Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Opening Remarks

Jason Snyder, Secretary of Technology, Executive Office of Technology Services and Security, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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

General Session – Government Services Game Changer – From Legend

Discover how Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance embraced modern technologies, overcame legacy infrastructure challenges, and is building a foundation for responsive, efficient digital government through the Employment Modernization Transformation (EMT) project. Learn how this multi-year initiative is transforming unemployment services—and what’s ahead on the modernization roadmap.

Anthony Fantasia, Chief Information Officer, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Doing More with Less: Real World Cost-Effective Modernization Strategies

Public-sector IT leaders are under increasing pressure to modernize systems with limited resources and budgets. This session explores proven strategies and methodologies for advancing and continuing IT modernization efforts in financially constrained environments. Learn how agencies are driving down costs, optimizing performance, and keeping critical projects moving forward—even when resources are limited.

From Data Sharing to Decision-Making: Modern Strategies for a Connected Data-Driven Commonwealth

How do we transform fragmented government data into connected intelligence that drives better decisions, improves citizen services, and creates transparent, accountable governance? This session explores the complete data transformation journey - from establishing robust governance frameworks to implementing secure data sharing strategies that enable breakthrough insights and measurable impact across state and local government.

Designing Next-Gen Digital Services and Experiences

Constituent expectations are evolving—and so must the way government delivers digital services. This session explores how IT teams are designing modern, accessible, and user-centered digital experiences that drive engagement and trust. Learn how digital engagement teams are tackling design challenges, innovating across platforms, and creating services that meet people where they are.

Journey to the Dark Web

Step into the world of cyber threats in this interactive session designed to raise awareness and strengthen cybersecurity practices across the public sector. Participants will experience a guided demo of information found on the dark web, engage with a panel of experts during an open Q&A, and take part in a collaborative group exercise to create a one-page public service announcement on password protection. Walk away with practical insights and tools to better safeguard your organization and constituents.

Moderator: John Petrozzelli, Director, MassCyberCenter

Digital Equity: Accessibility Tools for Everyone

Is your team prepared to meet ADA Title II accessibility requirements to deliver inclusive digital experiences? This session explores how to leverage training, automated and manual tools, and assistive technology to complement and augment testing efforts. These tools, in conjunction with additional manual testing checks, will identify accessibility violations and measure compatibility with assistive technologies. Along with a discussion of AI and accessibility, we will also discuss tools and techniques to fix accessibility violations. Attendees will leave with practical and actionable steps to apply to testing and remediation efforts and integrate digital accessibility into software and document creation and remediation.

Lunch

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Measuring What Matters: Strategies for Program Effectiveness

Effective program management starts with value-driven decision-making that measures and predicts outcomes. This session explores best practices for defining project milestones, identifying the right data and insights for analysis, and focusing on value throughout the project lifecycle. Learn how to manage expectations and track meaningful metrics to maximize impact and ensure your initiatives deliver tangible results.

Communicating Change for IT Success

Clear, consistent communication is essential for driving IT change across the public sector. This session explores how to translate technical initiatives into business-friendly language, unify fragmented policies and formats, and engage non-IT stakeholders effectively. Learn practical strategies to ensure your message lands, builds buy-in, and supports successful modernization efforts.

Preparing the Workforce for What’s Next

As technology evolves, so must the public-sector workforce. This session explores how agencies can build resilient, adaptable teams through cross-training, succession planning, and innovative approaches to learning and career development—while leveraging tools like AI to enhance, not replace, human capability. Whether you're navigating the talent gap, redefining your role, or planning for continuity, discover strategies to build teams where people and technology work hand-in-hand and thrive in today’s dynamic tech environment.

Power in Partnership: Advancing Collaboration and Shared Services

Effective cross-agency collaboration and shared services are key to driving efficiency, reducing duplication, and enabling innovation in the public sector. This session explores how states are operationalizing shared services—from procurement strategies and lifecycle planning to leveraging shared licenses and MSAs. Learn how to embed collaboration into IT planning and procurement to unlock long-term value and deliver better outcomes across agencies.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: State of Massachusetts

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

The Massachusetts Excellence in Technology Awards

The Massachusetts Technology Challenge: A Public Sector Trivia Showdown

Join us for a fun and engaging closing session where we’ll put your knowledge to the test with an interactive trivia game! This session will be a perfect mix of learning and laughter, highlighting key themes from the event and fun facts about Massachusetts. Don’t miss this chance to reflect, gain new perspectives, and wrap up the conference on a high note! Are you ready to challenge yourself and lead your team to victory?

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.