Alabama Digital Government Summit 2025 Banner

Overview

The Alabama Digital Government Summit is an event that brings together public sector leaders and technology professionals to explore innovative solutions to solve government problems. Key themes include cybersecurity, digital transformation, AI implementation, data governance, and fostering collaboration across multiple stakeholders. Attendees will benefit from expert discussions, peer networking, and insights into the future of government technology. Join us and let’s improve the future of government together!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

The power of meaningful collaboration, idea sharing, and networking simply cannot be overstated in today’s fast-paced world. This is true for any career field or industry, but especially so in state government information technology. IT professionals across all levels of state government must have opportunities to join together to exchange ideas, learn new strategies, and discuss shared challenges. This is why events like the Alabama Digital Government Summit are so important and impactful. The State of Alabama Office of Information Technology is proud to continue its partnership with Government Technology to present this exciting annual conference. I hope you will make plans to attend the 2025 Summit in Montgomery, Alabama on Thursday, November 13.

– Daniel Urquhart, Secretary of Information Technology, Chief Information Officer, State of Alabama

Speakers

Shawnee Delaney

Shawnee Delaney

Founder and CEO, Vaillance Group and Former Spy

Shawnee Delaney is the founder and CEO of Vaillance Group and a globally recognized expert in human risk management, insider threat, and security investigations. As a decorated former Clandestine Services Officer with nearly a decade at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), she conducted human intelligence (HUMINT) operations worldwide, including four combat zone tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, ultimately serving as both Detachment Chief and Supervisory Branch Chief. After leaving DIA, Shawnee supported the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in protecting U.S. critical infrastructure with the Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) before leading the creation of insider threat programs at Fortune 500 companies such as Uber and Merck Pharmaceuticals. Shawnee has advised nation-states, multinational corporations, and startups alike on preventing, detecting, and managing insider threats and continues to be a highly sought-after keynote speaker and consultant on insider threat, cybersecurity, and risk management. Her insights have been featured by The Financial Times, Fox Business, The Hill, USA Today, The Cipher Brief, Business Insider, Yahoo Finance and numerous international outlets. She holds master’s degrees in Counter-Terrorism & Counter-Proliferation and Cybersecurity and is currently completing a third in Industrial-Organizational Psychology.

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Keith Cousins

Keith Cousins

Executive Director, Business Execution, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

Keith Cousins serves as Executive Director of Business Execution for OIT where he leads the Business Relations (contracts, solicitations, and vendors), Enterprise Services (enterprise architecture, enterprise service management, and service catalog), Grants, and Programs and Projects.
Before OIT, Keith held executive and senior leadership positions in public and private companies including KinderCare, Movie Gallery, Hollywood Entertainment, AT&T Prime Communications, Aronov, Newton Oldacre McDonald, and Triton Management. Keith has keyman experience in federal government IT acquisitions and modernizations, business analysis, process improvement, lifecycle costing, and program control with Computer Sciences Corporation, MCR Federal, and Tecolote Research.

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Shannon Crane

Shannon Crane

Director, Medicaid Enterprise Systems, Alabama Medicaid Agency 

Shannon Crane is the Medicaid Enterprise Systems Director for the Alabama Medicaid Agency and leads the Alabama Medicaid Enterprise Systems Modernization Program (AMMP). The modernization effort will replace the current Medicaid Management Information System with a modern suite of systems where each module supports unique and separate business functions. She has a passion for working on large complex programs like AMMP where IT can truly make a difference in a client’s life. Since 2011, she has worked in various positions within the Agency gaining deep Medicaid knowledge specifically in claims, eligibility & enrollment, care management and provider management. Prior to healthcare, she had over 15 years of experience in senior program management implementing large solutions in the manufacturing and federal space.

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Sara Fenn

Sara Fenn

Director of Technology, Jefferson County School District

Sara Fenn is the Director of Technology for Jefferson County Schools, the second largest school district in Alabama. Sara has served in public education in Alabama for 18 years. Throughout this time, she’s served in multiple roles, including classroom teacher and school librarian before moving into district technology administration for the last eight years. She holds a masters in Instructional Leadership from Auburn University and a Master’s in Library and Information Science from the University of Alabama. Sara also serves on the board for the Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology as well as the Google Advisory Board for Alabama.

