliance Manager | Eagle Mountain Casino
Security Assessment Practices: Past, Present, and Future traces the evolution of risk and vulnerability assessments—from traditional methods to today’s advanced approaches. This session explores how these practices apply specifically to the unique environments of tribal reservations and casino enterprises, where protecting assets, guests, and community members is critical. Attendees will learn core principles, current best practices, and emerging trends to develop effective security strategies.
10:30 - 11:00 AM
Morning Networking Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Responding to Crisis: Managing Combative Patrons, Medical Emergencies & Coordinated Security
Tim Rogers - Moderator
Business Development Manager | Relay
Kim Pound
Director of Security | Cliff Castle Casino
Chris Watkins
Technology Sales Manager | Whelen Engineering
Justin Preble
Director of Security | River Spirit Casino
Brandon Jones
Vice President | Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel
Learn effective strategies for managing combative patrons, overdoses, and medical emergencies—including AED use—within the unique context of tribal reservations and casino properties. This session explores patrol tactics, officer positioning, and how integrated tools like lighting, sirens, radios, and mass communication systems improve real-time coordination. Discover how first responder technologies and best practices can be tailored to tribal gaming and community spaces to enhance safety and emergency response.
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
1:00 - 2:00 PM - Track A
Evolving Threats, Smarter Solutions: The Future of Safety Tech
Matt Welch - Moderator
Chief Marketing Officer | Relay
Josh Keliikoa
Public Safety Manager | Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians
Chris Watkins
Technology Sales Manager | Whelen Engineering
Lauren Digioia
Safety Manager | Sycuan Casino Resort
As safety threats evolve, so does the technology designed to protect people and places. Learn advancements in first aid solutions, mobile panic buttons, emergency lighting, sirens, radio systems, and integrated security software’s —with a focus on how these tools can be adapted for the unique needs of tribal reservations and casino enterprises.
1:00 - 2:00 PM - Track B
Strengthen Casino Physical Security to Counter Rising Access Threats
Andy Speropoulos - Moderator
NORAM Sales Manager | Cognitec Systems Corp.
Sam Wolfe
Director of Security | Indian Head Casino
Matt Carrier
Vice President of Sales | eConnnect
Access control is a vital frontline defense in tribal casino and reservation security, crucial for preventing unauthorized access, mitigating insider threats, and stopping safety breaches. This session covers advanced layered strategies; badge systems, biometrics, vehicle barriers, secure doors, turnstiles, and staffed checkpoints, all tailored to the unique challenges of tribal gaming enterprises and community facilities. Learn how these measures can be adapted for large-scale events and day-to-day operations to protect guests, employees, and assets.
2:00 - 2:45 PM
Product Demonstration: ZeroEyes Gun Detection Platform – Proactive Security for Casinos
Jon Norton
Regional Vice President | ZeroEyes
Join ZeroEyes for a high-impact live demonstration showcasing the next generation of proactive threat detection in gaming and hospitality environments. See how ZeroEyes uses existing or off-network cameras to instantly detect brandished firearms and alert security teams and responders via ZeroLink™ for faster, coordinated action—all while expanding security without disrupting the guest experience.
2:45 - 3:15 PM
Afternoon Networking Break
3:15 - 4:30 PM
Roundtable: Future-Proofing Your Security Strategy
Rob Ryan - Moderator
Senior Business Development Manager | Leonardo
Mason Lienhart
Director of Surveillance| Cliff Castle Casino Hotel
Andrew Little
Director of Security | Fortune Bay Resort Casino
George Jenkot
Vice President of Security & Surveillance | Firekeepers Casino Hotel
Matthew Kroeger
Manger of Security Operation | SMSC Gaming Enterprise
This roundtable brings together tribal casino security and surveillance directors to explore emerging technologies, staff training, and collaboration strategies. Panelists will share approaches to building trust, influencing project planning, and positioning security as a strategic asset. Discussion will also cover tools like K9 units and social media monitoring, plus best practices in budgeting, emergency coordination, and risk assessment. Attendees will leave with practical insights to strengthen safety and readiness.
4:30 PM
Day One Concludes
5:00 - 6:30 PM
Evening Reception
Wednesday, October 29
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Registration and Networking Breakfast
9:00 - 10:00 AM
AI in Security & Surveillance: Navigating Innovation in High-Risk Environments
Matthew Carrier - Moderator
Vice President of Sales | eConnect
Rob Ryan
Senior Business Development Manager | Leonardo
Juan Baca
Senior Vice President - Non Gaming Operations | Sycuan Casino Resort
Marc Epp
Surveillance Manager | Swinomish Casino & Lodge
As threats grow more sophisticated, AI is transforming security and surveillance in high-risk environments like casinos. AI-driven systems improve incident detection, fraud prevention, and operational efficiency by analyzing data in real time. While these advancements enhance both live monitoring and forensic analysis, the rapid pace of AI development makes it challenging to choose and implement the right solutions. This panel will explore how AI is reshaping the field, address ethical considerations, and offer strategies for effective adoption in dynamic threat landscapes.
