Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Opening Remarks

Trina Zanow, Chief Information Officer/Division Administrator, Division of Enterprise Technology, State of Wisconsin

Keynote – The Age of Digital Disruption: Moving Forward, Faster

Technology advancements continue to disrupt at a swifter pace than ever before. 2023 witnessed the impact of AI in all sectors, and this year the public sector is required to adapt and adopt at a speed unheard of in the past. For the rest of our careers, intelligence will be built into all devices, applications, and processes. This changes how we must think about the use of data and the integration of humans and machines. What are the crucial strategies for adapting to and maximizing the benefits of these advancements? This session will have you ready to move forward at high speed as it paints a vibrant picture showing how synthetic intelligence can amplify current systems and our workforce.

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

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Beyond the Hype: GenAI for Real-World Impact

By leveraging GenAI, the public sector can improve efficiency, personalize services, and make data-driven decisions. However, implementing GenAI requires careful consideration of data, privacy, ethical use, and establishing clear guidelines along with governance to ensure responsible deployment. This session will provide practical takeaways, showcasing real-world success stories and actionable steps including successes in using GenAI to enhance public services.

Real-World Modernization One Step at a Time

Modernization in the public sector encompasses various strategies, from adopting cloud services, AI, automation, and containers to making subtle process improvements for long-term gains. The goal is to transform operations and enhance public services while keeping everything accessible! This session will delve into practical approaches to modernization, showcasing how continuous improvement can drive both efficiency and innovation within government operations.

Niko Ruud, Division Administrator, Professional Credential Processing Department of Safety and Professional Services, State of Wisconsin

Maintaining Balance with Privacy and Security

In the public sector, ensuring both privacy and security is a delicate balancing act oftentimes handled by different roles in the organization. As governments handle vast amounts of sensitive data, the challenge lies in protecting that data from breaches while respecting the privacy rights of citizens. This session will examine the intersection of privacy and security, discussing best practices for managing sensitive information, implementing robust security measures, while navigating the ethical/legal implications.

Moderator: Barry West, IT Director, Waushara County

Today’s Talent, Tomorrow’s Opportunity for Growth

Positioning staff (or yourself!) for growth and development within the public sector is key to building a resilient and dynamic workforce. Upskilling and ‘stretch assignments’ to build confidence are only the beginning when creating an environment that prioritizes growth and helps individuals expand their comfort zone. Offering mentorship and creating a clear pathway for career progression also ensures sustained engagement and long-term success. This session will focus on tools to explore new roles, develop skills, and thrive in an evolving workforce landscape.

Tech Wisdom: Best Practices for Local Government

Local governments face unique challenges when implementing and adopting new technologies. This session will provide best practices for effectively integrating technology to enhance operations, improve constituent services, and ensure data security. Topics will include leveraging state contracts and services, cloud solutions, implementing cybersecurity measures, utilizing data analytics for informed decision-making, and fostering a culture of innovation. Learn strategies for managing limited budgets, engaging stakeholders, and navigating the complexities of digital transformation.

Moderator: Lance Spranger, Chief Information Officer, Waukesha County

Michael Bastianelli, Chief Information Officer, Kenosha County

Lunch

Bits and Bytes – Simplifying Digital Identity with MyWisconsin ID

As digital interactions grow, ensuring secure and seamless access to government services is essential. This session covers MyWisconsin ID, the state’s single sign-on solution designed to streamline access to the State’s digital services. Learn how this secure identity verification system enables citizens to manage multiple government services with one login, reducing complexity while enhancing security. MyWisconsin ID is also used for organizations doing business with the state. Explore its implementation process, benefits for user experience, and how it is positioning Wisconsin at the forefront of digital account identity solutions.

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

The Evolution of Constituent Engagement

Citizen engagement is evolving rapidly with advancements in technology and communication strategies. Technologies such as telephony innovations, chatbots, and digital portals can be pivotal in facilitating more efficient, accessible, and ongoing communication with constituents. This session will cover current and future trends for improving constituent engagement, ensuring that governments can meet the needs of their communities in an ever-changing landscape.

Moderator: Brian Kreklau, Director of Technical Architecture Bureau, Division of Enterprise Technology, Department of Administration, State of Wisconsin

Connecting the IoT Dots for Government

With the increasing complexity and variety of IoT devices, it's essential to stay ahead of potential threats and vulnerabilities. How do you manage these devices wisely while ensuring a secure government environment? Where do fiber, connectivity, and BEAD money come into play? This session will study the challenges of managing and securing IoT devices, from smart home integrations to biomedical equipment. Learn how to balance limited resources and implement cost-effective controls while managing the total cost of ownership.

Omid Karbassi, Chief Information Security Officer, Department of Transportation, State of Wisconsin

Troy Stairwalt, Chief Information Security Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology, Department of Administration, State of Wisconsin

Data Strategy Decoded

Data is at the heart of every organization’s digital strategy and getting it in order is crucial for success. How do you build a robust data strategy on a limited budget while translating these practices into future success? This session will investigate the key components of an enterprise data strategy, focusing on data management/records management, literacy, governance, privacy, classification, and protection. We'll discuss how to get everyone on the same page regarding data practices and what steps to take next.

Lessons in Business Continuity and Resilience

In today’s interconnected landscape, ensuring business continuity is critical, especially with the reliance on complex supply chains and multiple vendors. How do you restore services efficiently and maintain continuity in the face of unforeseen challenges? This session will explore how to manage supply chain risks, strengthen vendor relationships, and implement effective patch management. Learn from real-world incidents as we delve into strategies for improving resilience, establishing robust incident response teams, and minimizing the negative impacts of disruptions.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: State CIO Trina Zanow, Deputy Division Administrator for Enterprise Operations James Sylla, and Deputy Division Administrator for Enterprise Services Monty Cordell and other IT leaders from the region.

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

General Session – The State of AI in GovTech: Exploring the Future and Charting the Course

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.

Dan Lohrman, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

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.