Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

2nd Floor Atrium

Opening Remarks

Room 208 (Auditorium)

Keynote - Debrief to Win: Building Teams that Succeed in Disruption

Room 208 (Auditorium)

In times of turbulence and disruption, even the best teams can struggle to stay focused, aligned, and accountable. Overcoming these challenges requires a shift in mindset and the right leadership tools to create resilient, high-performing teams. Learn from a former U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School ("Top Gun") instructor how elite military teams succeed by centering on a shared mission, driving purpose, and embracing accountability as a path to growth, not blame. Walk away with actionable strategies and inspiring insights to help your teams thrive under pressure and achieve lasting success.

Robert “Shark” Garland, Speaker, Author, Elite Fighter Pilot, Inventor, Vmax Group

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

2nd Floor Atrium

Concurrent Sessions

Leadership in Action for Emerging Technologies

Room 103

Future-ready government requires more than adopting the latest technology. It also means preparing people and processes to thrive in a changing landscape. This session will explore how to empower leaders, train teams, and put the right policies and procedures in place to ensure new technologies are implemented responsibly and effectively. Attendees will walk away with strategies to build resilient, future-focused organizations that can adapt and innovate with confidence.

Moderator: Barry Condrey, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Jackie Schaffer, Deputy State Chief Data Officer, Florida Digital Service, Office of Data Management

Managing Risk to Unlock Innovation in Government IT

Room 101

Balancing risk with innovation is one of the toughest challenges facing public sector IT leaders today. This session explores how Proofs of Concept (POCs) and pilot programs can safely test emerging technologies while assessing and managing potential risks. Attendees will walk away with strategies to foster innovation responsibly, ensuring new solutions are both transformative and resilient for their agencies.

Moderator: Jessica Byerly, Senior National Conference Director, Government Technology

Kenneth Kicia, Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology, Florida Department of Corrections

Wes Withrow, Senior Client Partner, Cybersecurity Solutions, Verizon

Next in Line: Cultivating Emerging Leaders

Room 201

Great IT leadership doesn’t happen by chance; it is intentionally cultivated. This session explores how to identify emerging leaders and create opportunities for their growth through career development, strategic team dynamics and mentorship. Learn how to build confidence in future leaders, leverage their strengths, and create a culture that fosters leadership at all levels.

Moderator: Joseph Martin, Chief Information Officer, Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Coleman L. Ayers, Chief Information Officer, Office of Information Technology, Florida Gaming Control Commission

Joseph Grabowski, Application Design & Support Process Manager, Department of Legal Affairs, Information Technology, Office of the Attorney General James Utheier

Joseph L. Hornsby, Director, Information Technology Services, Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Lunch

Room 208 (Auditorium)

General Session: The Future of Public Sector CIOs

Room 208 (Auditorium)

The role of the CIO is rapidly evolving from a technology manager to a strategic leader who drives organizational success. Today’s public sector CIOs must collaborate closely with business leaders to align technology investments with agency missions, while also navigating budgeting processes and Legislative Budget Requests (LBRs). This session will highlight how CIOs can strengthen partnerships, influence decision-making, and position IT as a catalyst for innovation and value in government.

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

The True Cost of AI in Government

Room 103

Implementing AI in government comes with hidden costs that extend beyond technology, including training, governance, and change management. While tools like low-code platforms and AI-powered assistants can speed up analyst work and streamline routine tasks, other areas may not see the same time savings due to complexity and oversight needs. This session will help IT leaders understand where AI truly delivers value and where expectations must be managed for sustainable success.

Expanding the IT Talent Pool

Room 101

To meet the needs of an evolving workforce, government must draw from diverse talent sources to build strong teams. This session will highlight strategies for attracting skilled professionals, while leveraging apprenticeships and internships to grow the next generation of IT talent. Learn how to create an inclusive recruiting approach that makes your organization a top choice for tech professionals.

Moderator: Robin Jordan, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Division of Technology, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Andrew Brown, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Florida Lottery

Bill Hunkapiller, Chief Information Security Officer, Florida State University

Bobby Sprinkle, Chief Technology Officer, Florida State University

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

2nd Floor Atrium

General Session – The Government Experience Revolution – Reimagining Personalized Government Delivery

Room 208 (Auditorium)

Constituents today expect the same level of seamless, personalized service from government that they receive in the private sector. The Government Experience Revolution is transforming how agencies deliver services - moving from one-size-fits-all approaches to data-driven, user-centric experiences. This session, presented by the Center for Digital Government, will explore how governments are leveraging AI, digital identity, and advanced analytics to anticipate citizen needs, streamline interactions, and build trust through personalization.

Barry Condrey, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

2nd Floor Atrium

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

End of Conference

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