Registration and Morning Refreshments

Opening Remarks

Stephanie Dedmon, Chief Information Officer, Finance and Administration, Strategic Technology Solutions, State of Tennessee

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

Technology advancements continue to disrupt at a swifter pace than ever before. 2024 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

Bits and Bytes

Networking Break in Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

Strengthening Cybersecurity Through Effective Vulnerability Management

In an era of relentless cyber threats, vulnerability management is a cornerstone of an organization’s security strategy. This session will explore best practices for identifying, assessing, prioritizing, and mitigating vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Panelists will discuss real-world approaches to continuous monitoring, automated scanning, and risk-based patching strategies, as well as how to integrate vulnerability management into a broader cybersecurity framework.

Beyond Compliance - How Tennessee is Advancing Accessibility for 2025 and Beyond

With new ADA requirements on the horizon, state and local governments must proactively ensure that digital services, public spaces, and workplace environments remain accessible to all. This session will explore how Tennessee agencies are preparing for next year’s changes, sharing insights on compliance strategies, technology updates, policy adjustments and will share practical steps for integrating inclusive design.

The Data Journey: From Governance to Impactful Decision-Making

In the public sector, data is more than just numbers - it’s the foundation for informed policy, resource allocation, and service improvements. But how do state and local governments ensure they’re collecting, governing, and utilizing data effectively to drive better decision-making? This session will explore the full lifecycle of data - governance, cleansing, and strategy - leading to a North Star of data-driven decision-making. Panelists from state and local governments will share real-world examples of how they have leveraged data to shape policy, improve service delivery, set the foundation for AI, and demonstrate ROI.

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

Modernizing public sector IT doesn’t have to break the budget. This session will highlight successful case studies from around the country where private sector companies have worked hand in hand with government to implement low-cost, high-impact modernization strategies. Panelists will share insights on leveraging open-source solutions, enhancing SAS offerings, optimizing cloud infrastructure, and adopting automation to drive down costs while improving performance.

Lunch

General Session

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Governing AI: Policies, Guardrails, and Accountability in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve at a rapid pace, organizations must establish strong governance frameworks to ensure responsible and effective deployment. Building on the morning’s foundational data discussion, this session will explore how different organizations are staying ahead of AI advancements by creating guardrails that promote transparency, accountability, and compliance. Learn how organizations are defining roles, implementing governance training, and developing policies that balance innovation with risk management.

Maximizing IT Value: Building a Business Case for Funding and Efficiency

Navigating efficiencies in government IT requires more than just cutting costs - it’s about maximizing value, optimizing resources, and demonstrating a clear return on investment (ROI). Securing funding isn’t just about making a request; it’s about telling a compelling story of impact and aligning IT initiatives with organizational priorities. This session will explore strategies for effectively budgeting and advocating for IT investments by leveraging performance metrics, cost-benefit analysis, and data-driven storytelling.

Human-Centered Digital Transformation: Designing for Impact and Innovation

Digital transformation isn’t just about technology - it’s about people. Successful modernization efforts require a human-centered design approach that prioritizes user needs, accessibility, and seamless experiences. This session will explore how organizations can drive digital transformation while ensuring that technology solutions are intuitive, inclusive, and aligned with real-world demands.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by: Stephanie Dedmon, Chief Information Officer, Finance and Administration, Strategic Technology Solutions, State of Tennessee

Networking Break

The Government Experience Revolution – Reimagining Personalized Government Delivery

Constituents today expect the same level of seamless, personalized service from government that they receive in the private sector. The Government Experience Revolution is transforming how agencies deliver services - moving from one-size-fits-all approaches to data-driven, user-centric experiences. This session, presented by the Center for Digital Government, will explore how governments are leveraging AI, digital identity, and advanced analytics to anticipate citizen needs, streamline interactions, and build trust through personalization.

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.