Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Matthew Vince, Deputy Chief Information Officer, State of Louisiana

Keynote – Find Your Fight: Innovating When the Odds Are Against You

In moments when challenges feel insurmountable, and the odds are stacked against us, how do we find the will to fight—and win? In this powerful and energizing talk, Jessica O. Matthews shares how the most groundbreaking innovations often emerge from struggle, uncertainty, and adversity. Drawing from her journey as a pioneering entrepreneur and inventor, Jessica explores how resilience, creativity, and relentless problem-solving can transform even the toughest setbacks into opportunities for impact and growth. This session will help you reframe challenges as opportunities for breakthrough innovation, develop resilience during moments of struggle, and uncover determination to keep fighting for transformative solutions.

Jessica O. Matthews, CEO of Uncharted, Innovator and Social Entrepreneur, Trailblazing Energy Advocate

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Discovering AI’s Value in Government

As artificial intelligence rapidly evolves, public agencies are exploring its potential to enhance services, optimize operations, and inform decision-making, all while upholding ethics and the human element. This session explores how governments are leveraging generative AI to automate routine tasks, expedite policy development, and streamline documentation workflows. Through real-world use cases and practical frameworks, discover how leaders are implementing AI responsibly, prioritizing transparency, equity, and workforce empowerment. Learn how human-centered design and ethical guardrails can ensure AI enhances, rather than replaces, the vital work of public servants.

Empowering Louisiana Through No-Code and Low-Code Innovation

No-code and low-code platforms offer a powerful opportunity for Louisiana’s public sector to accelerate innovation and reduce IT backlogs. These tools can empower staff to create solutions without the need for traditional software development. This session will explore how agencies can utilize no-code and low-code platforms to streamline services, enhance responsiveness, and boost efficiency. Attendees will learn how to implement these technologies securely and in compliance with state standards, creating a scalable path to modernization and better service delivery.

The Role of the Business Analyst in Modernization by Design

Behind every successful IT modernization effort is someone translating vision into impact. Business Analysts are the essential bridge between strategy, technology, and user needs. This session will explore how agencies are leveraging Business Analysts (Bas)—whether formally titled or organically grown—to guide modernization, align solutions with real-world problems, and drive better service outcomes. Discover why investing in this role is becoming a critical success factor for public sector transformation and hear firsthand stories from the team members who are on the ground, doing the work to modernize technology.

Advancing Digital Accessibility

As digital services expand, governments must address challenges related to infrastructure, platform usability, and compliance with standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 to meet accessibility requirements. This session explores practical approaches to enhancing digital access, ensuring web and application accessibility, and promoting user success. We'll spotlight how Louisiana is advancing these efforts through improved connectivity and user-centered technology design.

Lunch

General Session – The Digital Government Challenge

Join us for a fun and engaging change of pace where we’ll put your knowledge to the test with an interactive trivia game! Our panel of experts will be on stage, not just to weigh in on the answers, but to share their insights, experiences, and wisdom along the way. This session will be a perfect blend of learning and laughter, highlighting key themes from the event while maintaining a lighthearted and engaging tone. Don’t miss this chance to reflect and gain new perspectives.

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

AI Control & Security

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming government operations—streamlining services, enhancing decision-making, and driving innovation. However, as these technologies become more powerful, they introduce new risks, including a broader attack surface for cyber threats. Without public trust, even the most promising AI initiatives can falter. Explore new approaches to responsible AI adoption, with a focus on ethical governance and cybersecurity. We'll examine how the state is developing policy frameworks that emphasize accountability, fairness, and transparency while protecting sensitive data and ensuring system resilience.

Turning Crisis into Continuity with Risk Management and Resilience

Louisiana faces significant threats from hurricanes, flooding, and extreme weather events that can disrupt essential government operations. Maintaining public safety and continuity of services demands proactive planning, strong interagency coordination, and resilient infrastructure. This session will highlight best practices in disaster preparedness, emergency response, and IT recovery strategies that support operational stability during a crisis. Hear how Louisiana agencies are advancing their continuity of operations (COOP) efforts, adopting real-time technologies, and ensuring critical services stay accessible when communities need them most.

Upskilling the Workforce Through Recruitment, Retention, and Reality

Emerging technologies are transforming the public sector, but technical skills alone won't ensure success. Strong leadership, adaptability, and communication are essential to navigating this shift. This session goes beyond tech, focusing on soft skills that empower future leaders. Learn upskilling, retraining, and change management strategies to help teams thrive in a Technology-driven workplace. Explore redefining roles, fostering continuous learning, and confidently leading in a rapidly evolving landscape. HR leaders, CIOs, and future leaders will leave with actionable insights to build resilient, adaptable teams ready for the future.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: Matthew Vince, Deputy Chief Information Officer, State of Louisiana

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Bits and Bytes – BEAD Mapping: Tracking Progress, Closing the Gaps

How do you know if your broadband strategy is working? You map it. Louisiana’s push for better broadband access depends on more than funding—it depends on precision. This session will provide an update on broadband initiatives across the state, including how underground mapping and BEAD grant strategies are driving more intelligent decisions and faster progress. Hear how engineering teams, data analysts, and local partners are working together to identify unserved areas, track buildouts, and close coverage gaps.

General Session – AI 2025– From Administrative Assistance to Agentic AI

As artificial intelligence rapidly evolves, organizations are moving beyond AI as a simple administrative assistant to leveraging more autonomous, decision-making "agentic AI." This session will explore the transition from task-based automation to AI systems capable of reasoning, adapting, and executing complex workflows with minimal human intervention. Attendees will gain insights into how governments can leverage these advancements while ensuring transparency, control, and alignment with human values and goals. Whether you're an executive, technologist, or policymaker, this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the AI landscape of 2025 and beyond.

Bill Rials, Senior Fellow, Government Technology

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.

End of Conference

Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.