Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Shawnzia A. Thomas, State Chief Information Officer & Executive Director, Georgia Technology Authority

Keynote – Find Your Fight: Innovating When the Odds Are Against You

In moments when challenges feel insurmountable, and the odds are stacked against us, how do we find the will to fight—and win? In this powerful and energizing talk, Jessica O. Matthews shares how the most groundbreaking innovations often emerge from struggle, uncertainty, and adversity. Drawing from her journey as a pioneering entrepreneur and inventor, Jessica explores how resilience, creativity, and relentless problem-solving can transform even the toughest setbacks into opportunities for impact and growth. This session will help you reframe challenges as opportunities for breakthrough innovation, develop resilience during moments of struggle, and uncover determination to keep fighting for transformative solutions.

Jessica O. Matthews, CEO of Uncharted, Innovator and Social Entrepreneur, Trailblazing Energy Advocate

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Building the SafetyNet for Cybersecurity Readiness

Cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it essential for agencies to establish a proactive and resilient cybersecurity safety net. Is your agency struggling to protect mission-critical systems with limited resources? Learn how to align risk assessments, cyber insurance, workforce training, and secure infrastructure into a cohesive and effective cybersecurity strategy.

Laying the Groundwork for AI with Data

AI is only as effective as the data behind it. For public sector organizations, unlocking the potential of data requires more than just access; it demands trust, governance, and alignment. This session explores how to improve data quality, accessibility, and integrity while laying the groundwork for responsible AI adoption. Gain insights on aligning your data strategy with innovation, navigating digital readiness, and applying responsible data practices. Through discussions and real-world examples, we'll look at how to protect sensitive information, use data ethically, and deliver better outcomes for communities.

Knowledge Management and the Changing Workforce

As seasoned public sector professionals retire and workforce dynamics shift, governments face a critical challenge: preserving institutional knowledge before it is lost. Struggling with knowledge loss or leadership gaps? Learn how to create systems that capture and transfer expertise. In this session you will walk away with practical strategies to future-proof your agency’s knowledge and strengthen continuity across generations.

Doing More with Less to Transform the Digital Structure

In today’s public sector, agencies are expected to deliver more with fewer resources, without sacrificing service or security. Automation, cloud technologies, and digital tools can streamline operations, reduce costs, and spark innovation across departments. Are you looking for ways to modernize your technology without overextending your team or budget? We will explore practical strategies for rethinking infrastructure and driving smarter digital transformation.

Lunch

Technology Innovation Showcase Awards

Peer Power Problem-Solving Roundtable

Now it’s your turn. Join fellow attendees in a dynamic, peer-to-peer roundtable discussion where we will turn insights into action. These small group conversations will focus on real challenges, shared strategies, and practical solutions drawn from the day’s sessions. Bring your questions, ideas, and lessons learned - then leave with fresh perspectives and tools you can take back to your team

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Understanding the Data Lifecycle

Every piece of data has a journey from creation and storage to usage, retention, and disposal, and managing that journey is key to operational success. How do you build a sustainable data lifecycle strategy that balances governance, privacy, accessibility, and security, especially with limited resources? Explore the essential stages of data management, from classification to clean-up, and learn how to get your teams aligned around innovative, responsible data practices.

Modernizing Policies & Processes to clear the clutter

Outdated policies and inefficient processes can slow down innovation just as much as legacy technology. As agencies evolve, it's critical to rethink the frameworks guiding operations better to support modern tools, workflows, and service delivery and feeling buried under layers of outdated rules and red tape? Learn how to identify what’s obsolete, eliminate redundancies, and adopt streamlined, agile approaches that align with today’s digital government goals.

Smart Government Starts with the Citizen

Modern government isn’t just about technology; it’s about people. Building more innovative and responsive public services begins with understanding citizen needs and earning their trust. How can agencies use innovative tools and strategies to improve accessibility, transparency, and engagement? Explore how to design services with the citizen at the center, fostering stronger connections and delivering outcomes that matter.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by:

Shawnzia A. Thomas, State Chief Information Officer & Executive Director, Georgia Technology Authority

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

General Session: Cybersecurity as the Last Word: The Risks You Can’t Ignore

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue; it’s a business risk, a leadership priority, and a challenge to public trust. As threats become more complex, agencies must move beyond the basics and confront the tough questions: What remains vulnerable? What are we not seeing? What’s the cost of doing nothing? Together, we will explore how cyber risk impacts operations, reputation, and resilience and why it necessitates action, not avoidance.

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.