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Spring 2026

GrrCON Cyber Strategy Summit

Strategic decision-makers convene for an intensive day of perspective-shifting dialogue, tactical intelligence, and community building.

April 1st @ Prince Conference Center – 800 East Beltline Avenue Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
 

Networking

Connect with strategic decision-makers navigating the same complex landscape

 

Education

Actionable frameworks from practitioners who’ve built resilient programs

 

Perspective

Challenge assumptions through structured dialogue and diverse viewpoints

 

Community

Build trust and collective capability that extends beyond the event

Opening Keynote

J Wolfgang Goerlich

Craftsmanship in Uncertain Times: Navigating, Innovating, Progressing Cybersecurity

J Wolfgang Goerlich

Craftsmanship in cybersecurity is more than technical skill. Craftsmanship is the ability to apply timeless principles amid relentless change. While headlines focus on the latest AI breakthroughs or shifting geopolitical landscapes, savvy practitioners see the broader picture. It isn’t simply what’s old is new again. It is how our mastery of the essentials transcends trends. In this keynote, Wolfgang Goerlich shares how focusing on guiding principles and adaptable goals empower security teams to maintain momentum and adjust course as new challenges emerge. This is especially pivotal now; at a time when we cannot predict the next turn, craftsmanship provides a structured approach to make our foundations resilient and seize opportunities to innovate.

Event Agenda

8:00–9:00
Registration/Networking
 
9:00–9:30
Keynote: Craftsmanship in Uncertain Times
J Wolfgang Goerlich, CISO @ Oakland County, MI
9:30–10:00
Automating AI Governance with GPT
Christopher Payne, CISO @ Poppulo
10:00–11:00
Building an OT Cyber Program
Kristin Lowery, oCISO @ Optiv
11:00–11:30
Next Phase: Cyber Community
John DeRyke, Sr Client Manager @ Optiv
11:30–12:00
The AI Stack That Matters: Data, Governance, and Trust
Sanjay Rakshit, VP Analytics and AI @ Poppulo
12:00–1:00
Lunch
Networking
1:00–1:50
Economic Outlook
Paul Isley,  Associate Dean of Siedman School of Business @ Grand Valley State University 
2:00–2:30
AI in Use: Vibe Coding
John Burke, VP Information Security @ Collective[i]
2:30–3:20
CEO Perspective
Kelly Springer, CEO @ Metal Flow
3:30–4:30
Presenter Panel
All Speakers


GrrCON Spring Cyber Strategy Summit 2026 Sponsors