Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Michelle Gilman, Commissioner, Department of Administration Services, State of Connecticut

Mark Raymond, Chief Information Officer, Bureau of Information Technology Services, State of Connecticut

Keynote – Debrief to Win: Building Teams that Succeed in Disruption

In times of turbulence and disruption, even the best teams can struggle to stay focused, aligned, and accountable. Overcoming these challenges requires a shift in mindset and the right leadership tools to create resilient, high-performing teams. Learn from a former U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School ("Top Gun") instructor how elite military teams succeed by centering on a shared mission, driving purpose, and embracing accountability as a path to growth, not blame. Walk away with actionable strategies and inspiring insights to help your teams thrive under pressure and achieve lasting success.

Robert Teschner, Founder & CEO, Vmax Group

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Beyond the Buzz: Real AI Wins for Public Sector IT

AI is no longer theoretical; it’s a practical tool helping public sector IT teams deliver better services, detect fraud, and improve operations. So how can you overcome uncertainty and identify where AI can make an immediate impact? This session highlights real-world use cases, emerging innovations, and quick wins that build confidence while demonstrating measurable value. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of the art of the possible and actionable steps to leverage AI today.

Patch, Protect, Prevail: Navigating Cybersecurity Threats

Ransomware and evolving cyber threats are exposing gaps in traditional public sector defenses and challenging long-held assumptions. How can IT leaders stay ahead as attackers adopt AI, and the balance between offense and defense continues to shift? This session examines the current threat landscape, the role of AI in cybersecurity, and the urgency of real-time patching and adaptive strategies. The panel will focus on a sharp understanding of today’s risks and actionable steps to strengthen resilience against modern threats.

Data Never Goes Out of Style: Turning Insight into Impact

Data remains one of the public sector’s most powerful assets, but only when it’s governed, trusted, and effectively shared to tell a meaningful story. How can agencies securely break down silos and enable cross-agency data sharing while maintaining privacy and compliance? This session explores how strong data governance, safe data collaboration, and thoughtful analysis can unlock actionable insights and drive better outcomes.

Lunch

Bits and Bytes – Bright Ideas, Real Results

In these use case focused lightning talks, we’ll explore public sector success stories and pilots with measurable outcomes.

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

The Power of Identity: Building Trust at Scale

As public sector organizations modernize, identity management and digital twin technologies are reshaping how agencies secure access and model real-world systems. How can IT leaders integrate strong identity protection strategies with tools like digital twins to improve security, insight, and decision-making? This session explores the intersection of identity management and digital innovation, highlighting how these capabilities can enhance visibility, control, and operational efficiency.

Better Together: Collaboration for Maximum Impact

Public sector organizations strive to align IT priorities with business goals, maximize limited budgets, and accelerate digital transformation. How can agencies strengthen collaboration, leverage business intelligence, and navigate the steps required to secure IT funding, while still doing more with less? This session explores practical strategies to bridge the gap between IT and business, tap into shared resources, and build a compelling case for investment. Attendees will gain actionable insights on improving alignment, unlocking funding opportunities, and expanding collaboration to deliver greater impact to constituents.

Mission Critical: Building and Sustaining IT Workforce

Public sector IT organizations must compete for top talent while navigating change, modernizing operations, and preparing for the next generation of leaders. How can agencies position themselves as an employer of choice while strengthening recruitment, retention, and succession planning? This panel will discuss strategies to reframe public sector IT careers, drive effective internal change management, and build a resilient talent pipeline. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to attract and retain skilled professionals, foster growth from within, and ensure long-term organizational continuity.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: Mark Raymond, Chief Information Officer, Bureau of Information Technology Services, State of Connecticut

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

General Session – 25 Years of Digital Government: How Technology, Policy, and Public Service Evolved, And What Comes Next

In 2001, "digital government" meant moving paper forms to static PDF downloads. Today, it means real-time, AI-driven resident services, "whole-of-state" cybersecurity, and cloud-native infrastructure that never sleeps. As the Center for Digital Government (CDG) celebrates its 25th anniversary, we invite you to a high-energy retrospective and a forward-looking strategy session that tracks the evolution of the public sector’s digital DNA. We will walk through the "waves" of transformation we’ve navigated together and will provide a roadmap for the next quarter-century of innovation.

Phil Bertolini, Chief Delivery Officer, e.Republic

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.