Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Opening Remarks

Tarek Tomes, Chief Information Officer, State of Minnesota

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. Doubtful you could 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 those used by spies. Equip yourself with the knowledge to detect and defend against espionage, whether you're facing a human operative or a cyber threat.

Shawnee Delaney, CEO, Vaillance Group and Former Spy

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Balancing Progress and Principles in Public Sector AI

As AI continues to march into the workplace, it has the potential to change government for the better. But what is realistically possible? Ethics, processes, and policies are also key factors in deploying AI to improve public sector operations. What are the potential challenges and risks involved? This session delves into the framework considerations needed for AI utilization in the public domain – ethically and safely.

Data Without Borders: Navigating Consent, Compliance, and Collaboration

As demand for integrated services and open data grows, state and local IT leaders must navigate complex legal, ethical, and policy challenges. This session explores the evolving landscape of data sharing, especially around patient data and open data initiatives, highlighting consent, governance, and security. Hear from Minnesota IT leaders and compliance experts as they share real-world strategies for managing consent, aligning with statutes, and building strong data governance frameworks. Whether you're starting out or refining your approach, gain practical insights to move forward with confidence.

Revisiting the Fundamentals of Cyber Risk in Government

The cyber landscape is constantly evolving, and outdated safeguards can leave organizations exposed to a wide range of threats. This session explores the fundamentals of risk, how to measure it, and how to assess vulnerabilities across your digital ecosystem. We’ll examine specific risks such as phishing attacks, ransomware, insider threats, and third-party vendor vulnerabilities. Learn how to identify internal partners—from IT to compliance—to help minimize these risks, and what it means to be a responsible steward of your organization’s data. A strong risk assessment not only reveals weaknesses but also guides smarter, more strategic protection efforts tailored to today’s most pressing cyber threats.

Empowering Women and Driving Diversity in Government Tech

An empowering panel of accomplished women in the IT industry share their experiences on successfully navigating the challenges and opportunities in this dynamic field. This session highlights strategies to support women in government tech, foster diverse teams, and expand access through apprenticeships and internships. Walk away with actionable insights to build a more inclusive and innovative IT workforce.

Lunch

Bits and Bytes – Personas, Pain Points, and Progress: Serving Minnesotans Better

Great customer experiences start with a deep understanding of the people we serve. This session empowers IT leaders to go beyond assumptions by building authentic user personas, uncovering hidden pain points, and mapping the full customer journey. You'll learn how to apply human-centered design to gain real-world insights that drive smarter, more intuitive services. Whether you're improving digital tools or rethinking service delivery, this approach helps create experiences that are seamless, personalized, and trusted

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Strength in Unity: Cost-Effective Cybersecurity for Government

As cyber threats grow more frequent and sophisticated, state and local governments must protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data—often with limited resources. This session explores practical, budget-friendly strategies for strengthening cybersecurity through collaboration, resource sharing, and innovative partnerships. Learn how working together can help build a more resilient and secure future.

Driving Innovation Through Human-Centered IT Leadership

Public sector IT leaders must successfully navigate the complex landscape of change management, balancing internal dynamics with external pressures. This session explores how to overcome resistance, communicate effectively across departments, and ensure smooth transitions. We'll delve into fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation, emphasizing the importance of people-centered leadership. Learn how to align your organization's culture with evolving technologies and external demands, enabling your teams to embrace change, adopt new tools, and thrive in a rapidly shifting digital environment.

Demystifying Accessibility and Inclusive Design for the Public Sector

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II mandate presents unique challenges and opportunities for public sector IT. This session will examine the strategic, operational, and budgetary impacts of ADA compliance on digital accessibility. It will also explore essential frameworks for inclusivity and usability, such as considerations in building inclusive design, assistive technology compatibility, and multiple modes of operation.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: Tarek Tomes, Chief Information Officer, State of Minnesota

Jamie Wascalus, Director and Chief Information Officer, City of St. Paul

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

General Session – Meeting Talent Where They Are: The IT Workforce Playbook

Workforce challenges in the public sector are not new—but they’ve evolved significantly in recent years. What skills are truly essential for building an effective IT team in 2025 and beyond? How do we align talent with strategy, retain top performers, and grow future leaders? This session dives into building resilient teams by meeting people where they are, planning for succession, and creating a legacy that lasts.

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.