Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Opening Remarks

Sindhu Menon, Executive Director/Chief Information Officer, Harris County Universal Services

Keynote – Transform Adversity into Advantage: How to Conquer Life's Hurdles

The world has become more complex, and the challenges are more significant than ever. Adopting a “new normal mindset” is necessary to empower your team to navigate the challenges and opportunities through a contextual model to overcome adversity. How will you manage uncertainty? Is your team ready to embrace change? This session will provide a robust and interactive message of resilience and perseverance that will inspire you to see change as an opportunity for growth.

John Register, Inspirational and Motivational Speaker, Author, and Two-Time Paralympic Silver Medalist

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Practical AI in the Public Sector – Cost, ROI, and Innovation

Exploring AI in the public sector can be challenging, especially when balancing policies and governance. This session features panelists role-playing how to handle an AI request—evaluating feasibility, costs, and ROI with stakeholders. We’ll share real-world examples showing how AI can boost efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver measurable results. Learn how strategic planning and creativity can drive AI innovation while ensuring financial responsibility and policy compliance.

Effective Data Governance: Finding the Right Balance

A successful data journey requires innovative policies and strategies at every step. Governance provides essential guardrails to keep us on track, but excessive control can hinder agility, while insufficient control can lead to chaos. Effective governance ensures the appropriate level of oversight—balancing security, compliance, and data quality with flexibility and innovation. This session explores the most critical factors in developing or refining a data governance model, helping you establish policies that support data collection, retention, security, and usability without unnecessary constraints.

Bridging the Divide: Advancing Digital Equity and Accessibility for All!

Digital equity and inclusion encompass more than just connectivity. Broadband access constitutes only one aspect of the equation. Issues of equitable use and accessibility also play crucial roles. What actions will governments take to create comprehensive engagement opportunities for everyone? How will technologies support this effort? How can we ensure that these technologies are accessible? This session offers foundational knowledge on advancing digital equity and accessibility while highlighting the significant work being done in Harris County to enhance the equitable use of technology.

Newsflash: We’re Not Immortal!

Identifying the next generation of leaders while making space at the table for veterans and talent from the private sector has added new dimensions to the skill set required of technology leaders. Are there innovative methods to recruit and retain talent? How can we transform our approach to succession planning and the development of future leaders? How do we promote diversity and prepare a workforce ready for AI? This session examines essential leadership strategies for empowering teams and preparing for the future in every government organization.

Lunch

Bits and Bytes – Driving the Future: Sustainability and Electric Vehicles in Harris County

As technology and sustainability converge, Harris County is at the forefront of adopting electric vehicles (EVs) and green initiatives to create a cleaner, more efficient future. Public service IT professionals support the necessary infrastructure, data management, and innovative technologies that drive these sustainability efforts. This session delves into Harris County’s EV programs, sustainability strategies, and the technology that underpins them. Discover how IT innovation promotes energy efficiency, lowers carbon footprints, and enhances public services while striving for a brighter, more sustainable future for the community.

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Envisioning the Future of Technology

We can’t afford to be complacent when technological advancements have the potential to drive meaningful and positive change for everyone. Emerging technologies like LLMs and quantum computing will play a significant role in the public sector for the foreseeable future. But how do we prepare our people, our systems, and our imaginations to utilize and implement what is new? This session illustrates current use cases as well as potential applications for exciting technology in government!

You Must Plan It: Ensuring Continuity of Operations in the Face of Hurricanes and Public Safety Threats

In today’s unpredictable world, the seamless operation of government services is crucial—especially when public safety hangs in the balance. Hurricanes, natural disasters, and cyber threats present significant risks to critical digital infrastructure and data, making resilience planning more vital than ever. Public sector organizations must actively collaborate to protect essential services, ensuring that communities stay safe and supported during crises. This session offers a thorough examination of continuity of operations plans, focusing on strategies for hurricane preparedness, emergency response coordination, and IT disaster recovery to uphold public safety and operational stability.

Improving You and Your Team: Professional Development and IT Skills of the Future

Effective leadership is often assessed by how well one prepares others to lead. Are we doing enough to assist emerging leaders in understanding the significance of soft skills, like storytelling, to secure funding for new technology or extra personnel? How are we performing in fostering a culture that improves employee retention? What are the essential skills that up-and-coming IT professionals in the public sector must develop to lead effectively? This panel will discuss practical strategies for identifying emerging leaders while offering support and space for mutual growth.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by:Sindhu Menon, Executive Director/Chief Information Officer, Harris County Universal Services

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

General Session - Government Experience Through the AI Looking Glass: It is All About the People!

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the public sector workforce, driving efficiency, enhancing decision-making, and redefining job roles. As government agencies increasingly adopt AI-driven tools and automation, the challenge is not just about implementation but workforce optimization, human-AI collaboration, and delivering a modern constituent-centric government experience. This session will explore strategies for integrating AI into government operations while ensuring a resilient, adaptable workforce is there to serve. It will also highlight how AI and data-driven personalization revolutionize government service delivery, improve constituent interactions, and set new standards for public sector engagement.

Phil Bertolini, Chief Delivery Officer, Government Technology

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

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

End of Conference

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