Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Opening Remarks

General Session - Bridging Technology and Business: A Conversation with Florida's Transportation Leaders

Join us for an insightful fireside chat with the CIO and Secretary of the Department of Transportation in Florida, as they discuss how technology and business strategies align to drive innovation and efficiency in transportation. They will explore the importance of collaboration between IT and business teams to meet the state's infrastructure goals. Gain valuable perspectives on how technology is shaping the future of transportation and public service.

Jared Perdue, Secretary, Florida Department of Transportation

Glendora Fortune, Chief Information Officer, Florida Department of Transportation

General Session

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Leadership in the Era of Emerging Technologies

True leadership in the fast-paced realm of IT leadership extends beyond mere awareness – it requires the ability to guide your teams adeptly through transformative periods. Are you equipped with the necessary skill sets to lead effectively amidst emerging technological challenges? This session offers unique perspectives on how to lead in this rapidly evolving technological landscape, balance risk with strategic decision making, and drive transformative change within your organization ensuring its readiness for tomorrow.

Bridging the Divide: Synergizing Business and IT

The synergy between Business and IT is more crucial in today’s digital landscape than ever. How do we ensure that technology initiatives are not just in sync but fully supportive of broader business objectives and priorities? What actionable steps can we take to enhance collaboration between business and IT stakeholders? In this session, we’ll delve into effective strategies for fostering strong partnership between the business and IT. Uncover the keys to cultivating collaboration, breaking down silos and fostering open communication channels to ensure a harmonious synergy between vision and execution.

From Team Member to Leader: Mastering the IT Leadership Transition

Transitioning from a technical role to a leadership position brings new challenges and opportunities. This session offers insights into developing the necessary leadership skills that go beyond technical knowledge. How do you leverage your tech background to create a unique leadership style? What are the most effective ways to communicate with non-technical stakeholders? How are others able to inspire and manage teams not only tactically, but for innovation and growth? In this session we will cover the essential skills and mindset changes required for tech professionals to thrive in leadership roles, ensuring they can effectively guide strategic decision-making transformation.

Lunch

Keynote – Courageous Conversations: How to Equip Yourself for Difficult Interactions

In today's rapidly evolving world, the ability to communicate effectively—especially in challenging situations—is the hallmark of exceptional leadership. As organizations navigate unprecedented change leaders must rise to the occasion, transforming potential conflicts into opportunities for growth and innovation. This dynamic keynote will revolutionize your approach to difficult conversations, equipping you with powerful strategies. Whether you're dealing with resistant team members, managing conflicting priorities, or bridging generational divides, this session will provide you with the tools to communicate courageously and effectively. Leave empowered to tackle your most daunting communication challenges, inspire your team through turbulent times, and drive positive change in your organization.

Dean Gialamas, Chief Leadership Officer and Keynote Speaker

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Leading Change + Risk Management

Change is hard but fearing it can cause our agencies to fall behind the times. How do we start looking at this differently, and lean into change being a positive part of innovation instead of something that leaves us vulnerable to risk? How do we manage our fear of failure as we grow in our leadership roles? Can we get out of the day-to-day tactical activities to make space to see the next big thing? Join this session to explore smart ways to lean into the uncomfortable world of making change.

Communication: Art of Storytelling

One of the most important parts of being a leader is the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at every level, including your team, your boss, elected officials, and even the media. As you get better at storytelling, you gain stronger relationships with every type of stakeholder. In IT specifically, stories can be an excellent way to connect with stakeholders and customers to help them see the benefit of the solutions you’re providing. How do you transform your thoughts and ideas into stories that grab your audience’s attention? Does this work with the population you serve, or the team you manage? This session will share tips on how to become a master storyteller and make your communication more impactful in all aspects of leadership, and life.

Future Proofing with a Solid Succession Plan

Identifying and nurturing talent within our teams is a critical function of leadership. Recognizing and cultivating emerging leaders is one piece of the puzzle, but how do we set them up for success? Have we spent enough time clearly defining the skill sets that emerging leaders will need to acquire to move into leadership when the next opportunity becomes available? This session will cover best practices for creating future leaders for our organizations.

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Interactive Networking Session

Awards

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.