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Willie Fields

Willie Fields

Deputy Secretary, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama 

Willie Fields is Deputy Secretary for the Alabama Office of Information Technology (OIT). He joined OIT in 2021 as the Director of Network Engineering. Previously, Mr. Fields served as the CIO for the Alabama Department of Corrections. 
Before working with the state of Alabama, Mr. Fields served 22 years as a Cyberspace Operations Officer in the U.S. Air Force.
Education: MS in Administration and a Graduate Software Engineering Certificate from Central Michigan University; BS in Computer Science from the University of Alabama

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Ram Kandula

Ram Kandula

Chief Information Officer, Department of Mental Health, State of Alabama 

Ram Kandula is the Chief Information Officer with the Alabama Department of Mental Health. With over 18 years of experience in state government, Ram Kandula has been involved in numerous projects across various levels and has served as the CIO for two state agencies in Alabama. Throughout a distinguished career, he had been dedicated to driving technological innovations and enhancing operational efficiency.
As the CIO of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, Ram’s primary goal is to provide technology and innovation to ADMH Facilities and Staff. This involves equipping employees with the proper tools to offer seamless access to critical programs and services provided by the ADMH. Ram is passionate about solving complex problems and driving business success.

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Valisha Kirkland

Valisha Kirkland

State Business Systems Director, Department of Finance, State of Alabama 

Valisha Kirkland is the State Business Systems Director (SBS) within the Department of Finance for the State of Alabama. Kirkland earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science and accounting from Troy University.  She started her successful career as a Programmer Analyst with Regions Financial Corporation for a 10 year span.  She transitioned her career to accept a position with the State of Alabama as a project manager in 2007.  Since then, she has excelled in leadership positions as the IT Director of Pardons and Paroles and her current position at SBS. As Director for SBS, she manages and supports multiple State of Alabama applications some of which include accounting, personnel & payroll, and time & leave.

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Matthew Newman

Matthew Newman

Chief Data Officer, Law Enforcement Agency, State of Alabama

Matthew is a graduate of AUM with a major in Management Information Systems and a focus on Software Engineering.
He began his career doing Visual Basic programming and Access Database management for the university.
After joining the Department of Public Safety, he rose through the ranks from entry level Programmer in 2009, to Chief Data Officer for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency in 2023.
Matthew sets the road map for ALEA’s Network Operations and Application Development teams while keeping up with evolving information technology, digital assets, agency resources and business needs.
Though it’s been a long road from VB and Access through many different iterations of code and database tech, Matthew still holds to core Object Oriented design principles and champions a reusable and scalable approach to Application Development. In his role overseeing Network Operations, he ensures the robustness of ALEA's network infrastructure, optimizing performance, and ensuring security across the board.

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Don Pagel

Don Pagel LinkedIn

Senior Manager, Ernst & Young 

Don is an experienced transformational technology leader with over 30 years of experience with professional services, business turnarounds, business strategy, sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship.  One of Don’s responsibilities with EY is leading the EY UKG Practice Innovations team which develops AI tools and applications. Prior to joining EY, Don was a partner of Jubilant, LLC and owner of Pagel Consulting Group, LLC focusing on technology implementations in the healthcare space. He also spent 5 years at Kronos/UKG as the Vice President of Professional Services and Vice President of Global Strategic Partnerships.

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Gary D. Parker, JD

Gary D. Parker, JD

Chief Data Officer, Alabama Medicaid Agency

Mr. Parker has over 35 years of experience, at all levels of systems and policy design, development, implementation, and strategic planning, across both the public and private sectors. He began his public service career with State of Alabama in 2008 and has served in various administrative and leadership roles.
He is currently Alabama Medicaid’s Chief Data Officer, as well as the Director of Alabama’s HIE, One Health Record®. In these roles, his responsibilities are focused on formulating and guiding the Agency’s Health IT, Data Governance & Interoperability initiatives.

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Chad Smith

Chad Smith

Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama 

Chadwick Smith is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the State of Alabama, where he leads the State’s cybersecurity and privacy strategy with a mission to protect critical government infrastructure and sensitive data across diverse agencies and sectors.
Known for his ability to design and deliver cybersecurity initiatives with organizational goals, Smith brings over 25 years of public- and private-sector leadership experience in risk management, security operations, and digital transformation.
As CISO, Smith reports to the Secretary of Information Technology, Daniel Urquhart. He spearheads Alabama’s "whole-of-state" cybersecurity initiative, building frameworks that incorporate NIST standards while fostering collaboration across agencies and local government. His leadership spans cyber incident response, policy development, and regulatory compliance, and he frequently represents the State in federal dialogues on cybersecurity.
Prior to his current role, Smith held key technology and cybersecurity positions in banking, insurance, and global tech firms. At Cisco Systems, he spent 17 years advising Fortune 500 customers, working across verticals to design resilient architectures and develop cybersecurity programs. At Colonial Bank, he founded the bank’s first comprehensive information security program and served as regulatory liaison to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in Washington, D.C.
Throughout his career, Smith has consulted with industries ranging from finance and healthcare to manufacturing and law enforcement, applying business-aligned risk mitigation and secure system design. Notable projects include enhancing railroad emergency response systems, supporting real-time drone surveillance for law enforcement collaboration, and working with federal law enforcement on the apprehension of cyber adversaries.
A frequent speaker and trusted advisor, Smith has presented on cybersecurity topics to boardrooms, executive leadership teams, law makers, and industry groups. He has served on customer advisory boards for global technology companies, helping shape product roadmaps and market strategies. He actively serves on a non-profit board.

