Iowa Digital Government Summit 2026
Overview
The Iowa Digital Government Summit is where innovation meets impact!
Bringing together the brightest minds in state and local government, this summit empowers public-sector leaders to explore cutting-edge technologies, modernize operations, and solve pressing challenges. From cybersecurity and AI to data governance and digital service delivery, sessions are designed to spark insight, foster collaboration, and accelerate real-world results. Whether you're shaping strategy or implementing solutions, the Summit delivers valuable peer connections and actionable guidance to help move your mission forward.
The 7th annual Iowa Digital Government Summit will bring together public-sector technology leaders and industry partners from across the state to explore the rapidly evolving digital landscape. This year’s event on October 6 will feature an inspiring keynote, engaging breakout sessions, and valuable networking opportunities designed to address today’s most pressing priorities and emerging trends in government IT. Join us for a day of collaboration, insight, and innovation as we work together to advance Iowa’s digital future and better serve our communities.
– Michelle O'Hollearn, Deputy State Chief Information Officer, Department of Management, State of Iowa
Speakers
Agenda
Tuesday, October 6 |
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8:00 am Central |
Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area |
9:00 am Central |
Welcome and Opening RemarksDr. Matt Behrens, Chief Information Officer, State of Iowa |
9:15 am Central |
Keynote β The Power of TALK in an AI WorldIn a world where ChatGPT enables everyone to write like a Harvard graduate, the true power to stand out now lies in verbal communication. Unfortunately, many studies show that the fear of public speaking ranks higher than the fear of death, and those who struggle to talk in front of others will quickly find themselves and their organizations falling behind. Join Anthony Huey in this lively and thought-provoking keynote as he explores the power of verbal communication. Anthony helps his audiences understand the importance of perception and how first impressions are primarily formed when we speak, whether in person, virtually, or on the phone.
Anthony Huey, CSP, President, Reputation Management, LLC |
10:15 am Central |
Bits and Bytes β Accessibility in Practice: Meeting New Digital Accessibility ExpectationsMeeting federal accessibility requirements is about more than compliance; itβs about creating digital services that work for everyone. While implementation timelines have shifted, significant work remains. Join us to learn where to find reliable guidance, how agencies are interpreting current requirements and practical ways to build accessibility into websites, applications and digital content from the start. The session will also examine the financial and legal risks of falling behind and share approaches that help organizations make steady, measurable progress.
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10:35 am Central |
Networking Break in the Exhibit Area |
11:05 am Central |
Concurrent SessionsAI Ready: Preparing Your Workforce for What's NextAI is quickly becoming part of the modern workplace, but technology alone will not determine success. Organizations need employees who understand how to use AI responsibly, recognize its limitations and know where it fits into their daily work. As agencies continue developing policies and governance frameworks, they are also facing questions about intellectual property, shadow IT, third-party AI tools and rising usage costs. Join us for a practical conversation about preparing your workforce, creating meaningful guardrails and making smart investments that deliver real value.
Funding Innovation in a Time of Tight BudgetsAs agencies work to modernize, technology leaders are facing increasing financial pressure from every direction. Software costs continue to rise, AI capabilities are becoming standard in products, and licensing models are changing - forcing organizations to carefully evaluate the value of every investment. At the same time, legacy systems still require ongoing maintenance, critical patching and security updates, leaving fewer resources available for modernization. This session examines the financial realities of sustaining government technology, including software procurement, technical debt, competing budget priorities and the challenge of balancing day-to-day operations with long-term innovation.
Constituent First: Designing Services Around PeopleConstituents do not care which agency provides a service. They simply expect government to be accessible, transparent and easy to navigate. This conversation explores how Iowa can create a more connected experience through shared services, improved accessibility, and better collaboration across state and local government. Speakers will also discuss digital literacy, including helping citizens better understand emerging technologies such as AI, chatbots and deepfakes while building greater trust in digital government.
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12:05 am Central |
Lunch |
1:05 pm Central |
Bits and Bytes |
1:35 pm Central |
Short BreakPlease proceed to the concurrent sessions
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1:55 pm Central |
Concurrent SessionsTrust but Verify: Securing AI and Preparing for QuantumAI is being built into more products every day, creating new questions for security teams, procurement staff, and technology leaders. How is agency data protected? What safeguards exist behind the scenes? Are contracts keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology? This session explores practical ways to evaluate AI-enabled products, strengthen security expectations for vendors and prepare for the long-term impact quantum computing may have on cybersecurity and encryption.
