Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Opening Remarks

Dru Rai, Chief Information Officer and Director of the Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York

Keynote- Leading the AI Revolution: IT’s New Role in Global Public Sector Innovation

AI is reshaping everything and IT leaders in government and public sector organizations stand at a pivotal juncture. Traditionally viewed as reactive and slower to innovate than the private sector, the public sector is now uniquely positioned to take a hands-on stance in AI implementation. To do that, we need to understand how IT departments can anticipate, and address business needs proactively. In this whirlwind session, digital transformation and AI expert, Sharon Gai, will take us on a journey around the world. Starting from the bustling streets of Hangzhou to the high-tech healthcare facilities of Tokyo, and finally to the classrooms of New York. Through this session, government leaders will understand the myriad ways AI is redefining society and be equipped with actionable insights, aiding them in harnessing the full potential of AI for the betterment of their communities.

Sharon Gai, Keynote Speaker & Author

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Session

Strengthening Digital Defenses: Cultivating a Culture of Cybersecurity and Crisis Management

In an era where digital threats are evolving at unprecedented pace, establishing a resilient cybersecurity framework is paramount for governments stiving for digital excellence. How can the public sector balance the need for rapid technological innovation with the imperative of maintaining robust cybersecurity defenses without hindering progress? What are the most critical elements in creating a sustainable culture of cybersecurity within state and local government agencies? This session delves into the strategic importance of building a robust culture of reinforcement in cybersecurity and crisis management within the public sector.

Bridging the Divide: Enhancing Accessibility and Usability in Government Services

As governments strive for digital excellence, ensuring that digital services are accessible and user-friendly for all citizens is crucial. How can the public sector balance the need for innovative digital services while maintaining high accessibility and usability standards? This session focuses on both the challenges and solutions and equips attendees with the tools and insights needed to promote digital equity across the state.

Maxwell Heintz, Associate Attorney, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York

Revolutionizing Public Health: The Role of IoT and Health IT in Achieving Digital Excellence

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) Technologies and Health IT is transforming the landscape of public health services, driving efficiency, improving patient outcomes, and the overall quality of care. What strategies can be employed to address the security and privacy concerns associated with the use of IoT and Health IT in public health? This session will explore how governments can leverage IoT and Health IT to achieve digital excellence in public health.

Shaping Tomorrow’s IT Leaders: Essential Skillsets for Digital Excellence and Transformation in Government

In an era of rapid technological advancement, the future of government depends on the cultivation of IT leaders equipped with the skills and vision to drive digital excellence and transformation. What are the most critical skillsets IT professionals in the public sector need to develop to lead effectively? How can government create an environment that supports the continuous development of IT leaders and encourage innovation? Join this insightful session where experts will highlight the critical skills required for future leaders and what it takes to succeed in today’s dynamic environment.

Moderator: Suzanne Lazar, Manager, Business Analysis Shared Services, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York

Andrew Bellinger, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Operations and Enterprise Systems, Office of the Attorney General, State of New York

Scott Geer, Technical Director, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York

Lunch

Bits and Bytes- Ethical Excellence: Navigating Responsible AI in Digital Government

As Governments around the world increasingly adopt artificial intelligence to improve public services, the need for responsible AI practices has never been more crucial. How can New York State ensure that AI systems used across the state are free from bias and promote fairness across diverse populations? In what ways can transparency in AI decision-making processes enhance public trust and accountability in government services? Join this fireside chat to hear about the measures being implemented by the Empire State to ensure AI technologies are used equitably and responsibly.

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions

Concurrent Sessions

Accelerating Modernization: Leveraging Emerging Technologies for Digital Transformation in Government

As governments nationwide strive for digital excellence, the integration of emerging technologies offers a transformative opportunity to modernize public services and operations. How can governments identify and prioritize the areas where these technologies can most effectively drive modernization and improve public services? Join this session to explore how emerging technologies can be a catalyst for modernizing government services, paving the way for a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric public sector.

Moderator: Steven Spalten, Executive Deputy Superintendent, Technology and Operations, Department of Financial Services, State of New York

Data-Driven Excellence: Enhancing Data Quality and Utilization for Government Success

Achieving digital excellence in government hinges on the quality and effective use of data. How can the public sector establish and maintain high quality standards to ensure the reliability of data-driven decisions? What are the most effective strategies for transforming raw data into actionable insights that can lead to successful outcomes in government projects? In this enlightening session we will discuss the critical aspects of data quality, the usefulness of data, and strategies for leveraging data to drive success in public sector initiatives.

Aligning Business and IT Governance: Achieving Digital Excellence in Government

In the quest for digital excellence, the alignment of business and IT governance is essential for government agencies to deliver efficient, effective, and innovative services. What are the key challenges in aligning business and IT governance, and how can they be overcome to ensure seamless collaboration and improved service delivery? How can these challenges be overcome to ensure seamless collaboration and improved service delivery? This session will provide you with valuable insights and practical strategies to harmonize business and IT governance, driving your organization toward digital excellence.

Moderator: Matt Jebaraj, Executive Director, Program and Project Management – Chief Portfolio Office, Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York

Tapping Alternatives Talent Pipelines

Workforce challenges in the public sector are a well-known issue, requiring innovative and creative solutions. Traditional strategies for attracting and retaining talent are becoming obsolete, especially in an era marked by generative AI and rapid technological advancements. How can your organization discover and leverage untapped, underutilized hiring pipelines to build the workforce of the future? What does a skills-based hiring model look like in practice? This session will share strategies, tactics, and real-world examples demonstrating how to build a future- ready public sector workforce.

Moderator: Andrew Bellinger, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Operations and Enterprise Systems, Office of the Attorney General, State of New York

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: Dru Rai, Chief Information Officer and Director of the Office of Information Technology Services, State of New York

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

General Session - The State of AI in GovTech: Exploring the Future

Presented by the Center for Public Sector AI, this keynote presentation delves into the present status of Artificial Intelligence in the GovTech sector, offering a detailed examination of AI’s applications within state and local governments. We will explore AI’s potential future paths in GovTech, highlighting emerging trends and discussing how technology and policy leaders can prepare for AI’s impact on service delivery. We will address starting points for AI implementation, stressing the importance of collaboration, ethical considerations, and equitable technology access. This forward-looking talk will equip attendees with a thorough understanding of AI’s trajectory in GovTech, providing practical insights to effectively leverage AI for public sector innovation and advancement.

The Best of New York Awards

Be ready to celebrate with the New York Government Technology community as we recognize the amazing technology and service work done for the people across the state.

Hosted by: Dru Rai, Chief Information Officer and Director of Information Technology Services, State of New York

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.