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Mason Tanaka

Mason Tanaka

Deputy Commissioner and Chief Information Officer, Alabama Medicaid Agency 

Mason Tanaka has over 43 years of IT experience ranging from computer operations to executive leadership. His diverse background includes 20 years with the US Air Force, 12 years with the commercial IT industry, and over 11 years with the State of Alabama. He currently serves as a Deputy Commissioner and Chief Information Officer for the Alabama Medicaid Agency, where he has held these positions since September 2017. His current portfolio of responsibilities include MES Modernization, Legacy MMIS Operations, HIE, EVV and E&E systems, Security/Project/Data Governance, IT Operations and Infrastructure, and Application Development.

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Agenda

Thursday, November 13

8:00 am Central

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

9:00 am Central

Opening Remarks

Daniel Urquhart, Secretary of Information Technology, Chief Information Officer, State of Alabama

9:15 am Central

General Session – IT State of the State

A distinguished panel of Alabama IT leaders will deliver rapid-fire lightning talks showcasing the latest advances driving digital transformation and business acceleration across the state. Topics include:

  • Legislative updates and their impact on key initiatives
  • The State of Alabama Network Segmentation Project
  • The Power Platform Application Factory
  • The Alabama Cybersecurity Information Center (ACIC) and its support for local government entities
  • This fast-paced session provides a concise, high-impact overview of Alabama’s most strategic technology efforts and their role in shaping a more secure, connected, and innovative future.

    Daniel Urquhart, Secretary of Information Technology, Chief Information Officer, State of Alabama

    Willie Fields, Deputy Secretary, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

    Chad Smith, Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

    9:45 am Central

    Keynote – The Human Factor: A Spy’s Guide to Social Engineering and Insider Threats

    This presentation will provide an overview on what the term "insider threat" actually encompasses, from unintentional acts to malicious acts, and everything in between. It will provide details and case studies on malicious insider acts, psychological motivations of a malicious actor, and the Critical Pathway. The Critical Pathway, as identified by Shaw and Sellers, explains how personal predispositions, stressors, and concerning behaviors can lead up to Insider Threat-like behaviors and/or malicious acts. Discover how human behavior, culture, and personal vulnerabilities can expose your organization to insider threats - and what you can do to strengthen your defenses.

    Shawnee Delaney, Founder and CEO, Vaillance Group

    10:45 am Central

    Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

    11:15 am Central

    Concurrent Sessions

    Preparing for AI: Practical Applications, Innovation & Risk

    As AI and emerging technologies evolve at a rapid pace, state and local governments must balance innovation with practicality, governance, and risk. This session explores real-world AI applications, governance considerations, and budget-conscious approaches to adoption. Attendees will gain insights into distinguishing hype from impactful use cases, strengthening governance, and successful approaches to implement emerging technologies while maintaining operational stability and public trust.

    Aaron Tripi, Chief Information Officer, Law Enforcement Agency, State of Alabama

    Doing More with Less: Effective Modernization Strategies

    Public-sector IT leaders are under increasing pressure to modernize systems with limited resources and budgets. This session will explore strategies to advance modernization in constrained environments, from stronger project management and streamlined development to effective systems integration. Discover how agencies are cutting costs, optimizing performance, and making effective build-versus-buy decisions to keep critical projects moving forward.

    Shannon Crane, Director, Medicaid Enterprise Systems, Alabama Medicaid Agency

    Beverly Floyd, Chief Information Officer, Rehabilitation Services, State of Alabama

    Alberick Manners, Senior Programmer Analyst, Department of Transportation, State of Alabama

    Future-Ready Workforce

    As the nature of work evolves rapidly, government IT organizations must proactively prepare their workforce by identifying skill gaps and developing targeted upskilling strategies that support employees across diverse experience levels. This session will explore workforce planning tools, effective training methods, and strategies to ensure readiness for ongoing technological change, including the new skills required in an era of AI. Learn how to build a resilient, future-ready workforce equipped to meet the demands of modern public service and adapt to emerging challenges.

