Big Horn Basin Cyber Shindig
A Morning of Learning, Networking, & Cybersecurity
By Natalie Demple, CyberWyoming with assistance from AI
This past Friday, Northwest College in Powell welcomed realtors, manufacturers, small business owners, and students for the Big Horn Basin Cyber Shindig, a half-day mini conference focused on practical, real-world cybersecurity.
The morning started with check-in and a coffee and pastry reception, generously sponsored by the Northwest Wyoming Board of REALTORS®. Attendees had the chance to visit vendor tables from IECA, Wyoming ISSA, Arsenal Dev, and DirSec, learning about their services while making connections with other participants.
The day kicked off with a panel moderated by Laura Baker of CyberWyoming.
Panelists Scott Richard an AI Strategist, Emily Denney a Big Horn Basin Realtor®, Damien Anderson of Arsenal Dev, and Adam Lopez of Wyoming Manufacturing Works shared real-world cybersecurity challenges, successes, and lessons from the real estate, manufacturing, and small business sectors.
Their stories highlighted practical takeaways that any organization can apply to strengthen its cyber resilience.
After the panel, attendees chose breakout sessions tailored to their industries:
Realtors explored ways to protect client information and property listings with Kimberly Brandon-Wintermote, NW Wyoming Board of REALTORS®.
Manufacturers discussed cybersecurity and CMMC compliance for production facilities with Alyssa Ernste and Adam Lopez of Manufacturing Works, and Marcus Curley of Concordant.
Small businesses learned affordable cybersecurity strategies with Devan Costa-Cargill, Wyoming SBDC.
High school students participated in the Cyber Threat Defender interactive game, guided by Dr. Gregory White, Dr. Michelle Aldrich, Ilaine Brown, and CyberWyoming staff.
I had the privilege of helping moderate the student track. Dr. White, the developer of the Cyber Threat Defender game, presented how to play this interactive game and explained why it serves as an excellent bridge for students to learn about the world of technology they will encounter in the real world, how it can be attacked, and how it can be defended. It was exciting to see students fully engaged in the game, with some even asking for booster packs and exploring ways to incorporate it into their own schools.
During the session, we asked students to brainstorm questions they would like presented at the final industry panel. The discussion focused largely on AI and its impact across industries, which makes sense given its rapid growth, widespread interest, and the many aspects of it that are still not fully understood.
For the closing panel, several students volunteered to moderate, asking the student questions to representatives from each of the breakout sessions—small business, manufacturing, and realty. Their questions prompted valuable insights into each industry and the broader technology landscape, including real-world stories, ideas for protection, and ways AI could shape the future.
As a surprise twist, the panel was reversed, and students were asked questions by the industry experts. This gave them the chance to share their perspective on the world around them, how it is being shaped by technology, especially AI, and where they see themselves and their generation fitting into future careers as this technology continues to expand. The curiosity and insights from both sides made this session one of the most engaging moments of the morning.
Overall, the event was an excellent opportunity to connect industries, students, and educators around a topic that affects everyone: cybersecurity. Participants left with new knowledge, practical strategies, and connections that could lead to future collaborations. It was also a meaningful way to involve students in cybersecurity while fostering potential connections between companies and tomorrow’s workforce.
We’re already excited to do the Shindig again next year. Watch for announcements around this time in 2027!
Looking ahead, CyberWyoming, the Wyoming ISSA Chapter, and the Northern Colorado ISSA Chapter also invite the community to Cyber Cheyenne on Oct 16 at LCCC, with the call for speakers now open.
And for businesses seeking more cybersecurity insight through one-on-one training, join CyberWyoming’s Made Safe™ Cybersecurity Training Program for small businesses!
