Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Welcome & Event Opening

Jackie White, National Conference Director, GovTech

Opening Remarks

Brandon Ragle, Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), State of Illinois

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

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 “Cujo” Teschner, Founder & CEO, Vmax Group

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Navigating Agency Relationships with Leadership-Level Communication

An effective IT strategy is only as impactful as the communication that drives it. From vision-setting to progress reporting, IT leaders must transform complex technical roadmaps into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with diverse stakeholders. Storytelling is key in making intricate ideas accessible, fostering trust, and ensuring alignment across departments. What makes a strategic message stick? How can leaders ensure their vision resonates beyond the IT team? Are you tailoring communication channels, adjusting cadence, and actively listening to meet the unique needs of each audience? This session will explore actionable techniques to enhance leadership presence, improve cross-functional collaboration, and elevate the visibility and influence of IT initiatives, empowering leaders to navigate agency relationships with confidence and clarity.

When to Lead, and When to Manage?

IT professionals are often individual contributors, making it tempting to dive into the work and tackle tasks hands-on. But how do we strike the balance between leading our teams through complex challenges and managing them effectively for long-term growth? While it's natural to want to roll up our sleeves, doing so isn't always the best approach for staff development or team empowerment. This session will explore strategies for knowing when to step in and lead by example, and when to take a step back to mentor, guide, and develop your team's skills. By understanding the dynamics between leadership and management, you’ll learn how to foster autonomy, build confidence, and ensure sustainable team success.

Lunch

General Session – Building Innovation & Continuous Improvement in Government

Brandon Ragle, Secretary and State Chief Information Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), State of Illinois

Short Break

Concurrent Sessions

Inspire and Motivate: Building a Culture of Trust and Energy

A high-performing team is not built solely on technical skill—it thrives on trust, motivation, and a shared sense of purpose. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, IT leaders must move beyond task management to create an environment where individuals feel valued, energized, and empowered to perform at their best. How can leaders maintain motivation and connection, particularly during times of change and uncertainty? This session will dive into practical strategies for cultivating a high-trust, positive workplace culture that fosters morale, strengthens team bonds, and drives lasting performance. Join us to explore how to inspire your team, fuel their energy, and create a foundation of trust that leads to sustained success.

Honing your Leadership through Osmosis – Shining your Diamonds

In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, the key to a resilient, future-ready IT organization may already be within your team. Elevating existing talent not only enhances retention and morale but also creates a leadership pipeline rooted in institutional knowledge and firsthand experience. How can we develop the non-technical skills that differentiate leaders from managers in IT roles? What steps can we take to ensure internal talent feels empowered, valued, and prepared for greater responsibility? This session will explore strategies to cultivate leadership at every level, unlocking the full potential of your workforce and building a strong foundation for long-term organizational success.

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

General Session - The DoIT Leadership Trivia Challenge

Can you effectively collaborate under pressure? Dive into this lively, team-based trivia game where attendees join forces with your peers to answer questions on governance, policy, emerging tech, and the pressing issues shaping government today. This isn’t just about winning - it’s about networking, sharing expertise and maybe…just maybe - you might learn something new. Whether you’re looking to meet new people or strengthen existing partnerships, this session offers a unique chance to learn and engage with peers from across the public sector. Are you ready to challenge yourself and lead your team to victory?

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.