Registration and Morning Refreshments

Opening Remarks

Teena Piccione, Secretary and Chief Information Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina

Dynamic Modernization: Solving the Puzzle of People, Process, and Technology

Just like puzzle pieces fit together in a specific way to form a complete picture, modern digital infrastructure systems are made up of interconnected components, hardware, software, data, networks, and people - that must align precisely to function properly. If even one piece is missing or misaligned, the whole system can falter. The opportunity to add a synthetic layer of intelligence on top of an already complicated puzzle presents challenges – but also, unprecedented opportunities. How does this reshape the dynamic between human behavior and technology? Can we utilize new tech to solve legacy problems? In this session, visionary Scott Klososky explores bold ideas and forward-looking concepts to help digital leaders anticipate and shape the next wave of transformation.

Scott Klososky, Technologist, Futurist, Humanist, Author and Consultant

General Session: Creative by Necessity - Grassroots Innovation in North Carolina Government

Some of the most impactful innovations don’t come from big budgets - they come from bold ideas and creative problem-solvers working with what they have. This session highlights stories from across North Carolina where public-sector employees have tackled tough challenges with ingenuity, determination, and minimal resources.

Networking Break

Concurrent Sessions

Talent on Tap - Unlocking Certification and Upskilling Paths

North Carolina is stepping up to meet the growing demand for IT talent with a range of forward-thinking initiatives that go beyond recruitment. In a competitive landscape where agencies must attract, train, and retain IT and business professionals, emphasis must be put on investing in certifications, workforce development pipelines, and creative learning models that are reshaping what it means to grow talent from within. This session will spotlight the tools and strategies North Carolina public-sector leaders can use to build and sustain a resilient IT workforce.

The Data Journey: From Governance to Impactful Decision-Making

In the public sector, data is more than just numbers - it’s the foundation for informed policy, resource allocation, and service improvements. But how do state and local governments ensure they’re collecting, governing, and utilizing data effectively to drive better decision-making? This session will explore the full lifecycle of data - governance, cleansing, and strategy - leading to a North Star of data-driven decision-making. Panelists from state and local governments will share real-world examples of how they have leveraged data to shape policy, improve service delivery, set the foundation for AI, and demonstrate ROI.

Enabling North Carolina’s Communities for a Stronger Digital Future

The future of North Carolina depends on strong, reliable, and equitable connectivity. From expanding broadband access in underserved communities to enhancing digital infrastructure for public services, connectivity initiatives are transforming how residents, businesses, and government interact. This session will explore North Carolina’s broadband expansion efforts, the impact of federal and state investments, and innovative initiatives to bridge the digital divide.

The Cost of Innovation – Economic Forces, Budgets and Smarter Procurement

With shifting policies, state and local governments in North Carolina must adapt their IT strategies to align with evolving economic conditions and funding landscapes. Can we better leverage contracts, agile sourcing and vendor partnerships that deliver great value? Can we find creative ways to do less with more? This session will explore key economic trends, investment priorities, procurement strategy and how IT can collaborate to maximize value and accelerate modernization.

Lunch

General Session: What’s Next in Tech? Private Sector Insights for Public Sector Strategy

As emerging technologies reshape the way we live, work, and govern, public-sector IT leaders are under pressure to not just keep up—but stay ahead. What trends are worth watching? Which innovations will deliver the most value? And how can agencies prepare now for what’s coming next? In this dynamic session, leading private sector technology experts will share their perspectives on the future of tech - from AI and automation to cybersecurity, digital services, data strategy, and beyond. Learn what’s around the corner - and how to align today’s decisions with tomorrow’s demands.

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Practical Skills for Using Generative AI Responsibly and Effectively

Generative AI has opened the door to new levels of productivity, creativity, and decision-making—but only if you know how to use it well. This session is designed to help public-sector professionals build the skills needed to get the most from AI tools. We’ll explore the art and science of crafting effective prompts, strategies for checking and verifying outputs, and best practices for integrating AI into daily workflows responsibly. Join us for an engaging session that demystifies GenAI and helps you become a more confident, competent user.

Bridging the Gap Between Business and IT

Despite sharing common goals, business and IT teams often speak different languages—leading to misaligned priorities, communication breakdowns, and missed opportunities. As digital transformation accelerates, successful public-sector organizations are rethinking how to foster collaboration, build trust, and align strategy across both sides of the aisle. This session will explore practical ways to close the communication gap between business and IT leaders. From translating technical concepts into business value to building shared roadmaps and inclusive governance structures, we’ll examine proven strategies for creating a culture of partnership.

Cloud at the Edge: Managing Risk in a Distributed World

Cloud adoption has progressed well beyond the early days of simple data migration; it now demands a strategic approach to security, architecture, and compliance. The evolution of the cloud is inseparable from the evolution of the threat landscape. Hybrid, multi-cloud, and edge environments offer new opportunities - but they also create new attack surfaces, identity management challenges, and compliance risks. In this session, we’ll explore how cloud adoption has matured and what public sector leaders need to consider as threats grow more complex.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: Teena Piccione, Secretary and Chief Information Officer, Department of Information Technology, State of North Carolina

Networking Break

General Session – The Government Experience Revolution – Reimagining Personalized Government Delivery

Constituents today expect the same level of seamless, personalized service from government that they receive in the private sector. The Government Experience Revolution is transforming how agencies deliver services - moving from one-size-fits-all approaches to data-driven, user-centric experiences. This session, presented by the Center for Digital Government, will explore how governments are leveraging AI, digital identity, and advanced analytics to anticipate citizen needs, streamline interactions, and build trust through personalization.

Barry Condrey, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Best of North Carolina Technology Awards

Networking Reception

Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.

End of Conference

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