Idaho Digital Government Summit 2024 Banner

Overview

The Digital Government Summit brings together technology focused public-sector professionals with leading industry partners to connect on innovative approaches, get inspired and discover new technologies. Join us and let’s improve the future of government together!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

The ability to provide cutting edge service, security, and technological enhancements is more important than ever for our Idaho customers, including agency and government partners at every level. The Digital Government Summit is intended to elevate this conversation among our peers, with a focus on education, engagement, and solution-focused opportunities. I look forward to seeing you in September!

- Alberto Gonzalez, Chief Information Officer, State of Idaho

Speakers

Sharon Gai

Sharon Gai

Keynote Speaker and Author

Sharon Gai is an international female keynote speaker for corporations, associations and the public sector. Using her unique background from the east and west, she works with leaders worldwide to understand how to adopt AI into their workflows to increase productivity and efficiency. In her tenure at Alibaba, she advised brands and heads of state in crafting their digital strategy with programmatic marketing and AI. She has been the keynote speaker at TEDx, Singularity University, UBS, Deloitte, LVMH, Nestle, Ecomworld, and Etail. She is in the AAE list of Top Keynote Speakers in 2023. She is also one of 2024’s RETHINK Retail’s Top Retail Expert and a LinkedIn Top Voice in Public Speaking 2023. She has appeared on Bloomberg, ABC, CBC, CCTV, Techcrunch, Retail Asia, Wired, and The Next Web. She is the author of the book, Ecommerce Reimagined. Sharon has an Honors Bachelor’s degree in International Development from McGill and a Masters in Information and Knowledge Strategy from Columbia University.

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Jon Ford

Jon Ford

Head of Mandiant Cyber Security Solutions, State, Local and Education, Mandiant / Google Public Sector

Mr. Ford is 30-year veteran in cybersecurity, crisis response, and intelligence-led cyber operations in both government and commercial sectors. Prior to joining Mandiant, Mr. Ford served in executive leadership roles for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Mr. Ford served as the responsible executive to the U.S.
Cryptologic Centers for strategic and tactical oversight of global cyber operations and key asset protection. In these roles. Mr. Ford developed the framework used by the U.S. Government to manage risk of cyber threats supporting government and critical infrastructure capabilities receiving recognition by the White House National Security Council and the United States Congress.
Currently, Mr. Ford serves as the Head of Mandiant cyber security solutions to State, Local and Education markets as well as professional service solutions. Mr. Ford leads operations, strategy and solution for our global partners, and globally leads Mandiant’s Insider Threat risk offerings. Mr. Ford coaches boards and executives on how to measure and manage enterprise risk, regularly speaks at industry conferences. Mr. Ford is a member of the Geneva Dialogue on Responsible Behaviour in Cyberspace and the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise. Mr. Ford is the founder of Mandiant's Elevate program to advance women in IT security into senior leadership and Board positions.
Mr. Ford serves as an adjunct professor teaching advanced curricula on cybersecurity and risk frameworks at St. Mary’s University. Mr. Ford is a graduate of Harvard, John F. Kennedy School on Cybersecurity Policy; and a graduate of Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Business in Strategic.

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Agenda

Wednesday, September 4

8:00 am Mountain

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Level 4 SW Lobby and Room 400D

9:00 am Mountain

Opening Remarks

Room 400AB

Alberto Gonzalez, Chief Information Officer, State of Idaho

Lori Wolff, Administrator, Division of Financial Management, State of Idaho

9:15 am Mountain

Keynote – Leading the AI Revolution: IT's New Role in Global Public Sector Innovation

Room 400AB

AI is reshaping everything and IT leaders in government and public sector organizations stand at a pivotal juncture. Traditionally viewed as reactive and slower to innovate than the private sector, the public sector is now uniquely positioned to take a hands-on stance in AI implementation. To do that, we need to understand how IT departments can anticipate, and address business needs proactively. In this whirlwind session, digital transformation and AI expert, Sharon Gai, will take us on a journey around the world. Starting from the bustling streets of Hangzhou to the high-tech healthcare facilities of Tokyo, and finally to the classrooms of New York. Through this session, government leaders will understand the myriad ways AI is redefining society and be equipped with actionable insights, aiding them in harnessing the full potential of AI for the betterment of their communities.

Sharon Gai, Keynote Speaker & Author

10:15 am Mountain

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

SW Lobby and Room 400D

10:45 am Mountain

Concurrent Sessions

Cybersecurity is a Team Sport: Collaboration is Key to Success

Room 410A

Cyber-attacks are increasing in potency and frequency while becoming more treacherous to navigate each year. State and local governments must form a proactive team, using shared models to fight this fight. Do you have what it takes to work with your peers? This session will explore the resources, funding and partnerships within the State of Idaho that can help keep everyone safe.

Jon Ford, Head of State, Local, and Education Professional Services, Google

Powered by Purpose: Human-First Technology

Room 410B

In a time when technology is constantly changing our world, our primary goal is to improve the lives of our residents. How can we maintain focus and guide our teams to ensure that technological advancements, like Generative AI, truly benefit the people we serve? Learn about strategies and successes that prioritize this principle and lead to meaningful technological progress and improvements in digital services and the resident experience.

