Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Welcome

Opening Remarks

Katrina Flory, State Chief Information Officer, DAS Office of Information Technology, State of Ohio

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

Bits and Bytes - It's Not If, It's When: Resilience in Action

In this unpredictable world, ensuring the continuity of government operations is crucial. This presentation explores key lessons learned from recent disruptions, while highlighting effective strategies for business continuity and disaster recovery. It is never too late to strengthen your organization's resilience!

Jeff Swan, Chief of Infrastructure Services, Department of Administrative Services, State of Ohio

Todd Wulfhorst, Server Team Manager, Infrastructure Services Division, Department of Administrative Services, State of Ohio

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Demystifying AI

Artificial Intelligence is one of the most talked-about technologies inside and outside of government. As with any new technology, AI presents more questions than answers - particularly around ethics, security, and governance. Policies and frameworks can help you guide ethical decision-making and protect against risks. Join us as we explore low-barrier entry points, relevant policies, and the critical role governance plays in ensuring responsible AI implementation. Whether you're just starting with AI or enhancing current efforts, this session will prepare you to confront the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and in the future.

Joe Zilka, Senior Engineer, Snowflake

Unlocking the Power of Data: Governance and Innovation

Data is integral to our everyday work, regardless of our role. But are we utilizing it as the valuable asset it is? An asset that can inform strategic decisions and drive equity and innovation. This session will explore how comprehensive data governance practices can enhance operations and ensure data integrity, accessibility, and security.

Dean Pickett, Assistant State Chief Data Officer, State Data Office, State of Ohio

Kenneth Simmons, Chief Data Officer, Mental Health Addiction Services, State of Ohio

Evolving Considerations of Modernization

The cloud is critical in modernization, but it comes with challenges and scrutiny. Risk mitigation, cloud economics, and much more factor in. Is human centered design or low code/no code part of your playbook? Is reducing technical debt and achieving meaningful business outcomes at the top of your list? In this session you will gain valuable insights and discover best practices to ensure your modernization efforts are successful and sustainable.

Jasmine Ramaradjou, Chief Information Officer, Department of Public Safety, State of Ohio

The New Era of Work

As government IT evolves, so must the strategies for building and maintaining a skilled workforce. Creativity and innovation are critical for new approaches to recruiting and retaining talent. A focus on culture, upskilling, certificate programs, and statewide initiatives like the Ohio Digital Academy are rapidly changing the landscape in this new era of work. Join us for insights and best practices on how to lead and adapt to a diversifying workforce and forge effective pathways to achieving your workforce goals.

Lunch

General Session – Harnessing Emotional Intelligence for Growth Mindset in the Age of AI

In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries and daily life, fostering a growth mindset is more crucial than ever. This session explores the intersection of emotional intelligence and AI, revealing how these elements can synergistically enhance personal and professional development. Attendees will delve into the principles of a growth mindset—believing in the potential for development through effort and learning—and learn how emotional intelligence (EQ) can be leveraged to cultivate this mindset. By the end of this session, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to integrate emotional intelligence with a growth mindset to navigate and excel in the AI-driven future. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable strategies to leverage their EI for personal and professional development in an increasingly automated world.

Adam Frumkin, Chief Information Officer, Franklin County Data Center, Franklin County

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

The Art of the Possible: AI in Action

Adopting AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency is quickly becoming the norm. Streamlining processes, optimizing resource allocation, and delivering better services to the community are no longer a “nice to have”, but a “must have”. In this session we examine use cases, strategies, and key considerations for leading AI initiatives that drive innovation, improve decision-making, and ultimately transform public service delivery for the better.

Kevin Talbert, Senior Solutions Engineer, Cloudera

The Anatomy of a Cyber Incident

Cyber-attacks can strike at any moment, leaving organizations vulnerable and scrambling to respond. In this session we will take an in depth look at the components that make up a cyber incident from start to finish, and share essential tools, strategies, and best practices for minimizing damage and restoring operations. Join us to ensure your organization is prepared for the unexpected!

Kimberly Roy Wilson, Commissioner of Information Technology, City of Cleveland

Bridging the Gap: Building Your Case for IT Success

Effective communication and strategic alignment are essential for IT to add real value to government operations. How can you build a compelling use case that aligns IT initiatives with business goals? Do you have what it takes to interface effectively with the business side and articulate outcomes to secure necessary resources? In this session we delve into the lifecycle of IT solutions, from identifying challenges to leveraging technologies like AI for impactful results, equipping you with the tools and strategies needed to drive success.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: Katrina Flory, State Chief Information Officer, DAS Office of Information Technology, State of Ohio

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.

Mark Weatherford, Senior Fellow, The Centers for Digital Government and Public Sector AI

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.