Opening Reception

Registration / Continental Breakfast

Welcome and Introductions

Phil Bertolini, Chief Delivery Officer, e.Republic

Teri Takai, Chief Programs Officer, Center for Digital Government

CEO Update

Cathilea Robinett, Chief Executive Officer, e.Republic

What’s Next in Government Budgets

This informative session will dig into the future of government budgets and the evolving technology landscape for 2026. Drawing from e.Republic’s extensive research, the session will examine state and local technology priorities, budget forecasts and technology spending across six key verticals – Health and Human Services; Finance and Administration; Justice and Public Safety; Transportation; Utilities and Environment; and Housing. It will provide insights into how budget increases and federal funding are being allocated – and how your company can take advantage of it!

Rachel Eckert, Director of Market Intelligence, e.Republic

Joe Morris, Chief Innovation Officer, e.Republic

Break

City Government Challenges

City government CIOs are on the front line, providing services that constituents see first. CIOs from city governments will discuss the latest technology issues impacting their organizations. Often, there are no easy answers, but the discussion always bears food for thought. This session will be no different. As city governments drive civic innovation, the CIO must become a leader to drive innovative and creative business solutions to meet constituent expectations.

Moderator: Phil Bertolini, Chief Delivery Officer, e.Republic

Cybersecurity Collaboration - What Is Working Across Government?

Cybersecurity continues to top every priority list – whether state, city or county. With new funding sources, the ability to develop a whole of state approach is becoming a reality. But the technology landscape is changing – AI is helping and challenging the cybersecurity architectures and threat landscape. The buzzwords and accompanying technologies make it hard to keep up. This session will explore how state, city and county CISOs are navigating the future.

Moderator: Teri Takai, Chief Programs Officer, Center for Digital Government

SLEDie Awards: Industry Go-to-Market Excellence Awards in SLED

We are pleased to present our awards program recognizing leading state and local marketing campaigns and go-to-market best practices. This program surfaces the most innovative and top-performing initiatives across all e.Republic channels and brands.

Angela Fultz-Nordstrom, Vice President of Customer Success, e.Republic

Heidi Lorenzen, Chief Content Officer, e.Republic

Networking Lunch

County Government Challenges

County governments have the challenge of working collaboratively with both cities and the state. The services that they provide vary from county to county, but the issues and challenges remain the same. CIOs from county governments will discuss the latest technology issues impacting their organizations. As county governments continue to drive forward with innovative and creative solutions, the CIOs must be prepared to meet ever-changing constituent expectations.

Moderator: Phil Bertolini, Chief Delivery Officer, e.Republic

The Mind of the State CIO

CIOs from state governments will discuss relationships, technology budgeting and funding as they navigate the fast pace of technology. They will focus on how to work with funding bodies like legislatures and commissions, as well as the relationships that must be built for success. With increased budgets, federal funding, expanded expectations and the staffing shortage, CIOs are driving forward to a digital future for their states.

Moderator: Teri Takai, Chief Programs Officer, Center for Digital Government

Break

Proven Best Practices for Successful Sales and Marketing to State and Local Government

This session will put into practical context the discussions of the day and reveal actionable findings from the Center for Digital Government’s 2026 Government Contractors Report — to help you best position your sales and marketing for success in the year ahead.

Rachel Eckert, Director of Market Intelligence, e.Republic

Heidi Lorenzen, Chief Content Officer, e.Republic

Driving the Technology Agenda Across Government

To achieve efficiency and effectiveness of technology in government requires a close collaboration and shared vision between technology leaders and the government organizations that they serve. This session will explore the key policy objectives across city, county and state government leaders and how their technology leaders are partnering with Executive, Legislative and Department leadership to drive government forward.

Moderator: Steve Towns, Vice President of Content Strategy, e.Republic

Closing Remarks

Phil Bertolini, Chief Delivery Officer, e.Republic

Teri Takai, Chief Programs Officer, Center for Digital Government

Closing Reception

Participants will have a unique opportunity to network with industry colleagues and panelists.

Adjourn

Conference times, agenda and speakers are subject to change.