Kansas Digital Government Summit 2026 Banner

Overview

The Kansas 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.

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Join us for the 7th Annual Kansas Digital Government Summit. Be part of the conversation shaping the future of digital government in Kansas. Technology is evolving faster than ever, reshaping how we serve our communities. This summit is your opportunity to collaborate, innovation and turn new challenges into meaningful progress. Share ideas, explore emerging technologies, and strengthen the partnerships and build a smarter more connected Kansas. Key topics will include digital equity, AI, workforce innovation, cybersecurity, and more. Together we can improve Kansas's digital landscape and empower our communities to grow.

– Jeff Maxon, Chief Information Technology Officer, State of Kansas

Speakers

Frankie Russo

Frankie Russo

8X Inc. 500 Founder, 2X best-selling author, Top Growth Keynote Speaker

Frankie Russo is a visionary in authenticity, imagination and growth. An entrepreneur with a proven track record for using innovative methods to unlock rapid growth. Russo has led multiple companies to remarkable growth landing on the Inc. 500/5000 list 8 years in a row, including 60X growth in three years of his tech company 360ia, leading to an acquisition by a Fortune 500 company. 
Organizations that Russo has collaborated with who have embraced his “Love Your Weird” movement were able to adapt, innovate and grow through massive uncertainty and change. In his latest work Russo shares the critical unlocks for driving unprecedented and continuous growth by leading with authenticity, imagination and generosity.
He is the author of two best-selling books and a sought-after speaker known for transforming organizational cultures and inspiring individual and corporate growth. His keynote experiences are tailored, experiential, and full of actionable insights for fostering a culture of authenticity, imagination and collaboration to unlock breakthrough results and extraordinary transformation and growth. Frankie’s highest calling is his family, and he happily lives with his wife and six children in Louisiana.
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Charles Albayrak

Charles Albayrak LinkedIn

Customer Success Manager & Quantum Technology Advocate, IBM

Charles Albayrak is a Customer Experience Manager and quantum technology specialist focused on helping organizations understand and harness the transformative potential of quantum computing. He works closely with customers to bridge the gap between advanced technical innovation and real-world business outcomes, guiding strategic conversations around emerging technologies and their future impact. With a passion for customer success and technology adoption, Charles brings practical insights on quantum computing, innovation strategy, and the evolving technology landscape, helping audiences explore how breakthrough technologies can drive competitive advantage and long-term growth.
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Agenda

Wednesday, August 26

8:00 am Central

Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Conference Center Lower Lobby/1921 Field Club Pre-Function

9:00 am Central

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Main Hall A-F

Jeff Maxon, Chief Information Technology Officer, Office of Information Technology Services (OITS), State of Kansas

9:15 am Central

Keynote – How Public Sector Leaders Unlock Collective Genius and Fuel Breakthroughs in the Age of AI

Main Hall A-F

In this energizing keynote, Frankie Russo reveals how public sector leaders can unlock collective genius by uniting teams around a shared purpose that fuels meaningful impact in the age of AI. He shows how partnering with AI as a true copilot, not a replacement, helps leaders amplify imagination, accelerate breakthroughs, and bring bold new solutions to life. By examining what’s been holding organizations back, Russo guides audiences to unleash an infinity loop of innovation. Attendees leave with practical strategies to elevate human potential, harness AI for the greater good, and drive transformational change for the communities they serve.

Frankie Russo, 8X Inc. 500 Founder, Top Growth Keynote Speaker, 2X Best-selling author

10:15 am Central

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

1921 Field Club Pre-Function

Refuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of the Recharge Break Sponsor: Verizon

10:45 am Central

Concurrent Sessions

Securing the AI Era: Governance, Development and the Future of Work

Breakout Room H

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how governments build software, automate workflows, and deliver services. As AI-powered development tools become more accessible, agencies must rethink how they secure development environments, govern AI throughout the software lifecycle, and identify where these technologies can deliver meaningful value. Join public sector and industry leaders to explore practical strategies for responsible AI adoption, secure development practices, and preparing the workforce for an AI-enabled future.

Resilient Operations: Strengthening Critical Infrastructure and Business Continuity

Breakout Room G

Operational technology is the backbone of many essential government services, from utilities and transportation to public facilities and emergency operations. As agencies modernize these systems, ensuring resilience and continuity has never been more important. Join government leaders as they discuss strategies for strengthening operational technology, planning for disruptions, and building business continuity programs that keep critical services running when it matters most.

Building Better Solutions Through Collaboration

Breakout Room 1

The best technology solutions begin with the right partnerships. As public sector organizations tackle increasingly complex challenges, success depends on bringing together business leaders, technology teams, and industry partners to develop innovative, mission-driven solutions. This session will explore strategies for engaging partners early, fostering collaboration throughout the solutioning process, and structuring agreements that encourage innovation, flexibility, and shared success while supporting successful project outcomes.

Connected and Protected: Navigating Personal Technology and Security

Breakout Room 2

From smartphones and smart home devices to wearable technology and AI-powered assistants, personal technology is more connected than ever. While these tools offer convenience, they also introduce new considerations for privacy, security, and the workplace. This session will explore how personal technology can impact government environments, best practices for protecting personal and professional information, and simple steps employees can take to reduce risk while staying connected.

