Electric cooperatives of all sizes will be able to strengthen their cybersecurity with a wide variety of tailored content at NRECA’s 2026 Co-op Cyber Tech, including pre-conference workshops, hands-on learning, peer-to-peer sessions and tabletop exercises.

“Co-op Cyber Tech provides the arena for co-ops, whether they serve 100 members or 100,000, to move from awareness to readiness by turning evolving threat intelligence into meaningful action,” said Justin Luebbert, NRECA senior manager for cybersecurity.

This June 3-5 conference in Indianapolis offers three full days of programming for co-op professionals to gain new skills and strategies through eight workshops and 30 breakout sessions. Topics range from how to design and run tabletop exercises to securing hyperscale loads and fostering a cyber culture.

Co-op Cyber Tech’s popular Learning Village, with a range of interactive skill challenges, will run daily.

“The Co-op Cyber Tech conference is where our members come together to turn shared challenges into shared strength,” said Luebbert. “Built by and for co-ops, this conference is not just about learning what’s next in cybersecurity, it’s about learning directly from peers, building trusted relationships and taking home practical solutions that can be put to work immediately.”

Attendees will get the chance to learn more about NRECA’s Project Guardian, Cyber Goals, Cyber Champions, Threat Analysis Center and other programs. NRECA’s cyber team will break down how Project Guardian’s resources can help co-ops mature their cybersecurity. The newly sworn-in Cyber Champions will share how they are applying the program’s goals and guidance at their co-ops.

“Co-op Cyber Tech attendees will see how co-ops are organizing, prioritizing and making measurable progress,” Luebbert said. “They will leave with a clear understanding of how to get involved, what to expect and how to start applying Guardian resources—no matter where you are in your cybersecurity journey.”

Keynote speaker Michael Ball, senior vice president of the North American Electric Reliability Corp. and CEO of its Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center, will provide top-drawer perspective on cybersecurity and the grid. NERC sets mandatory rules to protect the grid and E-ISAC provides threat analysis, advisories and secure information sharing across the industry.

Ball will give attendees “an invaluable perspective on cybersecurity, risk and resilience that underscores the importance Co-op Cyber Tech plays in supporting the cooperative community as cybersecurity challenges evolve,” said Heather Nelson, NRECA program manager for event education and programming.

Co-op Cyber Tech drew about 500 attendees from 48 states in 2025 with nearly 100% rating the conference “very valuable” or higher, according to survey data.

“Co-op Cyber Tech allows co-ops to come together to share experiences, celebrate progress, and learn,” said Nelson. “We’re committed to continuing to grow this event to better support their needs.”