    From Fragmentation to Standardization: Strengthening the IT Enterprise

    Government organizations often struggle with fragmented systems, siloed services, and overlapping technologies that create complexity, inefficiency, and security risks. This session will examine how standardization – through shared services, enterprise platforms, and stronger governance – can improve efficiency, strengthen security, and reduce duplication. Attendees will also explore practical strategies for implementing enterprise platforms and balancing shared versus specialized services to build a more secure, streamlined IT environment.

    Moderator: Keith Cousins, Executive Director of Business Execution, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

    Sara Fenn, Director of Technology, Jefferson County School District

    12:15 pm Central

    Lunch

    12:55 pm Central

    Bits and Bytes - Cyber Resources Unlocked: Tools, Funding, and Strategies for Success

    Fortify your organization’s cybersecurity posture in this dynamic, information-packed session! Whether you’re a municipality or state agency, discover how to access and leverage available resources and grant funding for programs, training, and risk assessments. Gain practical strategies to strengthen cyber maturity, foster collaboration, and stay ahead of evolving threats with actionable insights your team can implement right away.

    Lori Minton, Grants Administrator, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

    Larry Prestwood, Director, Enterprise Services, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

    1:25 pm Central

    Short Break

    Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

    1:30 pm Central

    Concurrent Sessions

    Data Strategy in Action

    Public-sector organizations increasingly recognize the power of data to improve decision-making and service delivery, yet many still struggle to unlock its full potential. How can fragmented government data be transformed into connected intelligence that drives better decisions, improves citizen services, and creates transparent, accountable governance? This session will explore data management strategies, including data readiness for AI and emerging technologies, strong data protection and quality practices, and effective approaches across the data lifecycle. Learn best practices for making data more manageable, discoverable, and actionable to drive meaningful impact.

    Moderator: Gary Parker, Chief Data Officer, Data Governance Office, Alabama Medicaid Agency

    Srinivas Javangula, Director – Data and Research, Department of Education, State of Alabama

    Matthew Newman, Chief Data Officer, Law Enforcement Agency, State of Alabama

    Aaron Wright, Director of Application Development, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

    Organizational Transformation: Balancing Innovation and Change

    True transformation goes beyond adopting new technologies – it requires a culture ready to adapt, innovate, and grow. This session will explore strategies for fostering innovation, overcoming resistance, communicating change across all levels of the organization, and ensuring accountability. Attendees will gain practical tactics to help teams and business units navigate the evolving landscape of IT change management, leveraging people, processes, and technology to drive adoption and build flexible, resilient organizations.

    Valisha Kirkland, State Business Systems Director, Department of Finance, State of Alabama

    Don Pagel, Senior Manager, Ernst & Young

    Low Code, No Code and You

    Low-code and no-code tools are transforming how applications are built, speeding delivery while reducing development barriers. Each approach has advantages and limitations depending on project scope, customization needs, organizational capacity, and most importantly, the business problem the application is meant to solve. This session will explore how to evaluate low-code and no-code options to determine which approach, or combination, is best suited to your organization’s needs.

    Lauryn Haynie, Programmer Analyst, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

    Ram Kandula, Chief Information Officer, Department of Mental Health, State of Alabama

    Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

    Hosted by:

    Keith Cousins, Executive Director of Business Execution, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

    Willie Fields, Deputy Secretary, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

    Chad Smith, Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Information Technology, State of Alabama

    Daniel Urquhart, Secretary of Information Technology, Chief Information Officer, State of Alabama

    2:30 pm Central

    Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

    3:00 pm Central

    General Session - Alabama Medicaid’s Modernization Program: From Vision to Reality

    Modernizing and integrating an agency’s IT enterprise is a complex effort requiring careful planning, governance, and execution to align systems with business goals and deliver a seamless user experience. The Alabama Medicaid Agency will share its multi-year journey to modernize its Medicaid Enterprise Systems (MES), highlighting organizational readiness, governance, enterprise architecture, certification, procurement, technical design, change management, and the use of AI to drive efficiency. Get an inside look at the strategies, processes, and solutions that transformed this vision into reality!

    Mason Tanaka, Deputy Commissioner and Chief Information Officer, Alabama Medicaid Agency

    3:45 pm Central

    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 harness these advancements while ensuring transparency, control, and alignment with human 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.

