Handel IT at TribalNet: A Growing Tradition of Technology and Music
By Tiffany Edmonds
For more than 15 years, Handel Information Technologies has been a proud participant, sponsor, and speaker at TribalNet. This annual gathering has become one of the most important events in tribal technology, bringing together leaders, innovators, and community members from across Indian Country.
For us, TribalNet has always been more than a conference. It’s a place where we share ideas, introduce new technology, and strengthen relationships. It’s also where Jamapalooza, our music tradition, was born. Together, these two sides of our story — technology and music — capture what makes TribalNet so meaningful to us.
TribalNet Highlights and Innovations
Over the years, TribalNet has been a place for us to connect, share, and learn alongside some of the brightest minds in tribal technology.
We’ve had the opportunity to lead workshops and participate in panels, covering topics like turning tribal data into actionable insights or helping tribes use citizen portals to better serve their communities. In 2024, we were excited to introduce the RiteTrack Client Portal, making it easier than ever for tribal members to access services online (you can catch the recap here). In earlier years, enhancements to the Tribal Court module and the next-generation RiteTrack software helped programs streamline their operations and improve outcomes for clients.
Most recently, we had a great time engaging with attendees on the tradeshow floor, sharing updates, and participating in discussions about the growing importance of online portals for tribes. It was inspiring to see so many programs looking for new ways to connect and serve their citizens through technology.
2025 TribalNet, The Handel Team with Mike Day (left), TribalHub Founder & Executive Officer.
Of course, TribalNet is more than just sessions and software. It’s where we meet tribal leaders, IT experts, and program administrators, exchanging ideas that spark better solutions and lasting partnerships. And even after the conference ends, we continue the conversation through webinars, guides, and resources to help tribes make the most of what they learned.
Jamapalooza – A TribalNet Tradition
2013 – St. Paul, MN
Our first Jamapalooza! Just five musicians and about 30 attendees gathered for a casual jam session. It planted the seed for what would become a conference tradition.
2014 – Las Vegas, NV
The following year, participation doubled — 10 musicians and about 50 attendees. It was clear Jamapalooza was catching on.
2016 – San Diego, CA
By 2016, Jamapalooza had grown to 25 musicians and around 100 attendees — a big number for a 400-person conference.
2018 – Las Vegas, NV (Hard Rock Hotel)
After a brief pause in 2017, Jamapalooza returned bigger than ever. Surrounded by vintage instruments and rock memorabilia, over 20 musicians rotated on and off stage. An audience member even asked if we could play their wedding — a Jamapalooza first!
2019 – Nashville, TN
In Music City, we embraced the local vibe with country-flavored covers of Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire and Buck Owens’ Act Naturally.
2021 – Grapevine, TX
After the pandemic hiatus, Jamapalooza came back strong. Playing live together again reminded us of the irreplaceable joy of in-person connection.
2024 – Las Vegas, NV (25th Anniversary)
Jamapalooza celebrated its 9th year at TribalNet’s 25th Anniversary Conference. The energy and talent made it one of the most memorable sessions yet.
2025 – Reno, NV (10th Annual)
This milestone year brought our biggest crowd ever. The 10th Annual Jamapalooza featured incredible performances, new faces, and returning regulars — all coming together to celebrate connection, creativity, and community.
Looking Ahead
Each year, TribalNet reminds us why we love being part of this community. The event blends the best of what we value — innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to helping tribal programs thrive through technology.
We look forward to continuing the conversations that start at TribalNet — exploring new ideas, sharing best practices, and developing solutions that make a real difference for the programs and people we serve.
