Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Mark Wixon, Chief Information Officer, Bureau of Information and Technology, State of South Dakota

Keynote – The Power of TALK in an AI World

In a world where ChatGPT enables everyone to write like a Harvard graduate, the true power to stand out now lies in verbal communication. Unfortunately, many studies show that the fear of public speaking ranks higher than the fear of death, and those who struggle to talk in front of others will quickly find themselves and their organizations falling behind. Join Anthony Huey in this lively and thought-provoking keynote as he explores the power of verbal communication. Anthony helps his audience understand the importance of perception and how first impressions are primarily formed when we speak, whether in person, virtually, or on the phone.

Anthony Huey, President, Reputation Management, LLC

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

General Session – The AI Lifecycle: Balancing Adoption and Governance

Public agencies are under pressure to modernize while juggling finite resources. How can public sector IT teams embrace AI tools without creating new risks or governance gaps? This session explores practical, real-world uses of AI that streamline routine work while maintaining transparency, and accountability. Our panel will discuss how to evaluate automation opportunities, apply responsible AI principles, and build governance frameworks that scale.

Moderator: Neal Nachtigall, Director of Agency and Application Support, Bureau of Information and Technology, State of South Dakota

Jim Gilbert, Director of Information Technology, City of Rapid City

General Session – Modernization Priorities: Building a Sustainable Roadmap

Public sector IT teams are constantly working to modernize while balancing significant technical debt. How can leaders set clear modernization priorities, aligning with business goals while navigating the long-term financial impact of subscription-based technology solutions? This session breaks down how to assess technical debt, and how subscription model solutions reshape budgeting, forecasting, and lifecycle management.

Moderator: Wayne Hayden-Moreland, Director of Enterprise Platforms and Infrastructure, Bureau of Information and Technology, State of South Dakota

Lunch

Bits and Bytes

These two TED style talks will spotlight forward-thinking public-sector use cases designed to spark new ways of approaching your own project challenges.

Trent Nincehelser, BIT State Radio Manager, Public Safety Communications System

Short Break

General Session – Cybersecurity and Business Process: A Unified Workflow Approach

Public agencies are constantly working to strengthen their cybersecurity posture while navigating access control needs and process updates. How can organizations redesign business workflows, so they align with technical security requirements without slowing operations? This session examines how to bring business and cybersecurity workflows into unison to reinforce overall security strategy and streamline governance.

Moderator: Johnathan Hampe, Chief Information Security Officer, Bureau of Information and Technology, State of South Dakota

Paul Kern, Chief Information Security Officer, South Dakota State University

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: Mark Wixon, Chief Information Officer, Bureau of Information and Technology, State of South Dakota

General Session – Identity Management: Protecting Privacy and Public Trust

Identity management has become a critical challenge for public sector IT as every employee and constituent depends on secure, trusted digital identities. How can organizations protect privacy, maintain public confidence, and stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated identity-based scams? This session explores the growing risks in areas like retirement systems and unemployment insurance, where stolen identities are frequently exploited. Speakers will break down practical strategies for prevention, rapid response, and cross departmental coordination.

Gregory Dias, Director, Information Systems and Technology, Lawrence County

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Fireside Chat – Why is IT So Expensive?

IT leaders are frequently asked why technology costs so much, especially as expectations rise across agencies and legislative evaluation increases. This fireside chat brings together seasoned public sector technology leaders to unpack the real drivers behind IT expenses, from legacy systems and cybersecurity demands to workforce, procurement, and modernization. Attendees will gain clarity on how to set expectations, and advocate for thoughtful long-term investment.

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.