Stronger Together: Helping Local Government Thrive Through CollaborationCities and counties across Iowa are solving many of the same technology challenges, often with limited staff and resources. Working together can expand expertise, strengthen security and improve services without increasing costs. Explore available resources, funding opportunities, contract strategies and collaborative approaches that help local governments accomplish more together. Attendees will also see Ask River, an AI-powered knowledge assistant that helps local governments quickly find trusted information, navigate available resources, and make more informed decisions.
Exclusive Briefing for Industry PartnersHosted by: Michelle O'Hollearn, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Division of Information Technology, Department of Management, State of Iowa |
2:55 pm Central |
Networking Break in the Exhibit Area |
3:25 pm Central |
General Session β The Modern Government IT Professional: Skills That Matter MostTechnology is evolving faster than most organizations can hire, making it more important than ever to build adaptable teams with the right mix of technical and leadership skills. For many Iowa agencies, especially smaller cities and counties, success depends on developing well-rounded IT professionals who can solve a wide range of challenges while knowing when to rely on partners and shared expertise. This session explores the skills that will have the greatest impact in the years ahead, practical approaches to workforce development and how collaboration across agencies can help strengthen technology teams statewide.
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4:15 pm Central |
Networking Reception in the Exhibit AreaNetwork with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.
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4:45 pm Central |
End of ConferenceConference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.
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Des Moines Marriott Downtown
700 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-245-5500
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Advisory Board
Government Representatives
Ben Anderson
AI Enterprise Service Owner
Division of Information Technology, Department of Management
State of Iowa
Matt Behrens
Chief Information Officer
Division of Information Technology, Department of Management
State of Iowa
Matt Bender
Product Delivery Associate CIO
Division of Information Technology, Department of Management
State of Iowa
Michael Bergan
Representative
State of Iowa
Jacob Bernholtz
Division Administrator
Legislative Service Agency
State of Iowa
Andrew De Haan
IT Director
Information Technology
State of Iowa
Stephanie DeVault
Director of Business Services
Communications Network
State of Iowa
Shane Dwyer
Chief Information Security Officer
Division of Information Technology, Department of Management
State of Iowa
Matt Eaton
Division Director
Computer Services Division , State Legislature
State of Iowa
Jess Flaherty
Strategic Communications Director
Division of Information Technology, Department of Management
State of Iowa
Anthony Jahn
State Archivist, Library and Archives Bureau Chief
State Historical Society of Iowa, Department of Administrative Services
State of Iowa
Awna Kotchian
Business Services Associate CIO
Division of Information Technology, Department of Management
State of Iowa
Julie Macauley
Interim IT Director
Information Technology
City of Cedar Rapids
Martin Moen
Service Management Associate CIO
Division of Information Technology, Department of Management
State of Iowa
Michelle O'Hollearn
Deputy Chief Information Officer
Division of Information Technology, Department of Management
State of Iowa
Cayanna Reinier
Executive Officer
Division of Information Technology, Department of Management
State of Iowa
Joel Rohne
IT Strategy Manager
State Association of Counties
State of Iowa
Michael Scott
Applications Services Manager
Information Technology
City of Cedar Rapids
Natalie Sipes
Digital Services Portfolio Manager
Division of Information Technology, Department of Management
State of Iowa
Jeff Wann
Chief Information Officer
Information Technology
City of Des Moines
Industry Representatives
Joe Crispin
Technology Sales Leader
IBM
James Shaw
Managing Director
Deloitte
Registration Information / Contact Us
Event Date: October 6, 2026
Open to Public Sector only.
Registration - Free
If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.
This event is open to all individuals who meet the eligibility criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.
Contact Information
Need help registering, or have general event questions? Contact:
Abigail Suiter
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1405
E-mail:asuiter@erepublic.com
Already a sponsor, but need a hand? Reach out to:
Mireya Gaton
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone:(916) 296-2617
E-Mail: mgaton@erepublic.com
Want to sponsor and stand out? Reach out to explore opportunities!
Heather Earney
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 365-2308
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com