Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Dr. Matt Behrens, Chief Information Officer, State of Iowa

Keynote – The Art of Espionage: Understanding the Fundamentals of Spycraft

Espionage isn't just a plot in thrillers; it's a real and present danger. Could you be enticed into the world of spying? Think again. Our speaker, a former Case Officer (spy), will unveil her methods for identifying and recruiting individuals across various industries, revealing tactics from casual conversations at airport lounges to sophisticated surveillance operations. This insightful presentation dives deep into the clandestine world of espionage and its implications for your organization. Discover the espionage toolkit, which combines traditional human intelligence methods with advanced cybersecurity techniques. This talk will illuminate how today's adversaries, including hackers, nation-states, and organized crime rings, employ espionage techniques reminiscent of those used by spies. Equip yourself with the knowledge to detect and defend against espionage, whether facing a human operative or a cyber threat.

Shawnee Delaney, CEO, Vaillance Group and Former Spy

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Strengthening Cybersecurity from the Ground Up

Cybersecurity threats are escalating, and relying solely on federal support is no longer a sustainable strategy. With federal funding streams shifting and national programs evolving, Iowa is embracing a more self-reliant, locally driven approach to cyber defense. Explore how state and local governments, along with education institutions, can collaborate more effectively to build resilient cybersecurity strategies rooted in community, communication, and shared responsibility. Together, we will discover the tools, relationships, and techniques that empower Iowa's public sector to defend itself, respond more quickly, and recover more effectively.

Moderator: Shadrack “Shad” Roberts, Cybersecurity Advisor, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, Integrated Operations Division – Region 7

Doug Elrick, PhD, Co-Chair- Digital Forensics, Des Moines Area Community College

Jeffrey Wann, Chief Information Officer, City of Des Moines

Designing for Everyone – Iowa’s Digital Future

As Iowa advances its digital transformation, accessibility is more than a requirement. It’s a core commitment. With a focus on the Digital Experience, the state is prioritizing inclusive design, modern platforms, and compliance with standards like WCAG 2.1. This session will highlight how Iowa is addressing digital accessibility through more intelligent infrastructure, user-centered design, and expanded broadband access. Learn how tools, policies, and partnerships are shaping a more inclusive digital future for all Iowans.

Moderator: Jessica Byerly, National Conference Director, Government Technology

Stephanie DeVault, Director of Business Services, Carrier Division, Iowa Communications Network

Natalie Sipes, Digital Services Portfolio, Iowa Department of Management, State of Iowa

Cyndi Wiley, Digital Accessibility Lead & Assistant Teaching Professor

Operational Resilience: Supporting Tech at the Ground Level

Many small Iowa communities rely on a single IT staff member or outsourced providers, often with inconsistent results. As threats grow and tech needs rise, Iowa is shifting to a whole-of-state approach, offering shared resources, group contracts, and regional support networks. This session demonstrates how collaboration and more innovative sourcing can equip every city, county, and district with the tools they need to succeed.

Moderator: Sean McSpaden, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Joel Rohne, IT Strategy Manager, Iowa State Association of Counties

AL Yu, Information Technology Director, Black Hawk County

Micah Van Maanen, Information Technology Director, Sioux County

Lunch

Peer Power Problem-Solving Roundtables

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

AI Strategy and Disruptive Technology

As AI and emerging tech reshape government operations, leaders must balance innovation with governance, risk management, and long-term sustainability, while also addressing the growing challenge of shadow IT. This session will explore lessons from successful initiatives, assess readiness for organizational change, and responsible technology adoption. Attendees will learn how to effectively implement emerging technologies while managing risks posed by unsanctioned tools, thus ensuring operational stability, and maintaining public trust.

Moderator: Sean McSpaden, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Shannon (Shane) Hones, Chief Security Officer at Kingland, and member of the Cybersecurity Advisory Council, Iowa State University

Travis Jeanneret, AI Business Unit Executive, IBM

Making Procurement Work for Modern Government

As technology evolves, so must the way the government acquires it. Iowa is taking bold steps to reform procurement practices, making it easier for agencies to access modern solutions while ensuring accountability, efficiency, and value. This session will explore how updated policies, streamlined processes, and standardized contracts are transforming the procurement landscape across the state. From simplifying IT acquisitions and increasing vendor accountability to aligning purchases with strategic goals, we'll examine how Iowa is developing a more innovative, faster, and more flexible procurement model. Whether you're navigating complex contracts or looking to engage with the government more effectively, this session offers insight into what's changing and how it benefits everyone.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by:

Dr. Matt Behrens, Chief Information Officer, Department of Management, Division of Information Technology, State of Iowa

Michelle O’Hollearn, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Department of Management, Division of Information Technology, State of Iowa

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Inside Iowa’s Enterprise Architecture Plan

As Iowa continues its statewide IT transformation, enterprise architecture is emerging as a key driver of modernization, efficiency, and strategic alignment. With a unified approach that centralizes systems, standardizes tools, and prioritizes cloud-first solutions, the state is creating a scalable foundation for future innovation. This session will explore how Iowa's enterprise architecture plan is reducing duplication, enhancing service delivery, and enabling more responsive, business-aligned technology decisions across agencies. From shared services and commercial off-the-shelf solutions to streamlined telecommunications and data-driven governance, join us for a practical look at the architecture guiding Iowa's digital future and what it means for technology partners and public leaders alike.

Presented By: Michelle O’Hollearn, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Department of Management, Division of Information Technology

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.