May 14, 2026 | Henry Doorly Zoo - Omaha, NE
Suzanne & Walter Scott Aquarium Conference Center
Innovate Omaha is a premier technology and cybersecurity forum designed to bring the region’s top IT leaders, innovators, and decision-makers into one high-impact experience. Throughout the day, attendees will connect with peers who are focused on strengthening security, modernizing infrastructure, and planning for what’s next.
The conference is designed to spark your imagination, enrich your knowledge, and inspire collaboration in the field of information technology and cybersecurity.
Who should attend Innovate?
C-Suite Executives | Business Owners/Leaders
IT Directors/Managers | Technology/Security Professionals
CIO/CISO Panel
MAY 2026
Today’s CIOs and CISOs are navigating escalating threats, expanding vendor ecosystems and nonstop pressure to enable the business without slowing it down.
This panel will focus on the most current cybersecurity issues CIOs and CISOs are facing, from third-party risk and supply chain exposure to regulatory pressure and executive accountability.
You’ll hear candid, real-world perspectives on how security leaders are prioritizing risk, influencing the business and making defensible decisions in high-stakes environments. Expect practical takeaways, lessons learned and an open Q&A designed for leaders dealing with these challenges right now.
Dr. Melissa Moreno
Lindsay Corporation
Dr. Melissa Moreno is Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Lindsay Corporation, overseeing technology across 18 global locations, including cybersecurity, infrastructure, analytics, AI and enterprise applications. She previously served in multiple leadership roles at Gallup, most recently as Chief Information Officer for Cybersecurity and Infrastructure. Melissa chairs the University of Nebraska–Omaha College of Information Science and Technology Advisory Board and holds a Doctor of Education, an MBA and advanced degrees in economics and information systems.
Rick Haugerud
University of Nebraska
Rick Haugerud is the Chief Information Officer at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Assistant Vice President for IT Security for the NU system. He directs the university’s information security program and serves on the chancellor’s cabinet, partnering with academic and administrative leaders to advance IT priorities. Rick has held IT leadership roles at UNL since 1990 and holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university.
Stephen Held
Leo A Daly
Stephen W. Held is Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Leo A Daly, where he leads global technology strategy, operations and integration across the firm. With more than 30 years of AEC industry experience, his work spans continuous monitoring, cloud-based platforms, data analytics and applied artificial intelligence. Stephen serves on the Executive Committee of the Innovation Design Consortium and helps drive industry-wide technology initiatives and collaboration.
Derek Sailors
Community Hospital-McCook
Derek Sailors is Director of Information Systems and Information Security Officer at Community Hospital System in McCook, Nebraska. He holds more than 15 certifications across technology management, cybersecurity, incident command and security architecture and serves on multiple incident response and cybersecurity advisory groups. Derek has received repeated local and national recognition, including Becker’s Hospital Review “CIO to Know” and Nebraska HIMSS Visionary of the Year.
Experience the United States' Top Zoo
Agenda
Connect
Meet with peers, HBS engineers, executives, and partners to discuss your unique technical or business-related questions and challenges.
Transform
Connect with technology experts, engage in sessions, and learn about the newest innovations in the industry.
Learn
Level up your technical knowledge and discover solutions and services from HBS to help you grow your success.
Have Fun
We have a specific goal to NOT "PowerPoint you to death." So come and join us for some real talk and real fun.
2026 Innovate Omaha Venue
Henry Doorly Zoo
Suzanne & Walter Scott Aquarium Conference Center
3701 S. 10th Street
Omaha, NE 68107
The Henry Doorly Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The zoo is known for its leadership in animal conservation and research. Evolving from the public Riverview Park Zoo established in 1894, today the zoo includes several notable exhibits. "Kingdoms of the Night" is the world's largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp, the "Lied Jungle" is one of the world's largest indoor rainforests, and the "Desert Dome" is one of the world's largest indoor deserts, as well as the largest glazed geodesic dome.
The zoo's mission includes four pillars—conservation, research, recreation, and education—which are represented by the four squares in the logo.
Innovate Sponsors
Interested in sponsorships? Please contact [email protected]
Presented By
Sponsors
