Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Opening Remarks

Denis Goulet, Chief Information Officer, State of New Hampshire

Keynote – Transform Adversity into Advantage: How to Conquer Life's Hurdles

The world has become more difficult, and the challenges are bigger than ever. Adopting a “new normal mindset” is necessary to empower your team to navigate the challenges and opportunities through a contextual model to overcome adversity. How will you manage uncertainty? Is your team ready to embrace change? This session will provide a powerful and interactive message of resilience and perseverance that will inspire you to see change as an opportunity for growth.

John Register, Inspirational and Motivational Speaker, Author, and Two-Time Paralympic Silver Medalist

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Data Chaos? Let’s Fix That

Public sector agencies have a LOT of data. But without the right structures in place that data remains untapped potential or, worse, a liability. Rushing toward AI and advanced analytics without addressing foundational challenges like data quality, security, and accessibility leads to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. How do agencies turn their data into a strategic asset instead of a roadblock? This session examines how strong data practices set the stage for analytics and smarter decision-making.

Moderator: Brian Rae, Information Systems Director, Town of Goffstown

Annie Dove, Director of Information Technology, Chief Information Security Officer, City of Dover

Ken Edwardson, Senior Scientist, Watershed Management Bureau, Water Division, Department of Environmental Services, State of New Hampshire

Privacy Gives Me Cognitive Dissonance: Public Duty or Personal Choice?

In government, protecting privacy is a requirement – and we take it so seriously at the State, that we define it as a fundamental principle for everything we do. But do we truly understand what that means in the Real World? This interactive session will explore the disconnect between professional privacy obligations and personal privacy habits, highlighting the competing perspectives on what privacy really is. Through audience participation and real-world scenarios, we’ll examine why strict privacy protections are mandated in the public sector yet often overlooked – or intentionally ignored - in everyday life. Attendees will engage in discussion with our hosts on privacy risks, how government policies shape expectations, and whether a stronger approach to privacy is needed in an increasingly data-driven world.

Ken Weeks, Chief Information Security Officer, State of New Hampshire

Doug Schelb, Deputy Chief Information Security Officer, State of New Hampshire

Designing Digital Services That Deliver: Usability Meets Accessibility

Public agencies must create digital services that are both accessible and user-friendly but achieving this can be challenging. How can agencies design services based on real user needs rather than assumptions? And what does it take to set up and sustain digital accessibility efforts? This session covers how human-centered design can improve usability while providing practical strategies for implementing and maintaining accessibility across an organization. Whether you're focused on compliance, enhancing user experience, or both, this session will equip you with the tools to build inclusive and effective digital services.

Gregory Duval, Web Services Administrator, Information Systems Department, City of Manchester

Kathryn Michener, ADAC, Director of User Experience, Department of Information Technology, State of New Hampshire

Lunch

Bits and Bytes - Coexisting with AI: Up Skilling the Workforce for a New Era

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the public sector workforce by streamlining operations, enhancing decision-making, and redefining job roles. As government agencies adopt AI-driven tools and automation, the challenge lies in balancing technological innovation with workforce skills. How can IT leaders ensure a smooth transition, empower employees with new skills, and foster effective human-AI collaboration? This session delves into strategies for seamlessly integrating AI into government operations while cultivating a resilient, adaptable workforce ready to thrive in an evolving digital landscape.

Zach Patton, Editorial Director, Content Studio, Government Technology

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

AI Readiness: Before You Build the Rocket, Check the Launch Pad

You’re under increasing pressure to use and implement AI, but are you ready to use it effectively and responsibly? Without proper data governance, workforce preparation, and risk management, AI implementation can create more challenges than solutions. How do you prepare your organization for AI adoption while avoiding common pitfalls? What is the right balance between the risk and reward? This session explores the critical predecessors and dependencies that must be in place before integrating AI such as technical infrastructure, data governance, team skill-building, and leadership alignment.

Moderator: Zach Patton, Editorial Director, Content Studio, Government Technology

Rich Lavers, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Employment Security, State of New Hampshire

Jonathan Shaw, National Director of Sate Strategy, Fortinet

Tech Tools and Beyond: Real Efficiency in Government IT

Public sector IT teams are expected to deliver more with fewer resources, all while navigating policy changes, new technologies, and increasing demands from leadership and end users. Many agencies look to digital transformation and AI for solutions, but without a clear problem-solving approach, these tools can become distractions rather than efficiency drivers. How do you align stakeholders, streamline workflows, and drive meaningful change without overspending or over-relying on technology? This session offers practical digital transformation strategies that prioritize process over tools, helping agencies streamline operations and navigate uncertainty.

Moderator: Alina Bobar, Assistant Director - Infrastructure and Operations, Department of Information Technology, State of New Hampshire

Thomas Rup, Director of Technology, Dover School District – SAU11

Exclusive Briefing for the Industry Partners

Hosted By:

Denis Goulet, Chief Information Officer, State of New Hampshire

Ken Weeks, Chief Information Security Officer, State of New Hampshire

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

The New Hampshire Technology Challenge: A Public Sector Trivia Showdown

Join us for a fun and engaging closing session where we’ll put your knowledge to the test with an interactive trivia game! This session will be a perfect mix of learning and laughter, highlighting key themes from the event and fun facts about New Hampshire. Don’t miss this chance to reflect, gain new perspectives, and wrap up the conference on a high note! Are you ready to challenge yourself and lead your team to victory?

Hosted By:

Erica Patterson, Vice President of Events, Government Technology

Ken Weeks, Chief Information Security Officer, State of New Hampshire

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.