Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Digital Government Summit 2026
Overview
The Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Digital Government Summit is where innovation meets impact!
Bringing together the brightest minds in state and local government, this summit empowers public-sector leaders to explore cutting-edge technologies, modernize operations, and solve pressing challenges. From cybersecurity and AI to data governance and digital service delivery, sessions are designed to spark insight, foster collaboration, and accelerate real-world results. Whether you're shaping strategy or implementing solutions, the Summit delivers valuable peer connections and actionable guidance to help move your mission forward.
I am excited to welcome everyone to this year’s Dallas/Ft. Worth Regional Digital Government Summit! This summit brings together an impressive community of public-sector leaders dedicated to improving government services through innovative technology. I look forward to exchanging ideas, exploring emerging technologies and building partnerships across the region with a shared purpose of empowering government to better serve our communities.
- Jeffrey Stovall, Chief Information Officer, City of Dallas
Speakers
Agenda
Thursday, October 15 |
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8:00 am Central |
Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area |
9:00 am Central |
Welcome and Opening RemarksKeshnel Penny, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology, City of Grand Prairie |
9:15 am Central |
The Power of TALK in an AI WorldIn 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 audiences 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 CSP, President, Reputation Management, LLC |
10:15 am Central |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaRefuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of Recharge Break Sponsor: Red Hat, Inc. |
10:45 am Central |
General Session – Practical AI Use Cases from Across North TexasAI discussions have moved beyond policy and experimentation. Technology leaders from cities, counties, school districts and higher education will share real projects producing measurable value—from virtual assistants and document processing to computer vision, anomaly detection, and workflow automation. Speakers will discuss where AI is working…or where traditional automation or RPA remains the better choice…and how they evaluate business requests before selecting a technology.
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10:45 am Central |
Exclusive Briefing for Industry PartnersHosted by: Jeffrey Stovall, Chief Information Officer, Information and Technology Services, City of Dallas |
11:45 am Central |
Short Break |
11:55 pm Central |
Fireside Chat – The FIFA Effect: Building a More Connected North TexasMajor international events test a region’s technology, transportation, cybersecurity, communications, and emergency-response capabilities in unprecedented ways. Public safety, operational, and technology leaders will share what worked during FIFA, what surprised them, and what the experience revealed about the region’s readiness. The conversation will explore cross-jurisdictional coordination, drones and cameras, real-time information sharing, transit, emergency communications, and the partnerships that enabled regional operations—along with investments and practices that should continue long after the event.
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12:30 pm Central |
Lunch and Roundtable DiscussionDuring lunch, attendees will have the option to engage in open, candid conversations around the topic of workforce. Multiple tables will allow participants to engage in discussions of the issue most relevant to them: building talent pipelines, expanding internships, developing AI/cybersecurity skills, partnering with educational institutions, and competing more effectively with the public sector.
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1:30 pm Central |
Lightning Talk – Beyond Service Delivery: Strengthening the IT-Business PartnershipSaaS platforms have shifted the traditional relationship between IT and business leaders from a “service desk” model to a more collaborative partnership…even while no-code, low-code and vibe-coding capabilities now empower departments to build solutions in new ways. In this engaging discussion, an IT leader and a departmental partner discuss their evolving relationship and how they focused on shared priorities, stronger governance and joint ownership of outcomes to deliver better outcomes for both government employees and the communities they serve.
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2:00 pm Central |
General Session – Modernizing Government in a Revenue-Constrained EnvironmentFinancial constraints are forcing North Texas governments to make difficult choices about technology investment. Regional CIOs will discuss how they are prioritizing portfolios, reducing duplication, managing technical debt, and demonstrating measurable value. Through specific examples, speakers will examine what they chose to fund, defer, redesign, share, consolidate, or stop—and how they are continuing to improve constituent services while maintaining fiscal discipline.
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3:00 pm Central |
Networking Break in the Exhibit AreaRefuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of Recharge Break Sponsor: Red Hat, Inc. |
3:30 pm Central |
Featured Speaker – Strengthening Regional Cyber ResilienceThe creation of the Texas Cyber Command marks a new chapter in the state’s approach to cybersecurity. Join a conversation about their mission, developing capabilities and vision for working with cities, counties, K–12 districts, higher education and critical-infrastructure organizations. Attendees will gain an understanding of how local organizations can create regional partnerships to strengthen cyber resilience across North Texas.
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4:00 pm Central |
Networking Reception in the Exhibit AreaNetwork with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
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4:30 pm Central |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.
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Grand Prairie Events & Convention Center
2925 State Highway 161
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
(682) 428-7311
Grand Prairie Events & Convention Center
Advisory Board
Government Representatives
Bryce Carter
Chief Information Security Officer
Information Technology
City of Arlington
Tanishia Dorsey
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Information and Technology Services
City of Dallas
Kevin Gunn
Chief Technology Officer
City of Fort Worth
Melissa Kraft
Chief Information Officer
City of Frisco
Enrique Martinez
Chief Technology Officer
Information Technology
City of Arlington
Eric Matthews
Chief Information Officer
City of Allen
Taylor Moody
Chief of Staff, Strategic Operations
Information and Technology Services
City of Dallas
Deborah Moore
IT Manager
Software Services
City of Arlington
Cheryl Nifong
Chief Information Security Officer
University of Texas at Arlington
Keshnel Penny
Chief Information Officer
Grand Prairie
Massimo Scicali
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Dallas County
Jeffrey Stovall
Chief Information Officer
Information and Technology Services
City of Dallas
Justine Tran
Chief Information Officer
Office of Information Technology
Dallas County
Sallie Trotter
Deputy Chief Technology Officer
City of Fort Worth
Roger Wright
Chief Information Officer
City of Plano
Registration Information / Contact Us
Event Date: October 15, 2026
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:
Isabel McKee
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-0722
E-mail: imckee@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