Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Opening Remarks

Jon Eichten, Commissioner and Chief Information Officer, Minnesota IT Services

Keynote – EMBRACE THE SHAKE: Transforming Limitations into Opportunities

Success, especially in today’s fast-changing business environment, depends on our ability to make creativity and innovation a continuous process. Leaders want to know how their teams can rise above any challenge and succeed no matter what comes their way. Whether the goal is to embrace change, overcome obstacles, sustain growth, or take your success to the next level, leaders and teams want to learn how to “Embrace the Shake.” The term “Embrace the Shake” is coined from artist Phil Hansen’s personal story of transformation. After developing a career-ending tremor in his drawing hand, Phil embraced his “shake” both physically and metaphorically by redefining his limitation as an impetus for creativity. Phil not only restored his artistic abilities, but he also became a much more creative and innovative artist than ever before. Phil’s powerful message of finding creativity within limitations will inspire you to stop looking outside and start looking within for the resources that can transform your challenges into opportunities for success.

Phil Hansen, Artist, Speaker, Author and Innovator

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Bringing AI Value to Minnesota: Practical Use Cases That Work

AI is rapidly moving from pilot projects to practical applications across government. This session will showcase real-world examples of how state and local agencies are using AI to improve employee productivity, enhance citizen services, strengthen cybersecurity, streamline operations and support better decision-making. Hear from those navigating governance, security and workforce considerations while delivering measurable results. Attendees will gain actionable insights, lessons learned and strategies for identifying high-value AI opportunities that create meaningful impact for their organizations and the communities they serve.

Paying for Progress: IT Funding in State and Local Government

Technology leaders are facing a difficult balancing act: modernizing legacy systems, strengthening cybersecurity, supporting AI initiatives and meeting new mandates, all while costs continue to rise and budgets remain constrained. Recent legislative investments in Minnesota have reshaped the conversation around how technology is funded at the state and local levels, creating new opportunities as well as new expectations. Join panelists for a discussion on emerging funding models, the impact of recent legislative decisions, strategies for sustaining modernization efforts beyond one-time appropriations, and ways state, county, and municipal organizations can better align technology investments, maximize limited resources, and prepare for future needs.

Accessibility by Design: Creating Digital Services That Work for Everyone

Digital accessibility is more than a compliance requirement; it is essential to delivering equitable, user-friendly public services. As organizations modernize websites, launch digital services, adopt AI tools, and enhance engagement, accessibility must be built into every stage of the process. This session highlights practical strategies for embedding accessibility into technology planning, procurement, design, and service delivery, while preparing for evolving ADA requirements and strengthening collaboration across stakeholders. Participants will learn how barriers are being reduced, trust is being improved, and access to services is being expanded for all individuals, regardless of ability.

Bridging IT and Operational Technology for a More Resilient Government

As government services become increasingly connected, technology leaders are finding that the systems they manage extend far beyond traditional IT. From water treatment facilities and transportation networks to corrections systems, public safety technologies and physical access controls, the convergence of IT and operational technology is creating new opportunities and new risks. This session will explore how government organizations are breaking down silos between technology, operations, facilities and security teams to strengthen resilience, improve governance and protect critical infrastructure. Learn practical strategies for managing cyber risk, securing interconnected systems and building a unified approach to safeguarding the essential services residents rely on every day.

Lunch

Bits and Bytes – The Power of Partnerships: Lessons from a Citywide Cyber Incident

In 2025, the City of Saint Paul confronted a major ransomware incident that disrupted critical municipal and public safety systems, including Emergency Communications infrastructure, CAD connectivity, Mobile Data Terminals, and internal operations such as payroll and permitting. In response, the City activated its Emergency Operations Center, executed a controlled network shutdown, and adopted a whole-of-government Incident Command approach, coordinating across emergency management, public safety, IT, state and federal partners, and the Minnesota National Guard Cyber Protection Team. This session highlights how leaders balanced threat containment with continuity of essential services under degraded conditions, emphasizing coordinated response, integration of external partners, and real-time intelligence sharing. The case study underscores how strong governance, trust, and pre-established partnerships enable communities to maintain operations when digital infrastructure is compromised.

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Learning from Incidents: Building Minnesota's Next Generation Cybersecurity Strategy

Cybersecurity is a team sport, and Minnesota is building a model for collaboration. Join leaders as they discuss how organizations are strengthening resilience through whole-of-state partnerships, threat intelligence sharing, managed detection and response services, and coordinated engagement with policymakers. From expanding access to security tools and expertise to improving information sharing and incident preparedness, this session will explore how Minnesota's public sector is working together to create a stronger cybersecurity ecosystem and better protect the critical services residents rely on every day.

Know Your Data, Protect Your Data, Use It Responsibly

As governments accelerate AI adoption, many are realizing that success depends on the quality, governance and protection of the data behind it. This session explores how public-sector organizations can strengthen data governance, improve data classification and labeling, implement effective data loss prevention (DLP) strategies, and address security, privacy and compliance requirements in an increasingly AI-driven environment. Hear practical lessons from government leaders on building the policies, processes and partnerships needed to protect sensitive information, reduce risk and prepare data for responsible, trustworthy AI use while enabling innovation and delivering better outcomes for constituents.

Communicating IT Value to Decision-Makers

Great technology ideas do not succeed on technical merit alone. Today's government IT leaders must clearly communicate value, align investments with organizational priorities and earn support from executives, budget leaders, elected officials and stakeholders. This session explores practical strategies for translating technology initiatives into business outcomes, communicating risk and opportunity, quantifying return on investment, and using data and storytelling to build compelling cases for cybersecurity, modernization, AI and digital services. Learn how to position IT as a strategic partner, gain buy-in for critical initiatives and secure the resources needed to move your organization forward.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: Jon Eichten, Commissioner and Chief Information Officer, Minnesota IT Services

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

General Session – Beyond Technology: Building Culture, Community and the Future Workforce

Government IT is ultimately about people. As agencies navigate AI, cybersecurity threats, modernization efforts and workforce transitions, success depends on building cultures where employees feel connected, valued and empowered to grow. In this closing conversation, public-sector leaders will share practical strategies for developing talent, creating pathways for future leaders, fostering inclusive and resilient teams, and helping employees adapt to change. Attendees will leave with ideas to strengthen workplace culture, build community across their organizations and ensure their people, not just their technology, are prepared for the future.

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

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

End of Conference

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