The Cybersecurity Conference 2026, organized by the Cleveland State University (CSU) College of Law, is scheduled for April 16-17, 2026. Celebrating its 11th year, this conference is recognized as one of Ohio's leading educational and networking events, attracting legal and compliance professionals, information technology and security experts, and executives responsible for developing security and privacy policies.
The conference will cover a range of critical topics, including federal regulatory updates, cybersecurity litigation perspectives, AI regulation and assessment, and integrating cybersecurity and privacy compliance. Sessions will feature discussions on data ethics, incident preparedness and response, and leveraging AI for enhanced cyber defense.
Attendees will have opportunities to engage with notable speakers such as Douglas Geho, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the Federal Trade Commission, and Mark Meador, FTC Commissioner. The event will also include networking breaks, a cocktail reception, and an exhibit hall showcasing the latest in cybersecurity solutions.
This conference is ideal for professionals seeking to stay abreast of the evolving cybersecurity landscape, including legal practitioners, compliance officers, IT security experts, and corporate executives. Participants will gain valuable insights into current challenges and best practices in cybersecurity and privacy protection.
Speakers
Alexander White
Privacy Commissioner at Bermuda
Alexander White serves as the Privacy Commissioner for Bermuda, overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the island's data protection laws.
Ariel Fox Johnson
Principal at Digital Smarts Law & Policy LLC
Ariel Fox Johnson is the Principal at Digital Smarts Law & Policy LLC, specializing in privacy and technology law. She provides legal and policy advice on data protection and digital rights.
Bailey Sanchez
Deputy Director, US Legislation at Future of Privacy Forum
Bailey Sanchez is the Deputy Director for US Legislation at the Future of Privacy Forum, focusing on legislative developments in data privacy and security.
Cory Scott
Principal at Security Simulations
Cory Scott was previously the CISO of Confluent, a cloud data infrastructure company built on Apache Kafka. Prior to that, he was the security and privacy leader at Google Devices and Services, and was the CISO at LinkedIn.
Douglas Geho
Deputy Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection at Federal Trade Commission
Douglas Geho has extensive enforcement, regulatory, and litigation experience in the federal government. Before his appointment as a Deputy Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Protection Bureau, Geho served as an Attorney Advisor to Commissioner Melissa Holyoak handling consumer protection matters for her office.
Douglas Meal
Adjunct Professor of Law at CSU College of Law
Douglas Meal has defended organizations in some of the most high-profile data breach class actions, including Target, The Home Depot, TJ Maxx, and Wyndham Hotels. He is an adjunct professor at CSU College of Law.
Frances Floriano Goins
Partner at UB Greensfelder
Frances Floriano Goins is a partner at UB Greensfelder, specializing in cybersecurity and data privacy law. She advises clients on compliance with data protection regulations and incident response.
Jennifer Ruehr
Co-Managing Partner at Hintze Law PLLC
Jennifer Ruehr is Co-Managing Partner at Hintze Law PLLC, focusing on privacy and data security law. She assists clients in developing and implementing privacy programs and responding to data breaches.
Jessica Cohen
Counsel, Regulatory Affairs - Privacy, Cybersecurity & AI at Verizon
Jessica Cohen is Counsel for Regulatory Affairs focusing on Privacy, Cybersecurity, and AI at Verizon. She provides legal guidance on compliance with data protection laws and regulations.
John A. Yanchunis
Attorney at Morgan & Morgan
John Yanchunis has spent over two decades litigating data breach claims and negotiating significant data breach litigation settlements, including those for Capital One, Equifax, Yahoo!, and the Office of Personnel Management.
John Landolfi
Partner at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
John Landolfi is a partner at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP, chairing the firm's Data Security & Privacy practice. He advises clients on data protection compliance and litigation.
Kate Furstenau
Associate at McDonald Hopkins
Kate Furstenau is an associate at McDonald Hopkins, focusing on data privacy and cybersecurity law. She advises clients on compliance with data protection regulations and incident response.
Kevin Goodman
Managing Director at BlueBridge Networks
Kevin J. Goodman has more than 30 years’ experience in the technology and construction industries, leading operations, business development, sales, and marketing at BlueBridge Networks in Cleveland, a data center, cloud computing, managed services, and cybersecurity services firm.
Kirk Herath
Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor at Office of the Governor, State of Ohio
Kirk Herath was recently appointed as the State of Ohio’s first Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor by Governor Mike DeWine. Prior to his appointment, he was a Principal with Pillars Consulting Group and served as Vice-President, Associate General Counsel, and Chief Privacy Officer for Nationwide Insurance Companies.
Kirk Nahra
Partner and Co-Chair Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice at WilmerHale
Kirk J. Nahra is a partner with WilmerHale in Washington, D.C., where he is co-chair of the firm’s Cybersecurity and Privacy Practice and the Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Practice. He assists companies in analyzing and implementing the requirements of privacy and security laws across the country and internationally.
Mark Meador
Commissioner at Federal Trade Commission
Mark R. Meador was sworn in April 16, 2025 as a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission. He has previously worked in private practice, served as Deputy Chief Counsel for Antitrust and Competition Policy for Sen. Mike Lee, and as a trial attorney in the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division.
Maxwell Herath
Associate at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
Maxwell Herath is an associate at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP in the firm’s Corporate Department, focusing on mergers and acquisitions and privacy and cybersecurity. He served in the U.S. Military as an Army Infantry Officer, achieving the rank of Captain.
Tim Opsitnick
Executive Vice President and General Counsel at TCDI
Tim Opsitnick is Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Technology Concepts & Design, Inc. (TCDI). His consulting practice focuses on cybersecurity, data privacy, electronic discovery, and computer forensics.
Tony Pietrocola
Co-Founder and President at AgileBlue
Tony Pietrocola is the Co-Founder and President of AgileBlue, a cybersecurity operations platform company. He has extensive experience in cybersecurity and technology entrepreneurship.
Travis LeBlanc
Partner at Cooley LLP
Travis LeBlanc is a partner at Cooley LLP, specializing in cybersecurity and privacy law. He has served as a Member of the U.S. Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board and was the Federal Communications Commission’s Enforcement Bureau Chief.
Event Details
- Date
- April 16-17, 2026
- 2 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland State University College of Law
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Legal and compliance professionals, IT security experts, corporate executives
- CLE Credits
- CLE credit pending
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