Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Welcome and Opening Remarks

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. Learn about the espionage toolkit, which blends traditional human intelligence methods with cutting-edge cyber security tactics. This talk will illuminate how today's adversaries, including hackers, nation-states, and organized crime rings, employ espionage techniques reminiscent of 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

Best of Kentucky IT Awards

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Lessons from the Dark Side: Cyber Failures & Fixes

Mistakes happen. Attacks slip through. What matters is how you respond. Join this open forum where public sector leaders share real-world cyber incidents—what went wrong, how they recovered, and the safeguards they've put in place since. From phishing scams to near-miss disasters, this session dives into lessons learned, remediation strategies, and what should have been in place beforehand. There is no sugarcoating—just honest stories, hard-earned insights, and practical takeaways to strengthen your cybersecurity posture.

Moderator: Jessica Byerly, National Conference Director, Government Technology

David Carter, Chief Information Security Officer, Commonwealth of Kentucky

Aaron Miller, IT Director, Hardin County

Steven Moody, Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst, Louisville Metro Government

Donald Singleton II, Info Security Analyst, Louisville Metro Government

Practical AI for the Public Sector

Exploring AI in the public sector can be challenging, especially when balancing policies and governance. This session features panelists role-playing how to handle an AI request—evaluating the feasibility, costs, and ROI with stakeholders. We’ll share real-world examples of how AI can boost efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver measurable results. You will also learn how strategic planning and creativity can drive AI innovation while ensuring financial responsibility and policy compliance.

Low-Code, No-Code, and You

Are low-code and no-code the future of application development? Most say yes. Without a doubt, low-code and no-code tools are playing increasingly important roles in speeding up the delivery of applications. But the landscape is complex. Each approach has pros and cons, depending on the scope of the project. This session examines which approaches best suit your needs.

Future-Ready Leadership: Building Soft Skills for the New Era

AI is transforming the public sector—but technical skills alone won't ensure success. Strong leadership, adaptability, and communication are essential to navigating this shift. This session goes beyond tech, focusing on soft skills that empower future leaders. Learn upskilling, retraining, and change management strategies to help teams thrive in an AI-driven workplace. Explore redefining roles, fostering continuous learning, and confidently leading in a rapidly evolving landscape. HR leaders, CIOs, and emerging leaders will leave with actionable insights to build resilient, adaptable teams ready for the future.

Lunch

Kentucky’s Leadership Challenge – A Public Sector Trivia Showdown

Think fast. Collaborate under pressure. Test your knowledge of governance, policy, and emerging tech in this high-energy, team-based trivia showdown. More than a competition—this is a chance to network, share insights, and strengthen connections across Kentucky’s public sector. Whether you want to build new relationships or sharpen your expertise, this interactive session delivers. Are you ready to lead your team to victory?

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

AI in Kentucky: Policy, Governance & Public Trust

AI is transforming government, but trust is key. Without strong governance and ethical safeguards, public confidence erodes. This session explores Kentucky's path to responsible AI adoption—focusing on transparency, accountability, and moral decision-making. Learn best practices for AI policy, regulatory considerations, and data governance to ensure AI serves the public good. Join experts as they discuss building trust, implementing guardrails, and navigating the evolving AI landscape in government.

Maria Thompson, Executive Government – Cyber, Amazon Web Services

Digital Conversations: Managing Electronic Communications in Government

From emails and text messages to Zoom chats and team discussions, electronic communication is the backbone of government operations—but are you managing it effectively? Learn best record-keeping, security, and governance practices to ensure your organization meets public records laws and mitigates risks. We will discuss policy considerations, legal requirements, and strategies for keeping digital conversations secure, compliant, and well-managed in today's fast-paced environment.

Moderator: Brian Wixom, Regional Administrator, Local Records Branch, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

Derek A. Clark, Manager, Electronic Records Branch, KY Department for Libraries and Archives

Sarah Garrett, Electronic Records Analyst, KY Department for Libraries and Archives

Cathrine Giles, Manager, State Records Branch, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

The Evolution of Constituent Engagement

Citizen engagement is evolving rapidly with advancements in technology and communication strategies. Technologies such as telephony innovations, chatbots, and digital portals can facilitate more efficient, accessible, and ongoing communication with constituents. This session will cover current and future trends for improving constituent engagement, ensuring that governments can meet the needs of their communities in an ever-changing landscape.

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Bits and Bytes: Today's Talent, Tomorrow's Opportunity for Growth

Positioning staff (or yourself!) for growth and development within the public sector is key to building a resilient and dynamic workforce. Upskilling and 'stretch assignments' to build confidence are only the beginning when creating an environment that prioritizes growth and helps individuals expand their comfort zone. Offering mentorship and creating a clear pathway for career progression also ensures sustained engagement and long-term success. This session will focus on tools to explore new roles, develop skills, and thrive in an evolving workforce landscape.

General Session – The New Data Paradigm: Revamping the Government Data Infrastructure for the Future

The future of government hinges on its ability to harness, manage, and protect data effectively. In this session, presented by the Center for Digital Government, we’ll explore shifting toward a modernized data infrastructure that prioritizes interoperability, scalability, and security. From breaking down data silos to leveraging AI and cloud-based solutions, this presentation will highlight key strategies for future-proofing government data ecosystems.

Dan Lohrmann, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

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.