10:00 - 10:45 AM - Track A
Casino Security & Asset Protection: Loss Prevention and Lost & Found Management
James Mosieur - Moderator
Founder/Director | 911 Cell Phone Bank
Richard Smith
Vice President - Anti-Fraud and Investigation | San Manuel Nation
Samantha Riley
Training, Investigation, and Event Manager | Cache Creek Casino Resort Security
Casinos operate in a fast-paced, high-risk environment where security, fraud prevention, and lost item management play a crucial role in maintaining trust, efficiency, and profitability. From preventing financial losses due to fraud and theft to ensuring guests recover lost belongings, casinos must implement effective security strategies, technological advancements, and customer service policies. This panel will explore the intersection of loss prevention and lost & found management, examining how casinos can protect assets while enhancing the guest experience.
10:00 - 10:45 AM - Track B
Modernizing Oversight: Driving Compliance and Investigative Support
Sheryl Stering - Moderator
National Business Development Manager | Omnigo
David Cook
Senior Director | Fort Sill Apache Gaming Commission
David Vialpando
Executive Director | Pala Gaming Commission
AI is transforming casino security and surveillance, equipping teams with advanced tools to detect fraud, identify suspicious behavior, and accelerate incident response. Gaming commissions are increasingly leveraging AI to enhance regulatory oversight, strengthen investigations, and ensure compliance in an ever-evolving risk environment. This panel will explore the growing role of AI in both surveillance operations and regulatory frameworks, showcasing real-world applications and collaborative strategies between operators and regulators. Topics will include AI-driven auditing, data integration, ethical considerations, and best practices for aligning emerging technologies with compliance objectives.
10:45 - 11:15 AM
Morning Networking Break
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Cybersecurity Leadership in Tribal Organizations: Strategy, Metrics, and Ransomware Readiness
John Hirai - Moderator
Solutions Architect, Western Region | Adrytech
Sean Ayersman
Director of Information Security and Compliance | Agua Caliente Casinos
Salvador Salcedo
Director of Information Technology | Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians
Jake Stampfli
Information Security Manager | Viejas Casino Resort
Mark Badal
Executive Director - IT and Information Security | Chumash Enterprises
As cyber threats like ransomware grow across tribal entities, fostering a strong cybersecurity culture is critical. This session, tailored for Tribal executives, administrators, and IT leaders, will provide practical strategies to enhance security, engage teams, and measure progress with relevant KPIs. A panel of experts—including casino executives, IT leaders, and crisis responders—will share insights on legal considerations, incident response, and managing the first 24 hours of a cyberattack.
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
1:00 - 2:00 PM
Lessons from the Frontlines: Using Data to Drive Decisions and Build Safer, Smarter Operations
Sheryl Stering
National Business Development Manager | Omnigo
David Cook
Senior Director | Fort Sill Apache Gaming Commission
Clint Johnson
Executive Director of Public Safety | Chumash Enterprises
Ivan Devitt
Vice President of Security | Cherokee Nation Entertainment
Join tribal gaming security and operations leaders as they share real-world experiences from the frontlines. Learn how data-driven decision-making can identify risks, optimize resources, and create safer, smarter operations.
2:00 - 3:00 PM
Actionable Strategies to Detect & Disrupt Trafficking and Drug Activity
Eddie Ilko - Moderator
Safety and Occupational Health Manager | National Indian Gaming Commission
Juan Sanchez
Investigator | Pechanga Gaming Commission
Charles Wahweotten
Security Director | Prairie Band Casino & Resort
Jace Starr
Security Captain | Dakota Magic Casino & Hotel
Discover strategies specifically designed for tribal reservation security and gaming enterprises. Expert panelists will examine how traffickers and drug networks target reservations and casino settings and highlight the vital role of staff, security teams, and surveillance operations in identifying and interrupting these activities. Key topics include spotting warning signs, effectively responding to drug-related incidents, and utilizing technologies such as ID authentication, behavior analytics, and advanced surveillance to enhance prevention efforts.
3:00 - 4:00 PM
From Bystanders to Responders: Empowering Staff in Emergency Situations
Neil Lillie
Public Safety Director | Black Oak Casino Resort
Ivan Devitt
Vice President of Security | Cherokee Nation Entertainment
Warren Lagasca
Surveillance Director | Viejas Gaming Commission
Active shooter incidents and workplace violence remain serious risks. Security and surveillance teams must be prepared to respond quickly and cohesively to protect guests, employees, and community assets. Staff members are not passive bystanders in a crisis—they are essential partners in emergency response. This session explores best practices in crisis management, informed security protocols, staff training, and communication tools tailored to the unique environment, ensuring fast, effective action when it matters most.
4:00 - 4:15 PM
Exhibit Raffle Drawing
Winners must be present to win
4:15 PM
Tribal Security and Surveillance Conference Concludes
Jerry Higginson
Samantha Riley
Richard Smith
Samuel Wolfe
Conference Co-Chair
Platinum Sponsor
Product Demonstration
Gold Sponsor
Exhibitors
Media Sponsors
Tuesday Night Reception Sponsors
Security Directors, Tribal Government & Enterprise Representatives
Check out the last few years!
Meet Our Advisory Board
This esteemed group of leaders acts as a guiding hand in preparation for the upcoming event; helping to ensure each session is packed with timely content and is full of value.
Gregory Goll
