Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Conference Center Lower Lobby/1921 Field Club Pre-Function

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Main Hall A-F

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

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

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

1921 Field Club Pre-Function

Refuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of the Recharge Break Sponsors: Verizon, Gartner

Concurrent Sessions

Prompt to Production

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.

Moderator: Andrew Eichinger, Chief Information Technology Architect, Office of Information Technology Services, State of Kansas

Steevanbhai Macwan, Application Developer, Department of Labor, State of Kansas

Resilient Operations: Strengthening Critical Infrastructure and Business Continuity (Security Track)

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.

Moderator: Chris Fletcher, Information Systems Manager, Department of Education, State of Kansas

Nelson Casteel, Operations Section Chief, Emergency Management, Shawnee County

Rob Gavin, Chief, Public Water Supply Section, Department of Health and Environment, State of Kansas

Accessibility by Design: Preparing Government Services

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.

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

Katie Moore, IT Manager, Division of Information Technology, Sedgwick County

Before the Project Starts: Lessons Learned from Project Gurus

Breakout Room 2

Successful projects are often determined before the first kickoff meeting. In this session, experienced project leaders will share practical lessons on defining outcomes, securing executive sponsorship, aligning stakeholders, identifying risks, establishing governance, and creating the conditions necessary for projects to succeed from day one.

Moderator: Amy Crotinger, IT PMO Manager, Department of Information Technology Services, State of Kansas

Lunch

Main Hall A-F

Bits and Bytes – Preparing for the Quantum Era

Main Hall A-F

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

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

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.

John Cahill, Chief Information Officer, Public Employee Retirement System, State of Kansas

Alex Wong, Chief Information Technology Officer, Kansas Judicial Branch

Modern Solutioning: Building the Right Technology Approach

Breakout Room G

Government technology decisions are moving away from selecting individual products toward assembling the right capabilities to support mission priorities and improve service delivery. As cloud services, automation, low-code platforms, and AI rapidly expand what is possible, agencies must move with greater speed and adaptability rather than rely on traditional multiyear project cycles. This session will explore how leaders can align technology investments with strategic goals, evaluate options through a mission and business lens, and deliver value more rapidly while balancing security, integration, cost, scalability, and long-term sustainability.

Moderator: Amber Shultz, Secretary, Kansas Department of Labor

Mike Mayta, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Department, City of Wichita

Lisa Spry, Account Executive, Softdocs

Beyond Internships: Building and Retaining the Digital Government Workforce

Breakout Room 1

Internships are only one part of building a sustainable public-sector technology workforce. This session will explore how government organizations can strengthen recruitment, develop career pathways, retain critical talent, transfer institutional knowledge, and create opportunities for employees to continuously build the skills needed for the future of digital government.

Moderator: Leticia Rust, Senior Director, CyROC, E-Ventures and Internships, Emporia State University

Gregory Flax, Interim Assistant VP for Academic IT & Research Support, Kansas State University

Dy Gadberry, Director of Human Resources, Office of Information Technology Services, State of Kansas

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

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

1921 Field Club Pre-Function

Refuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of the Recharge Break Sponsors: Verizon, Gartner

General Session – Moving Forward Together: The Power of the Collective

Main Hall A-F

State and local IT departments are facing identical challenges: shrinking budgets, severe staffing shortages, and an escalating threat landscape. Yet, agencies continuously build, procure, and secure technology in isolated silos. It is time to retire the inefficient "go-it-alone" model. This operational session moves past isolated tech infrastructure to explore how state agencies, counties, and cities can pool resources, co-invest in platforms, and share technology services to drive massive regional efficiencies. Whole of State services.

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

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

1921 Field Club Pre-Function

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

End of Conference

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