Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Corey Mock, Chief Information Officer, State of North Dakota

Keynote – The Power of TALK in an AI World

In a world where ChatGPT enables everyone to write like a Harvard graduate, the true power to stand out now lies in verbal communication. Unfortunately, many studies show that the fear of public speaking ranks higher than the fear of death, and those who struggle to talk in front of others will quickly find themselves and their organizations falling behind. Join Anthony Huey in this lively and thought-provoking keynote as he explores the power of verbal communication. Anthony helps his audiences understand the importance of perception and how first impressions are primarily formed when we speak, whether in person, virtually, or on the phone.

Anthony Huey, CSP, President, Reputation Management, LLC

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Refuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of Recharge Break Sponsor: Dakota Carrier Network (DCN)

Concurrent Sessions

Data Ready: From Policy to Practice

Data is the foundation of digital government, but too often it is fragmented, over-retained, and not ready for emerging technologies like AI. This session explores how to move from policy to action with a practical approach to data governance, including records retention, data classification, and clear ownership. Learn how to determine what data to keep and what to defensibly dispose of, establish standards for sensitive data, and improve data quality to support AI and analytics. Grounded in real-world experience, this session highlights that being data ready is not just an IT effort, it is a shared responsibility that enables compliance, transparency, and better outcomes.

Shila Blend, PhD, Health Information Technology Director, North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT), State of North Dakota

Beyond Compliance: Building Accessible and Inclusive Digital Services

Digital accessibility is no longer optional. It is a shared responsibility across state and local governments as ADA compliance deadlines approach and expectations rise. This session explores how agencies of all sizes are navigating the evolving accessibility landscape, from understanding requirements to implementing practical, scalable solutions across websites, digital services, and communications. Hear lessons learned from leaders working to level the playing field, build awareness beyond IT, and communicate the business and risk implications to stakeholders. Walk away with actionable strategies to advance accessibility, support compliance, and ensure equitable digital experiences for every constituent.

Moderator: Craig Felchle, Chief Technology Officer, North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT), State of North Dakota

One State, One Network: Stronger Together in North Dakota

From shared infrastructure and enterprise platforms to unified cybersecurity, data governance, and digital services, this session examines what it truly means to operate as a connected ecosystem. Learn how organizations are breaking down silos to deliver more seamless, secure, and citizen-centered experiences. Speakers will share how teams are aligning priorities, pooling resources, and building trust to meet mandates, modernize legacy systems, and drive better outcomes together. Whether prompted by compliance requirements, budget pressures, or rising expectations, collaboration is no longer optional. It is the foundation for stronger, more resilient operations.

Bob Henderson, Director of Technology, Cass County

Lunch

Bits and Bytes – Building Defense-in-Depth Email Security with Machine Learning

Discover how North Dakota’s Cyber Operations Center leverages custom machine learning to stop phishing attacks. This session will walk you through training and deploying your own phishing detection model in a Security Operations Center, including practical tips for tuning and optimization. We’ll also cover complementary tools and techniques for a defense-in-depth approach to email security.

Jaden Evanger, Senior Cybersecurity Automation Engineer, North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT)

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

The Reality of AI Integration: Challenges and Lessons

AI is no longer a question of if but how, and many government organizations are navigating early integration with mixed results. This session explores practical lessons learned, including challenges with adoption, workforce readiness, costs, and unclear return on investment. Panelists will discuss the importance of strong data foundations, governance, and user education, along with common issues like low utilization and uncoordinated tool use. Attendees will gain a clearer view of how to move from experimentation to meaningful, sustainable use of AI in government.

Moderator: Kim Weis, Chief Data Officer, North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT), State of North Dakota

Jason Anderson, Data Insights and AI Manager, North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT), State of North Dakota

Tony Aukland, Technology Outreach Director, North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT), State of North Dakota

Modern Public Safety: Built for Today’s Threat Landscape

Modern public safety is evolving as agencies balance mission critical operations with rising cybersecurity threats, compliance mandates and growing expectations for digital services. This session explores how state and local governments are modernizing public safety systems while strengthening cyber resilience through frameworks like the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) requirements and the 13 security controls. Leaders will share practical approaches to securing networks, managing identity and access, and supporting frontline innovation. Grounded in a whole of state mindset, the conversation highlights cross agency collaboration, data governance and readiness, and how to align modernization with compliance, continuity and public trust.

Making the Case: Communicating Why IT Matters

Communicating the business value of IT remains one of the most requested and most challenging skills for public sector technology leaders. In this session, explore how to translate technical initiatives into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with executives, legislators, and agency partners. Learn practical strategies for framing IT as a driver of mission outcomes, not just a cost center, by connecting investments to risk reduction, service delivery, compliance, and citizen impact. Through real world examples and peer discussion, panelists will share how to move beyond keeping the lights on to demonstrating measurable value, earning a seat at the table, and building lasting support for modernization, data, and digital government efforts.

Greg Hoffman, Deputy Chief Information Officer and Chief Financial Officer, North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT), State of North Dakota

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: Corey Mock, Chief Information Officer, State of North Dakota

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Refuel and reconnect over premium refreshments courtesy of Recharge Break Sponsor: Dakota Carrier Network (DCN)

General Session – Concluding Insights: Charting North Dakota’s Digital Future

Close out the 2026 North Dakota Digital Government Summit with a forward-looking fireside chat featuring state technology leaders. This session will reflect on key themes from the day and highlight how North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT) is shaping the state’s digital future, with insights on current initiatives, data governance strategies and resources, and cybersecurity priorities and support. Attendees will gain a clear view of the momentum driving digital transformation across the state and leave with a concise understanding of how NDIT can partner with agencies to build a secure, connected, and future-ready digital ecosystem.

Moderator: Tony Aukland, Technology Outreach Director, North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT), State of North Dakota

Kim Weis, Chief Data Officer, North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT), State of North Dakota

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.