Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Denise Reilly-Hughes, Secretary and Chief Information Officer, State of Vermont

Dr. Kellie B. Campbell, Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Technology Services, University of Vermont

Keynote – Find Your Fight: Innovating When the Odds Are Against You

In moments when challenges feel insurmountable, and the odds are stacked against us, how do we find the will to fight—and win? In this powerful and energizing talk, Jessica O. Matthews shares how the most groundbreaking innovations often emerge from struggle, uncertainty, and adversity. Drawing from her journey as a pioneering entrepreneur and inventor, Jessica explores how resilience, creativity, and relentless problem-solving can transform even the toughest setbacks into opportunities for impact and growth. This session will help you reframe challenges as opportunities for breakthrough innovation, develop resilience during moments of struggle, and uncover determination to keep fighting for transformative solutions.

Jessica O. Matthews, CEO of Uncharted, Innovator and Social Entrepreneur, Trailblazing Energy Advocate

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Your Cybersecurity Playbook Starts Here

Every government agency needs a strong cyber game plan - but where do you begin? This session explores the tools, frameworks, funding, and partnerships available to help you build or refine your cybersecurity playbook. From tabletop exercises to federal grants and threat intel resources, get actionable insights to strengthen your agency’s ability to prepare, respond, and recover.

Managing AI Risk for Smarter Government

AI holds great promise for transforming government, but with that promise comes real risk. How do you balance innovation with responsibility? This session will explore practical strategies for identifying, assessing, and managing AI-related risks while keeping your organization’s goals on track. Learn how to engage stakeholders, build trust, and ensure your AI initiatives are safe, effective, and aligned with public values.

Advancing Digital Accessibility

As digital services expand, governments must address challenges related to infrastructure, platform usability, and compliance with standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 to meet accessibility requirements. This session explores practical approaches to enhancing digital access, ensuring web and application accessibility, and promoting user success. We'll spotlight how Vermont is advancing these efforts through improved connectivity and user-centered technology design.

Lunch

Peer Power Problem-Solving Roundtables

Now it’s your turn. Join fellow attendees in a dynamic, peer-to-peer roundtable discussion where the morning’s insights turn into action. These small group conversations will focus on real challenges, shared strategies, and practical solutions drawn from the day’s sessions. Bring your questions, ideas, and lessons learned - then leave with fresh perspectives and tools you can take back to your team.

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Working Together for Cyber Resilience

Cyber threats are evolving faster, brighter, and more dangerously than ever. No single agency can face them alone. This session dives into how state and local governments across Vermont are building unified defenses through collaboration. Discover how shared resources, strategic partnerships, and coordinated funding models are transforming cybersecurity into a collaborative effort. Walk away with practical examples, proven frameworks, and fresh insights into how your agency can contribute to a stronger, collective response.

Modernizing Vermont Government Through Emerging Technologies

Vermont is embracing digital transformation, but where can emerging technologies make the most significant impact? This session examines how tools such as AI, automation, and advanced data analytics can modernize services, streamline operations, and enhance citizen experiences. Learn how to identify high-impact opportunities, prioritize initiatives, and build a roadmap for a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-focused government.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: Denise Reilly-Hughes, Secretary and Chief Information Officer, State of Vermont

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Vermont Innovation Showcase

See real solutions in motion. This rapid-fire demo session features live showcases of technology already transforming government across Vermont. From digital services to cybersecurity tools and data platforms, you’ll get a firsthand look at how agencies are using tech to solve problems, improve operations, and better serve Vermonters. It’s proof that innovation is happening right here, right now.

Be Brave Together: Building Cyber Resilience That Lasts

Inspired by the Governor’s call to ‘Be Brave Together,’ this closing session challenges us to move beyond mere survival to lead with purpose, unity, and resilience. How do we tackle big problems when the stakes are high, and the solutions aren’t simple? How do we protect our critical infrastructure, secure our data, and move forward even when perspectives differ? This conversation will focus on how Vermont can thrive through collaboration, bold thinking, and a shared commitment to cybersecurity and digital strength. Let’s talk about what it takes and how we make it happen.

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.