WiscNet MiniConnections

Why WiscNet MiniConnections?

WiscNet MiniConnections reinforces the belief that we can teach and learn from each other, that insight lives not just in keynote speakers in fancy venues, but in classrooms, libraries, city offices, and server rooms across Wisconsin. When we gather where we are, we strengthen the web of knowledge and trust that sustains our shared work.

WiscNet MiniConnections is, at its heart, a smaller version of your annual membership conference, WiscNet Connections, but it isn’t just that -- it’s part of our ongoing effort to help you connect, support, and learn with one another, community by community.

A spark for local collaboration

WiscNet MiniConnections isn’t just a condensed conference -- it’s a platform for local relationship-building. By gathering members from nearby communities, it makes it easier to share challenges, successes, strategies, and resources that are regionally relevant. Whether it’s school districts tackling similar technology upgrades or municipalities rethinking cybersecurity and well beyond, these events create space for collaborative learning,shared discovery, and connection-making.

Bringing Connections closer to home

We know that the people are the magic of WiscNet Connections. But we also know that making “people magic” once a year isn’t always enough -- or rather, it’s so transformative, we want to create it more often.

WiscNet MiniConnections builds on that magic — not by recreating it wholesale, but by extending it around the state. These one-day, regional gatherings make it easier for more WiscNet members in more places to engage meaningfully within this remarkable community without long-distance travel or time away from home and work.

Registration coming soon!

Tickets will be buy two, get any beyond that free.

Working schedule

8:00 - 8:45 am - Breakfast + networking

8:45 - 9:00 am - Mini welcome

9:00 - 10:00 am - Mini roundtable -- AI

10:00 - 10:15 am - Break

10:15 - 11:00 am - Mini presentation session -- Leadership with Kevin May

11:00 - 11:15 am - Break

11:15 am - 12:15 pm - Mini roundtable -- Advanced Networking

12:15 - 1:15 pm - Mini lunch

1:15 - 3:15 pm - Mini presentation session -- Cybersecurity Incident Tabletop with John Pederson

What if writing your cybersecurity runbook didn’t feel like pulling teeth with a rusty keyboard?

In this workshop, we’ll introduce you to the WiscNet Cybersecurity Runbook Generator, a specialized version of ChatGPT that helps you co-create cybersecurity incident response documentation. It’s like having a sharp-tongued security consultant in your browser, guiding you through best practices, industry frameworks, and the "oh-no" moments that every organization should be ready for.

You’ll pick a type of cybersecurity incident (phishing scam, ransomware, insider threat, and more), then choose what phase of the incident you want to focus on — like initial detection, containment, or communication protocols. The GPT then helps you build a runbook based on those inputs, prompting you with ideas, reminders, and solid structure.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a working draft of a real runbook — and a much better sense of how AI can support security planning without replacing your judgment.

Bring your device. Leave with a plan.

3:00 - 4:00 pm - Mini close