Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Opening Remarks

J.R. Sloan, Chief Information Officer, State of Arizona

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 own 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

Embracing the Future: Harmonizing Modernization and Innovation

Modernizing our systems is essential to providing efficient constituent services. How can we make sure the tools we are adopting for the future are necessary, accessible, and relevant in 5+ years down the line? How do we educate partners and determine business outcomes that bring forward-thinking innovation and creativity? Are there agile methodologies or innovative procurement strategies that can support our mission? This session will explore those questions and lay the foundation for effective modernization.

Finding, Keeping, and Growing Today’s IT Workforce

As the workforce landscape evolves, attracting and retaining top talent has become a critical challenge for organizations, especially the public sector. The modern workforce values flexibility, purpose-driven work, and opportunities for growth more than ever before. Where can the public sector find new talent to fill critical roles? What are the collaborative opportunities for educational institutions and government agencies to bridge the workforce gap? How do we motivate, mentor and upskill our existing teams to meet the needs of an ever-evolving tech environment? This session shares creative tactics and strategies for establishing, retaining, and fostering a diverse, future-ready government workforce.

Leveraging the Power of Data Through Digital Readiness

Unlocking the full potential of data while ensuring privacy and integrity presents daunting challenges for public sector organizations. Add AI into the equation, and everything becomes more complex. How do you cultivate responsible data practices while getting the total value out of the tools you use? This session explores strategies for defending sensitive data while also using data to improve outcomes for Arizona’s constituents and beyond.

Securing the Backbone: Strategies for Defending Critical IT Infrastructure

Bad actors have more tools at their disposal than ever before and staying on top of them has proven to be the challenge of our day. What does the current threat landscape look like? Are there new tools and tactics we can deploy to strengthen our security posture? This session takes a further dive into Arizona’s whole-of-state approach to cybersecurity, and how government can protect its most critical infrastructure through collaboration, standardized strategies and resource sharing.

Lunch

Bits and Bytes –

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

The Full Score Card: Assessing and Addressing Insider Threats

Cybersecurity is a critical focus that extends beyond the IT department. How can we ensure that everyone takes ownership of information security to minimize internal breaches? How are you as an organization developing threat performance metrics to keep leadership informed of internal vulnerabilities? This session will explore strategies for developing a cybersecurity full score card to better understand and address threats inside your organization.

Leading Through Change

Public sector IT leaders must successfully navigate the complex landscape of change management. Balancing the dynamics of change is becoming more important than ever. How can leadership effectively communicate change? What structured approach is needed to transition individuals and teams? This session explores how to foster a culture of adaptability and effectively lead through change within your organization.

Designing for All: The Future of the Constituent Experience

Often when we talk about user experience, the conversation focuses on ease-of-use. While making our products more accessible can make human-computer interactions more complicated, a well-designed, accessible system can understand enough about the user to personalize the experience and offer the least-restrictive option to meet that user’s needs. Join our expert panel as we dive into the intersection of human centered design and accessibility as we look to elevate the constituent experience for ALL.

Responsible Innovation

Modern technologies are transforming the public sector, but how can agencies harness these tools in responsible ways? This panel will explore these technologies, and their uses within government agencies. We'll discuss the latest tools available and delve into ethical considerations and responsible practices.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: J.R. Sloan, Chief Information Officer, State of Arizona

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

General Session – CDG GovTech Radar for 2025 – A Look at the Future of GovTech

As technology reshapes the public sector, staying ahead of the curve is more critical than ever. The CDG GovTech Radar for 2025 provides a forward-looking analysis of the key trends, innovations, and disruptors set to define the next wave of government technology. From AI-driven automation and digital identity to next-gen cybersecurity and the rise of composable government services, this session will unpack what’s on the horizon. Join us for an exclusive look at the technologies that will drive efficiency, security, and citizen engagement in the year ahead—and how agencies can prepare to lead the future of GovTech.

Mark Weatherford, 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.