    Bryan Langley, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

    4:15 pm Central

    Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

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

    4:45 pm Central

    End of Conference

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

    Embassy Suites by Hilton Montgomery

    300 Tallapoosa Street
    Montgomery, AL 36104
    (757) 508-9889

    Get Directions To
    Embassy Suites by Hilton Montgomery

    Advisory Board

    Government Representatives

    Terence Burke
    Chief Information Officer, Computer Services Bureau
    Department of Transportation
    State of Alabama

    Bryon Campbell, PhD
    Chief Information Officer/Chief Information Security Officer
    Madison County Commission
    Madison County

    Laura Howell Crowder
    General Counsel
    Office of Information Technology
    State of Alabama

    John Demas
    Chief Information Officer
    Department of Corrections
    State of Alabama

    Mark Dokas
    Director of Information Technology
    Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
    State of Alabama

    Matt Dyar
    Information Technology Division Director
    Department of Revenue
    State of Alabama

    Emily Elam
    Chief Information Officer
    Huntsville City Schools

    Sara Fenn
    Director of Technology
    Jefferson County Schools

    Willie Fields
    Deputy Secretary
    Office of Information Technology
    State of Alabama

    Beverly Floyd
    Chief Information Officer
    Rehabilitation Services
    State of Alabama

    Jeb Hargrove
    Chief Information Officer
    Emergency Management
    State of Alabama

    Patrick Johnson
    IT Director
    City of Alabaster

    Ram Kandula
    Chief Information Officer
    Department of Mental Health
    State of Alabama

    Scott Kearney
    Chief Technology Officer
    Information Technology
    City of Mobile

    Nikki Kerns
    IT Director
    Information Technology
    City of Dothan

    Taylor Nichols
    General Counsel
    Department of Finance
    State of Alabama

    Tony Porterfield
    Director of Information Technology
    City of Montgomery

    Michael Powell
    Chief Technology Officer
    Montgomery Public Schools

    Greg Price
    Vice-Chancellor Information Technology
    Office of Information Technology
    Troy University

    William Roberson
    Assistant Bureau Chief, Computer Services Bureau
    Department of Transportation
    State of Alabama

    Mark Skelton
    Director, Technical Support
    Department of Public Health
    State of Alabama

    Chad Smith
    Chief Information Security Officer
    Office of Information Technology
    State of Alabama

    Mason Tanaka
    Deputy Commissioner and Chief Information Officer
    State of Alabama
    Medicaid Agency

    Keisha Thomas
    Information Technology Director
    Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
    State of Alabama

    Lisa Townsend
    Chief Information Officer
    Department of Human Resources
    State of Alabama

    Aaron Tripi
    Chief Information Officer
    Law Enforcement Agency
    State of Alabama

    Daniel Urquhart
    Secretary of Information Technology, Chief Information Officer
    Office of Information Technology
    State of Alabama

    Mike Vanhook
    Information Technology Chief
    Department of Economic and Community Affairs
    State of Alabama

    Jeremy Ward
    Director of Communications
    Office of Information Technology
    State of Alabama

    Industry Representatives

    Tony Godwin
    Account Manager
    Select Sales
    C Spire

    Brian Mccoun
    Technology Sales Leader
    IBM Corporation

    Philip Robertson
    Major Account Manager
    Fortinet

    Registration Information / Contact Us

    Event Date: November 13, 2025

    Open to Public Sector only.

    Registration - Free

    If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.

    This event is open to all individuals who meet the eligibility criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.

    Contact Information

    Need help registering, or have general event questions? Contact:

    Sherri Tidwell
    Government Technology
    A division of e.Republic
    Phone: (916) 932-1382
    E-mail: stidwell@erepublic.com

    Already a sponsor, but need a hand? Reach out to:

    Mireya Gaton
    Government Technology
    A Division of e.Republic
    Phone: (916) 296-2617
    E-mail: mgaton@erepublic.com

    Want to sponsor and stand out? Reach out to explore opportunities!

    Heather Earney
    Government Technology
    A Division of e.Republic
    Phone: (916) 365-2308
    E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com

    Venue

    Embassy Suites by Hilton Montgomery

    300 Tallapoosa Street
    Montgomery, AL 36104
    (757) 508-9889

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    Room Block

    Room Rate: $189 per night, single or double.
    Rate Cut-Off Date: Monday, October 13, 2025.
    To Make a Reservation:
    Phone: (334) 269-5055and reference Alabama Digital Government Summit.
    Online: Group Reservation Link
    If you experience issues booking online, call the hotel directly for assistance.

    Rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note, once the room block is full, you will need to make other arrangements for your accommodations with the hotel directly or at a nearby hotel.

    Map and Directions

    https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mgmeses-embassy-suites-montgomery-hotel-and-conference-center/hotel-location/

    Event Parking

    Self-parking: $25 per day
    Room Block Discounted Rate: $20 per day

    Parking fees subject to change without notice.