Sustainable Modernization

Room 410C

Modernization is a continuously ongoing process. Knowing that, how do you make sure your efforts to modernize complement a long-term plan? What long-term costs will arise with new technologies? What partners do you need in place to advance your technology now, that will also make things easier later? This session considers sustainable solutions and strategies to take you into the future.

11:45 am Mountain

Lunch

Room 400AB

12:45 pm Mountain

Bits and Bytes – Idaho’s Cyber Fusion Center Top 10 Priorities

Room 400AB

This session will share how cities, counties and the state can improve Idaho’s cybersecurity posture.

1:05 pm Mountain

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:15 pm Mountain

Concurrent Sessions

Help Me Help You: Collaboration in Government IT

Room 410A

Recent years have highlighted the necessity for collaboration among jurisdictions and agencies. Sharing services is a significant undertaking—where do you start, and how can it be governed effectively? Join us to discuss best practices and strategies for finding common ground, selecting the right technology resources, prioritizing projects, and managing the policies and requirements involved. In this session you will learn how to navigate the complexities of shared services to enhance efficiency and collaboration.

Embracing Trends and Challenges of Digital Identity

Room 410B

Digital Identity is more than a tool, there are legal aspects and control to consider. What is digital identity and what does it mean for cities and towns? How do you achieve the security needs of digital identity protection with user friendly solutions? Our panel will delve into critical components of digital identity while looking at use cases and best practices. We will discuss alignment of identity practices with legal guidelines for effective governance.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Room 410C

Hosted by: Alberto Gonzalez, Chief Information Officer, State of Idaho

2:15 pm Mountain

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

SW Lobby and Room 400D

2:35 pm Mountain

General Session – The State of AI in GovTech: Exploring the Future

Room 400AB

Presented by the Center for Public Sector AI, this keynote presentation delves into the present status of Artificial Intelligence in the GovTech sector, offering a detailed examination of AI's applications within state and local governments. We will explore AI's potential future paths in GovTech, highlighting emerging trends and discussing how technology and policy leaders can prepare for AI's impact on service delivery. We will address starting points for AI implementation, stressing the importance of collaboration, ethical considerations, and equitable technology access. This forward-looking talk will equip attendees with a thorough understanding of AI's trajectory in GovTech, providing practical insights to effectively leverage AI for public sector innovation and advancement.

3:45 pm Mountain

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

SW Lobby and Room 400D

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

4:15 pm Mountain

End of Conference

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

Boise Centre

850 W Front Street
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 336-8900

Get Directions To
Boise Centre

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Lloyd Barron
Chief Information Security Officer
Secretary of State
State of Idaho

Chris Carlisle
Software License Architect
Information Technology Services
State of Idaho

Jen Dvorak
Chief Information Security Officer
Idaho Supreme Court
State of Idaho

Jerred Edgar
Chief Warrant Officer 4
Military Division
State of Idaho

Bill Finke
Department of Transportation
State of Idaho

Mark French
Service Delivery Manager
Information Technology Services
State of Idaho

Jennifer Gonzalez
Communications Manager
Information Technology Services
State of Idaho

Alberto Gonzalez
Administrator/Chief Information Officer
Office of Information Technology Services
State of Idaho

Dawn Hall
Deputy Director
Idaho Cities

Kimberly Love
Business Analyst
Information Technology Services
State of Idaho

Cody McRoberts
Chief Information Officer
Secretary of State
State of Idaho

Marc Norton
Tax System Manager
Idaho Tax Commission
State of Idaho

Kelley Packer
Executive Director
Association of Cities

Butch Schierman
IT Director
City of Nampa

Larry Sweat
Chief Information Officer
PERSI
State of Idaho

Tim Tower
Chief Financial Officer
Information Technology Services
State of Idaho

Chris Volmer
Cyber/Infrastructure Security Manager
Office of Emergency Management
State of Idaho

Sara Westbrook
Deputy Director
Association of Counties

Josh Whitworth
SCO Chief Deputy
State Controllers Office
State of Idaho

Alex Winkler
Chief Information Officer
City of Boise

Industry Representatives

Chris Casto
Customer Engineer, Application Modernization
Public Sector
Google Cloud

Jeff Walker
General Manager
Tyler Technologies

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: September 4, 2024

Open to Public Sector only.

Registration - Free

If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.

Contact Information

For registration and general assistance contact:

Brittany Roberts
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1388
E-mail: broberts@erepublic.com

For assistance or questions concerning Sponsor Logos or Logistics please contact:

Mireya Gaton
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 296-2617
E-Mail: mgaton@govtech.com

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact:

Heather Earney
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1339
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com

Venue

Boise Centre

850 W Front Street
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 336-8900

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Parking

Self-parking is available near the Boise Centre at:

9th and Front Street Garage: Across Front Street from the Boise Center (entrance on 9th Street) 
10th & Front Street Garage: 230 S. 10th Street (entrance on S. 10th Street) 
Capitol and Main Garage: 770 W. Main Street (entrances on Main and Idaho)
Rates: All three facilities offer daily parking on a per-hour basis as follows:   
Time                        Rate
First Hour                 Free 
Each Add’l Hour       $3.00/each 
Weekday Maximum  $15.00
Boise Centre – Premiere Downtown Boise Convention Center

Accommodations:

There is no room block set up for this event.  There are a variety of hotel options near the event venue.