Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Opening Remarks

Amanda Crawford, Executive Director and State Chief Information Officer, Department of Information Resources, State of Texas

General Session – Leading Beyond Our Limits

We’re pressed to the edge of our comfort zone daily. Faced with evolving challenges, unforeseen obstacles, and constant change, it can be tempting to stick to the familiar and avoid risk. Yet, there’s opportunity on the other side of discomfort, and standing out as a leader who’s willing to embrace uncharted territories is a remarkable way to inspire innovation and drive transformation. Join Saby Waraich as he draws on his real-life experience as a trailblazing guide in leadership. Learn to step into the uncomfortable to expand your impact, conquer complex challenges, and build a legacy of resilient leadership.

Saby Waraich, Chief Information Officer/Chief Information Security Officer, Clackamas Community College

Bits and Bytes – Building Confidence: IT Leadership Strategies for Stakeholder Approval

For IT leaders, introducing new technologies isn't just about innovation; it's about earning trust and building alignment. This session will help you craft compelling stories, communicate value in business terms, and inspire confidence from executive and business-side stakeholders. Walk away with proven strategies to secure buy-in, strengthen partnerships, and lead transformative change with influence and impact.

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Overcoming Analysis Paralysis

With AI technology evolving at lightning speed, public sector IT leaders can easily get stuck in analysis paralysis by overthinking decisions while opportunities pass by. This session offers practical strategies to cut through the noise, evaluate technology solutions with confidence, and move from planning to action. Attendees will gain clear frameworks to make smarter decisions faster, empowering Texas agencies to harness AI’s potential without getting overwhelmed.

Creating Strategic IT Roadmaps for Your Fast-Tech Future

Technology leaders are under pressure to deliver innovation at the speed of technology while maintaining stability and vision. This session explores how to design future-ready strategies, secure sustainable funding, and implement strong governance to guide growth and transformation. Attendees will gain actionable insights to lead confidently, prioritize investments, and build resilient systems that keep pace with change.

The Perfect Match: Creating Partnership Ecosystems

Building a thriving public-private partnership is a lot like a great marriage—it takes trust, communication, and a shared vision for the future. In this session, Texas IT leaders will explore how to “court” the right partners, set expectations, and create lasting relationships that drive innovation and impact. Come ready to learn how to say “I do” to collaboration that works, complete with strategies for keeping the partnership alive long after the honeymoon phase.

Workforce Agility in a Digital Future

Emerging technologies like AI are reshaping the IT workforce, demanding new skills, roles, and approaches to service delivery. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities to modernize teams, invest in talent, and reimagine how technology supports communities. This session explores strategies for workforce transformation, upskilling, and leadership to ensure agencies stay agile and future-ready in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Lunch

IT Leadership Awards

Applaud the winners of the IT Leadership Awards. This award program honors outstanding public sector IT leaders.

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Empowering IT Leaders to Navigate Cybersecurity and AI

As technology advances, IT leaders face growing pressure to strengthen cybersecurity as a top business priority, not just a technical issue. This session will highlight practical ways to use AI responsibly and prepare teams for emerging risks. Leaders will walk away with clear steps to make smart investments, manage security, and create a strong culture of cybersecurity across their organizations.

Pivot with Purpose: Driving Innovation and Impact

As technology advances at a breakneck pace, public sector leaders must not only adapt but clearly communicate their vision to guide teams and organizations through constant change. This session offers strategies for leaders to confidently pivot, foster innovation, and engage stakeholders through effective communication. Attendees will learn to sharpen decision-making, elevate communication, and lead with impact in an era of rapid change.

CIO 2.0 - Navigating Leadership in a Digital Era

The role of the public sector CIO is rapidly evolving from IT overseer to strategic leader and change agent. CIOs are now expected to drive innovation, shape policy, and build cross-agency partnerships while ensuring security, compliance, and service delivery. This session explores how CIOs can embrace this expanded leadership role, balance competing demands, and position their organizations for long-term success in a fast-changing digital landscape.

Inspire and Motivate by Building a Culture of Trust

Great teams aren’t built on skills alone—they thrive on trust, motivation, and balance. In this fast-moving digital era, IT leaders must go beyond tasks to create workplaces where people feel valued, energized, and supported inside and outside of work. This session will share actionable strategies to build trust, boost morale, and inspire teams to perform at their best while maintaining well-being.

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

General Session - The Leadership Trivia Challenge

Can you effectively collaborate under pressure? Dive into this lively, team-based trivia game where attendees join forces with your peers to answer questions on governance, policy, emerging tech, and the pressing issues shaping government today. This isn’t just about winning - it’s about networking, sharing expertise and maybe…just maybe - you might learn something new. Whether you’re looking to meet new people or strengthen existing partnerships, this session offers a unique chance to learn and engage with peers from across the public sector. Are you ready to challenge yourself and lead your team to victory?

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.