Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Shawnzia A. Thomas, State Chief Information Officer and Executive Director, Georgia Technology Authority

Keynote – EMBRACE THE SHAKE: Transforming Limitations into Opportunities

Success, especially in today’s fast-changing business environment, depends on our ability to make creativity and innovation a continuous process. Leaders want to know how their teams can rise above any challenge and succeed no matter what comes their way. Whether the goal is to embrace change, overcome obstacles, sustain growth, or take your success to the next level, leaders and teams want to learn how to “Embrace the Shake.” The term “Embrace the Shake” is coined from artist Phil Hansen’s personal story of transformation. After developing a career-ending tremor in his drawing hand, Phil embraced his “shake” both physically and metaphorically by redefining his limitation as an impetus for creativity. Phil not only restored his artistic abilities, but he also became a much more creative and innovative artist than ever before. Phil’s powerful message of finding creativity within limitations will inspire you to stop looking outside and start looking within for the resources that can transform your challenges into opportunities for success.

Phil Hansen, Artist, Speaker, Author and Innovator

Impact Spotlight

General Session – The FIFA Effect: Digital Government Lessons from Atlanta

Following the FIFA World Cup, City of Atlanta will share lessons learned from supporting a global mega-event through technology, cybersecurity, digital services, and cross-agency collaboration. Attendees will gain insights into the strategies, challenges, and innovations that helped shape the event experience and strengthen the city's long-term digital government capabilities.

Kamau Makini, AIM Chief Information Officer, Deputy, City of Atlanta

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

The Future of Government IT – Preparing for What's Next

As technology, service delivery expectations, and workforce dynamics continue to evolve, government IT leaders must rethink how their organizations are structured and operated. This session explores the trends and strategies that will define the next generation of government IT, including organizational models, workforce development, critical skills, technology priorities, and the change management approaches needed to successfully navigate transformation and build resilient, future-ready IT organizations.

Accessibility by Design: Building Inclusive Digital Services

Digital accessibility is essential to ensuring everyone can access government services and information. This session explores the ADA Title II digital accessibility requirements, accessibility best practices, common barriers, and practical strategies for building inclusive digital experiences. Attendees will gain insights into compliance, inclusive design, assistive technology compatibility, and resources available to support accessibility efforts.

Session Leader: Johan Rempel, Associate Director: Research Operations and UX/ICT Quality Assurance Manager, Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation, Georgia Institute of Technology

Elizabeth McKinney, PINES Program Director, Georgia Public Library Service

Stacey Peace, State ADA Coordinator, State ADA Coordinator's Office, State of Georgia

Responsible AI: Frameworks for Public Trust

As governments increasingly adopt AI, ensuring transparency, accountability, and public trust is critical. This session explores practical frameworks for responsible AI governance, including ethical decision-making, risk management, oversight, and policy development. Attendees will learn how to establish guardrails that support innovation while promoting fairness, security, transparency, and responsible use of AI in the public sector.

Bill Curtis-Davidson, Executive Director and Principal Research Scientist, Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation (CIDI), Georgia Institute of Technology

From Possibility to Practice – Leveraging Emerging Technologies for Better Outcomes

Emerging technologies are transforming how government delivers services, engages constituents, and improves operational efficiency. This session explores practical ways that the public-sector can leverage modern tools, including AI, automation, and low-code technologies, to solve business challenges and accelerate digital transformation. Attendees will gain real-world examples, lessons learned, and actionable strategies for identifying opportunities, increasing productivity, and delivering better outcomes through technology.

Lunch

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Unlocking Value Through Data Sharing and Collaboration

As agencies become more willing to collaborate, effective data sharing has become a key enabler of better services and decision-making. This session explores how to establish successful data-sharing agreements, navigate governance and privacy considerations, and turn shared data into actionable outcomes that benefit constituents.

Continuity in Action: Strengthening Cyber Resiliency

Cyber resilience is about more than prevention. It is about maintaining operations and recovering quickly when an incident occurs. This session explores the strategies, planning, and partnerships needed to strengthen organizational resilience, including incident response coordination, business continuity planning, vendor engagement, and recovery lessons learned from real-world events. Attendees will also gain insights into conducting effective tabletop exercises and preparing teams to respond confidently when a cyber disruption impacts critical services.

Workforce Readiness for Today and Tomorrow

As AI and emerging technologies continue to reshape government operations, public-sector organizations must prepare employees for evolving roles and responsibilities. This session explores practical approaches to assessing workforce readiness, identifying critical skill gaps, and developing effective reskilling and upskilling strategies. Attendees will gain insights into how these tools can improve efficiency, strengthen workforce capabilities, and support employee success to deliver better outcomes for the communities they serve

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: State of Georgia

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Georgia Technology Innovation Showcase Awards

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.

Zach Patton, Chief Editor, Content Studio, e.Republic

Networking Reception

Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.

End of Conference

Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.