Seton Hall University’s Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies (CEPS) will launch the 2026 Optimizing Vendor and Third-Party Risk Practices to Drive Resilience (TPRM) Conference. The event is designed as an executive-level forum to address challenges related to managing risk across global, digitally connected supply chains.
The conference, scheduled as a full-day event, is co-organized with Cyber Intelligence 4U (CIU). It reflects CEPS’s ongoing focus on professional development that aligns with employer needs and supports workforce development in cybersecurity, risk management, and related fields.
According to Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., dean of Continuing Education and Professional Studies at Seton Hall University: “Third-party risk is no longer a back-office function. It is a strategic capability that directly affects organizational resilience and public trust. In our Division and across the University, we are building innovative, career-relevant programming that strengthens talent pipelines, upskills professionals and creates new pathways into high-demand careers in cybersecurity, AI governance and risk management.”
The conference will cover topics such as AI-enabled risk frameworks, visibility into fourth- and fifth-party risks, operational resilience, regulatory changes including global governance models, ESG considerations, ethical supply chains, transparency initiatives, and incident response strategies for digital ecosystems.
In addition to hosting national and global leaders in enterprise risk and cybersecurity as speakers or participants, the event extends CEPS’s broader offerings like certificate programs, stackable credentials, internships, apprenticeships, and corporate partnerships aimed at increasing access to technology governance careers.
Cyber Intelligence 4U will serve as a key partner for the conference. The organization will provide expert support while helping create opportunities for student internships, applied projects, industry shadowing experiences, and mentorships—furthering CEPS’s goal of connecting education with workforce outcomes.
The initiative also supports Seton Hall’s priorities in adult learner success by offering scholarships and outreach programs intended to expand equitable access. A limited number of no-cost registrations will be available for students interested in cybersecurity or risk management; interested students are encouraged to contact the university for details.
Early registration is recommended due to limited capacity. Additional information about registration can be found on the TPRM Conference website.
