What to Expect

The HB 44 (formerly HB 42) Collaborative Forum is a focused afternoon event designed to help Utah's education sector navigate the new cybersecurity requirements. Join fellow IT leaders, state officials, and cybersecurity professionals over lunch for practical discussions on implementation.

Forum Highlights

  • Three Expert Speakers covering the legislative landscape, implementation strategies, and practical guidance for Utah LEAs
  • Networking Lunch connecting IT leaders across districts facing similar cybersecurity challenges
  • Resource Materials including implementation checklists, templates, and reference guides
  • Peer Networking to connect with fellow professionals and build relationships across Utah's cybersecurity community

Who Should Attend

  • School district IT directors and CISOs
  • Charter school technology administrators
  • USBE and state agency IT staff
  • Cybersecurity vendors serving K-12
  • Policy and compliance professionals

Legislative Update

Utah's school cybersecurity requirements (originally HB 42) were merged into HB 44 and passed during the 2026 session. This forum covers what LEAs need to know for compliance.

Meet Our Speakers

Hear from leaders shaping Utah's cybersecurity landscape across legislation, education, and implementation.

Rep. Ryan Wilcox

Rep. Ryan Wilcox

Utah State Representative

Representative Wilcox brings firsthand perspective on the legislative intent behind HB 44 and what Utah lawmakers envision for school cybersecurity compliance across the state.

Niel Nickolaisen

Niel Nickolaisen

Former CISO, Utah State University & Former CIO, Western Governors University

With executive cybersecurity and IT leadership experience across two of Utah's major universities, Niel offers deep insight into practical implementation strategies for education institutions navigating cybersecurity requirements.

Spencer Jenkins

Spencer Jenkins

Utah Education Network (UEN)

A representative from the Utah Education Network will share resources, tools, and support available to Utah's K-12 institutions as they work toward cybersecurity compliance.

Draft Agenda

Subject to change as we finalize details.

11:30 AM

Registration & Networking Lunch

Check-in, connect with fellow attendees, and enjoy lunch

12:30 PM

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Introduction to UCA and the forum's objectives

12:45 PM

Rep. Ryan Wilcox: The Legislative Landscape

Understanding HB 44 and what it means for Utah LEAs

1:15 PM

Niel Nickolaisen: Implementation Strategies

Practical approaches to framework adoption and phased compliance

1:45 PM

Spencer Jenkins (UEN): Resources and Next Steps

Tools, templates, and support available to Utah's education institutions

2:15 PM

Networking & Wrap-Up

Open discussion, peer connections, and closing remarks

Register for the Forum

Free for all government and education employees. Industry professionals attend through UCA membership ($50/year) or sponsorship.

Use your .gov or .edu email for free public sector registration.

All public sector employees attend free — no payment required at registration.

Industry and vendor attendees who are not yet UCA members will be contacted about membership ($50/year) after registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for all government and education employees. Register with your .gov or .edu email address. Industry professionals and vendors attend through UCA membership ($50/year) or sponsorship.

Government and education employees do not need UCA membership to attend — membership for public sector is free, and the Forum is open to any qualifying public sector professional who registers. Industry and vendor professionals attend through a UCA membership or sponsorship package.

No. Sponsors have booth space during the registration and networking periods. The speaker agenda is curated exclusively for policy and implementation expertise. There are no vendor presentations, product demos, or sales pitches on the program.

Yourself and a business card if you have one. Lunch is provided. The event will include resource materials covering the speaker topics. There is no materials fee or preparation required.

Pelion Ventures is located at 14761 S. Future Way, Suite 500, Draper, UT 84020. Parking is available in the building's parking structure. Details will be confirmed in your registration confirmation email.

Ready to Strengthen Utah's Cyber Defenses?

Join the Utah Cyber Alliance and become part of a collaborative community dedicated to protecting Utah's digital infrastructure.