Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Craig P. Orgeron, Ph.D. Chief Information Officer, Executive Director, Department of Information Technology Services, State of Mississippi

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. Explore the intricate realms of industrial, corporate, and foreign espionage, as we dissect their motivations, the financial stakes involved, recruitment strategies, and provide vivid case studies of threat actors. 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

Refuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of Recharge Break Sponsors: Soteria LLC

Concurrent Sessions

Putting AI to Work: Practical Use Cases and Guardrails for Government

AI is moving from experimentation to everyday operations across government, creating new opportunities to improve services, automate routine work, strengthen cybersecurity and unlock greater value from data. But success requires more than adopting new tools; it depends on strong governance, secure data practices, workforce readiness and public trust. Join panelists as they share practical AI use cases delivering results today, lessons learned from implementation, and strategies for establishing the guardrails needed to innovate responsibly. Learn how agencies are assessing AI readiness, managing risk, building governance frameworks and preparing their workforce while balancing innovation, security and accountability.

The Mighty Mississippi of Data: Building the Current for AI, Analytics and Innovation

As Mississippi agencies accelerate cloud migration, AI adoption and modernization efforts, effective data governance is critical. This session explores how agencies can improve data quality, enable secure data sharing and support responsible AI through practical governance frameworks. Learn how government leaders are turning data into a strategic asset that drives innovation, informs decision-making and strengthens public trust.

Future of the Digital Workforce

The future of government technology depends on a workforce that can adapt, innovate and thrive amid constant change. From evolving job classifications and skills gaps to competition with the private sector and the risk of losing institutional knowledge, public-sector leaders face growing workforce challenges. Join this session to explore strategies for building a future-ready IT workforce, upskilling employees for emerging technologies, attracting the next generation of talent, and creating organizational cultures that support innovation, resilience and long-term success.

Lunch

Bits and Bytes – Mississippi's AI Innovation Hub: From Ideas to Impact

Mississippi is taking a collaborative approach to exploring the future of artificial intelligence through the AI Innovation Hub. This initiative brings together state government, higher education, industry experts and students to test emerging technologies, develop practical use cases and build AI knowledge across the state. From hands-on innovation challenges and university partnerships to responsible AI experimentation and workforce development, the Hub is creating a space where ideas can move from concept to impact. Hear how state leaders, educators and innovators are working together to advance responsible AI adoption, strengthen workforce readiness and accelerate innovation across the state.

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Cyber Resilience: Preparing for What's Next

Cyber threats are growing in scale, speed and complexity, challenging government organizations to rethink how they manage risk and protect critical services. Hear from experts as they discuss strengthening cyber resilience through modern approaches to threat detection, identity management, cloud security, vulnerability management, governance and workforce readiness. Learn how to balance security, innovation and operational demands while building a culture of preparedness that reduces risk, strengthens resilience and helps ensure continuity of services in an increasingly connected world.

All in the Same Boat: Building Buy-In for Change

Technology initiatives succeed when people understand, support and adopt them. From cloud migrations and cybersecurity programs to AI and modernization efforts, public-sector IT leaders must effectively communicate value, demonstrate mission impact and build trust across the organization. We will explore strategies for securing executive sponsorship, proving ROI, engaging end users, overcoming resistance and creating a culture that embraces change, turning technology investments into lasting business outcomes.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: Craig P. Orgeron, Ph.D. Chief Information Officer, Executive Director, Department of Information Technology Services, State of Mississippi

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Refuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of Recharge Break Sponsors: Soteria LLC

General Session – The Mississippi Cyber Initiative – Strength through Collaboration

As cyber threats continue to evolve, collaboration has become the cornerstone of effective cybersecurity. This presentation highlights how the Mississippi Cyber Initiative (MCI), led by Mississippi State University, has united government, the Department of Defense, academia, industry, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure partners to build a comprehensive statewide cyber ecosystem. Attendees will gain insight into Mississippi's collaborative approach to strengthening cyber resilience, accelerating workforce development, advancing applied research, and supporting national security through the development of the Mississippi Cyber & Technology Center and a growing network of strategic partnerships. The session will demonstrate how collaboration is driving innovation, enhancing mission readiness, and positioning Mississippi as a national leader in cybersecurity and emerging technologies.

Jim Martin, Associate Vice President for Corporate Engagement and Economic Development, Mississippi State University

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.