Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Opening Remarks

Keynote – Leading with Vision

Being in charge isn’t easy, but in an era of rapid change and disruption brought on by incredible innovation, “the right” leadership is paramount to driving government and education forward. Leaders must achieve results, but that can be difficult if you are not also garnering respect and admiration. In this compelling keynote address, Anton Gunn delves into the strategies you can use to cultivate and hone essential leadership qualities, inspire your teams, and foster positive change within your organization.

Anton Gunn, Keynote Speaker, Best-selling author, Former Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama

General Session – Leading Through Change: Measuring Leadership Effectiveness in the Age of Emerging Technology

As technology continues to evolve at a breakneck speed, IT leaders face mounting pressure to not only keep up with innovation but also guide their teams and organizations through constant transformation. Effective leadership goes beyond vision – it requires adaptability, digital fluency, emotional intelligence, and the ability to deliver measurable impact. This session explores the intersection of emerging technologies and modern leadership, examining how public sector leaders can successfully drive innovation while fostering resilient, high performing teams.

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Succession Planning for the Future-Ready IT Organization

As the public sector faces an aging workforce, rapid technological change, and evolving talent expectations, succession planning has become a strategic imperative and not just an HR task. Future-ready IT organizations must ensure that institutional knowledge is preserved, emerging leaders are identified and developed, and key roles are prepared for seamless transition. How can you ensure that your agency is not only prepared for leadership transitions but also positioned to thrive through them? In this session, learn how IT leaders are advancing succession planning by identifying key roles, developing internal talent, and aligning growth with future innovation goals.

Inspire and Motivate: Building a Culture of Trust and Energy

A high-performing team isn't built on skill alone. It thrives on trust, motivation, and shared purpose. In today’s fast-paced digital environment, IT leaders must go beyond managing tasks to creating a culture where people feel valued, energized, and empowered to do their best work. How can leaders keep teams motivated and connected, especially during times of change and uncertainty?

Join this session where we’ll explore practical strategies for fostering a positive, high-trust environment that boosts morale and drives performance.

Communication Strategy and The Art of Storytelling for IT Leaders

An effective IT strategy is only as strong as your ability to communicate it. From vision-setting to progress reporting, IT leaders must translate technical roadmaps into compelling narratives that resonate with diverse stakeholders. Storytelling plays a vital role in making complex ideas accessible, building trust, and driving alignment across departments. What makes a strategic message stick and how can leaders ensure their vision connects beyond the IT team? This session explores practical communication techniques that enhance leadership presence, improve cross-functional collaboration, and elevate the visibility and impact of IT initiatives.

Lunch

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Leading Organizational Change in a Digital-First Era

Digital transformation is about more than technology. It is about people. As public sector agencies adopt new tools, platforms, and processes, successful change depends on how well employees are supported and engaged throughout the journey. Leaders must not only drive innovation but also foster a culture of adaptability, trust, and readiness. What does it take to prepare your workforce for continuous transformation and keep them motivated along the way? This session explores strategies for leading organizational change in a digital first environment, with a focus on employee impact, communication, and training.

Elevating Existing Talent – Unlocking Leadership Within

In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, the key to a resilient, future-ready IT organization may already be within your walls. Elevating existing talent not only boosts retention and morale but it also builds a leadership pipeline rooted in institutional knowledge and lived experience. How can you ensure your internal talent feels empowered, valued, and prepared to step into greater responsibility? Join this session to learn strategies for cultivating leadership at every level of your organization and unlocking the full potential of your workforce.

Cybersecurity 101 for IT Leaders: Building Awareness and Confidence

Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical concern. It’s a strategic leadership imperative. As digital services expand and threats grow more sophisticated, IT leaders must build both awareness and fundamental knowledge to make smart decisions, manage organizational risk, and foster a culture of security. This session offers a clear, practical introduction to key cybersecurity concepts, equipping leaders with the insight and language they need to support secure operations and build resilience across their teams.

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

General Session – Coexisting with AI: Optimizing 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 optimization. How can IT leaders ensure a smooth transition, empower employees with new skills, and foster effective human-AI collaboration? This session will delve 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, Chief Editor, Content Studio, Government Technology

New York City IT Leadership Awards Program

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

End of Conference

Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.