Registration and Morning Refreshments

Opening Remarks

Jeff Maxon, Chief Information Technology Officer, State of Kansas

Cybersecurity State of the State

This presentation will provide an in-depth look at Kansas’ cybersecurity landscape, key threats, and ongoing initiatives to strengthen cyber resilience. The session will highlight recent advancements in security frameworks, interagency collaboration, and strategies to combat emerging risks, such as deepfakes and social engineering. Attendees will gain insights into policy updates, incident response improvements, and future priorities aimed at safeguarding Kansas’ digital infrastructure.

John Godfrey, Chief Information Security Officer, State of Kansas

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

From Policy to Practice: Building Effective Cybersecurity Governance

Strong cybersecurity starts with clear governance but knowing where to begin is often the biggest challenge. This session walks through how public-sector organizations can implement state policies, adopt proven frameworks, and use benchmarks such as CIS and CPG to assess maturity and strengthen IT and OT security across the enterprise.

Back to Basics: The Core Elements of Cybersecurity

Getting started with cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, especially with limited staff and budgets. This session breaks down the essential considerations, such as where to start, what to prioritize first, how to choose and evaluate service providers, free or low-cost resources, cybersecurity insurance and more. Attendees will leave with practical, manageable steps toward a stronger security posture.

Incident Response Planning – Ready, Set, Respond!

Is your organization truly ready to respond to a cyber incident? This session offers practical guidance on building, testing, and improving incident response plans, from preparation and detection to containment and eradication, with a clear focus on roles, communication, and crisis coordination. Learn from real-world incidents, tabletop exercises, and proven next steps to strengthen readiness and ensure your response works when it matters most.

Eric Tolbert, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Analyst, Kansas Information Security Office (KISO), State of Kansas

Lunch

Lunch Keynote

Nathan Wenzler, Field Chief Information Security Officer, Optiv

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Proving the Value of Cybersecurity Funding

Cybersecurity funding often competes with many organizational priorities and requires clear justification. This session explores what our elected officials care about, what their pain points are, and how to get their attention in a meaningful way. Participants will learn how to engage with decision‑makers, so they understand the risks, challenges, and needs facing their organizations. The session also highlights how to use practical examples and targeted conversations to uncover where gaps exist in current plans and people, enabling IT leaders to strengthen their approach and better align cybersecurity investments with mission objectives.

Navigating Public-Private Partnerships

Strong cybersecurity depends on collaboration and trusted relationships across the public and private sectors. In this session, experts explore practical ways that governments can work with vendors, peer organizations, and collaboratives to share information, coordinate response, and strengthen preparedness before incidents occur.

From Vulnerabilities to Visibility

Vulnerabilities and endpoints are where many attacks begin—and where strong security programs are built. This session explores practical approaches to vulnerability management, endpoint protection, and building or strengthening a Security Operations Center to improve visibility, detection, and response across public-sector environments, while balancing security, compliance, and strategic priorities in an evolving threat landscape.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners (Industry Sponsors Only)

Angela Wilson, IT Vendor Contract Manager, State of Kansas

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

KISO Updates: Advancing Statewide Cybersecurity Collaboration and Preparedness

With the integration of the Cybersecurity Collaboration and Preparedness (CSCP) program, KISO is driving new statewide initiatives to strengthen cyber resilience. This session will provide updates on key projects, including a large-scale cybersecurity exercise, statewide public sector training partnerships, and ongoing focus on Operational Technology and Critical Infrastructure.

Erin McGinnis, Director of Statewide Cyber Collaboration and Preparedness, State of Kansas

Special Guest

Concluding Insights: A Collective Path Forward

Join KISO leaders for a closing reflection on the day's discussions and insights. This session will reaffirm the strong support and resources within the state's cybersecurity priorities to enhance public services. Together, these insights and reflections underscore the continued collaborative efforts for the future.

Erin McGinnis, Director of Statewide Cyber Collaboration and Preparedness, State of Kansas

John Godfrey, Chief Information Security Officer, State of Kansas

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.