Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Kevin Gilbertson, Chief Information Officer, State Information Technology Services Division, State of Montana

Keynote

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Responsible AI Deployment: Risks, Remedies and Next Steps

We are focused on implementing AI tools safely and securely across the public sector, embedding zero trust principles into AI agents and everyday workflows. How can agencies balance governance and innovation while deploying AI tools that are secure and feasible for daily use? This session will cover practical implementation principles for common use cases and governance frameworks that enable responsible strategies for playing effectively in the broader AI ecosystem.

Fraud Beyond Cybersecurity: Policy and Practice

Fraud protection must extend beyond cybersecurity to every department and program, from unemployment and food assistance to student financial aid and Medicaid. How can agencies detect and reduce diverse fraud risks while meeting new federal thresholds for acceptable fraud rates and maintaining accountability and compliance? This session will cover fraud types, detection challenges, proving fraud levels for federal funding, and practical controls agencies can deploy.

Aligned to Deliver

Business and IT alignment is essential to deliver public sector projects on time and on budget. How can teams agree on scope, goals, and funding up front and work together as trusted collaborators rather than obstacles? This session will cover practical approaches to joint scoping, building team synergy, reconciling differing goals, and shrinking budgets.

Lunch

Bits and Bytes

These two Ted-style lightning talks will feature lively topics and high energy speakers. Our public sector IT leaders will dive into phases of change in public sector IT, both large and small and how to frame change to inspire your teams. We’ll hear from the state CISO on personal privacy and how you can protect yourself.

Michael Sweeney, IT Director, State Auditor's Office, State of Montana

Chris Santucci, Chief Information Security Officer, State of Montana

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Modernize at Speed

Modernization and technical debt remediation are central to delivering faster, more reliable public services. How can agencies accelerate updates while separating hype from the art of the possible? This session will cover practical use cases, how emerging technologies fit into modernization, and tactics to move faster without adding new debt.

Learning to Lead: Upskilling and Career Development

Workforce development and upskilling are critical for public sector IT teams facing rapid change and tool fatigue. How can agencies balance mission‑critical work with continuous learning, prepare new leaders, and preserve the uniquely human skills that matter most? This session will cover practical training approaches, storytelling-based use cases, strategies to reduce adoption friction and tool fatigue. Our panel will explore techniques to frame learning as a career‑building gift that strengthens both people and the organization.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: Kevin Gilbertson, Chief Information Officer, State Information Technology Services Division, State of Montana

Michele Snowberger, Deputy Chief Information Officer, State Information Technology Services Division, State of Montana

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

General Session – IT Trivia Throwdown

Closing trivia pits your day's learning and instincts against quick‑fire questions. Think you can recall the best practices, lessons, and surprises from the conference, and have fun doing it? Join us for a lively, fast‑paced session that quizzes what you learned, what you already knew, and what you wish you knew, with audience interaction and prizes.

Chris Santucci, Chief Information Security Officer, State of Montana

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.