11:45 am Central

Lunch

Main Hall A-F

12:45 pm Central

Bits and Bytes – Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: Strengthening Government Through Technical Internships

Main Hall A-F

Developing the next generation of public sector technology professionals starts with meaningful opportunities to learn, contribute, and grow. Technical internship programs provide agencies with a valuable pipeline for emerging talent while giving students hands-on experience solving real government challenges. This session will explore how organizations can expand internship opportunities, build successful partnerships with educational institutions, and create programs that deliver lasting value for both interns and the agencies they serve.

1:15 pm Central

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:30 pm Central

Concurrent Sessions

From Principles to Practice: Building an AI Governance Framework

Breakout Room H

As artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday government operations, agencies need clear policies and governance frameworks that encourage innovation while maintaining accountability and public trust. This session will explore how to develop a local AI policy, establish the essential components of an effective governance framework, and define the role of human oversight throughout the AI lifecycle. Speakers will also examine the relationship between AI governance and data governance, highlighting how strong data practices create the foundation for responsible, transparent, and effective AI.

Modern Solutioning: Rethinking How Government Solves Problems

Breakout Room G

The way government approaches technology decisions has changed. Rather than starting with a solution, agencies are increasingly focusing on business outcomes and identifying the right mix of tools to achieve them. As cloud services, low-code and no-code platforms, automation, and AI continue to evolve, organizations have more options than ever to address operational challenges. This session will explore how technology strategy has shifted, how to evaluate solutions through a business lens, and what today's leaders should consider when selecting the right technologies to meet mission needs.

Preparing for the Quantum Era

Breakout Room 1

The quantum era is approaching, bringing new opportunities alongside significant challenges for government technology. As encryption standards evolve and organizations begin planning for post-quantum security, leaders must understand what lies ahead and how to prepare. Join experts for a discussion on the changing technology landscape, the future of encryption, and practical strategies for building quantum readiness across the public sector.

Charles Albayrak, Customer Success Manager & Quantum Technology Advocate, IBM

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Breakout Room 2

Hosted by: Jeff Maxon, Chief Information Technology Officer, Office of Information Technology Services (OITS), State of Kansas

2:30 pm Central

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

1921 Field Club Pre-Function

Refuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of the Recharge Break Sponsor: Verizon

3:00 pm Central

General Session – AI in Perspective: From Hype to Practical Impact

Main Hall A-F

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way governments think about service delivery, operations, and decision making, but successful adoption begins with realistic expectations. This session will explore where AI can deliver meaningful value today, where the technology continues to evolve, and how leaders can assess opportunities through a business and mission lens. Join experts for a candid discussion on practical applications, measuring impact, managing expectations, and making informed decisions about where AI fits within your organization.

4:00 pm Central

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

1921 Field Club Pre-Function

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

4:30 pm Central

End of Conference

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

University of Kansas Conference Center

815 Fambrough Drive
Lawrence, KS 66045
785-764-3694

Get Directions To
University of Kansas Conference Center

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Thomas Bunton
Chief Technology Officer
Kansas State University

Nelson Casteel
Operations Section Chief
Emergency Management
Shawnee County

Jeffrey Dazey
Chief Counsel
Office of Information Technology Services
State of Kansas

Kimberly DeWitt
Chief Data Officer
Office of Information Technology Services
State of Kansas

Andrew Eichinger
CITA
Office of Information Technology Services
State of Kansas

Greg Gann
IT Business Solutions Director
Sedgwick County

Adrian Guerrero
Director of Operations
Board of Nursing
State of Kansas

Jared Harsin
Chief of Staff
Office of Information Technology Services
State of Kansas

Elesha Hazel
Communications Manager
State of Kansas

Tanya Heffel
Chief Technology Officer
Office of Information Technology Services
State of Kansas

Ed Hudson
Chief Information Officer
Kansas University

Shawn Lane
Chief Information Officer
Department of Agriculture
State of Kansas

Mike Mayta
Chief Information Officer
City of Wichita

Amber Shultz
Secretary of Labor
State of Kansas

Angela Wilson
Director of Procurement
State of Kansas

Alex Wong
Chief Information Technology Officer
Kansas Judicial Branch

Industry Representatives

Kari Warren
Client Executive
IBM

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: August 26, 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:

Audrey Houser
Government Technology
A division of e.Republic
Phone: (916) 932-1420
E-mail: ahouser@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

Venue

University of Kansas Conference Center

815 Fambrough Drive
Lawrence, KS 66045
785-764-3694

Show Hotel & Parking

Room Block  

Hotel Oread  
1200 Oread Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66044  
(785) 843-1200  

Room Rate: $189 per night, single or double.  
Rate Cut-Off Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026. 

To Make a Reservation: 
 
Phone: (785) 843-1200 and use the reference code 90O.  
Online: Group Reservation Link 

If you experience issues booking online, call the hotel directly for assistance.   

Rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note, once the room block is full, you will need to make other arrangements for your accommodations with the hotel directly or at a nearby hotel. 

Map and Directions  

The University of Kansas Conference Center entrance is located at Gate 5. It’s clearly marked with large white Conference Center lettering on the exterior. 

Directions & Parking - University of Kansas Conference Center 

Conference Center Entrance Picture.jpg

Stadium Gate Map.pdf 

KU Conference Center Parking Garage Map.jpg