Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Opening Remarks

Amanda Crawford, Executive Director and State Chief Information Officer, Department of Information Resources, State of Texas

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

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

AI Strategy and Disruptive Technology: Governance, Innovation, and Risk

As AI and emerging technologies reshape government operations, leaders must balance innovation with governance, risk management, and long-term sustainability. This session will explore lessons from successful AI initiatives, assess readiness for organizational change and discuss the impact of recent legislation on responsible AI deployment, compliance, and oversight. Attendees will gain insights into the future of AI in government and proven approaches to adopting disruptive technologies while mitigating risk.

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 Texas’s whole-of-state approach to cybersecurity. Attendees will learn how government can protect its most critical infrastructure through collaboration, standardized strategies and resource sharing.

Transforming Constituent Experience in Texas

Amid rising expectations for fast, seamless public services, government is under pressure to transform how they engage with constituents. This session explores how Texas is enhancing the constituent experience through digital platforms, mobile apps, and user-focused design. Discover how these efforts are improving public safety, community engagement, and service accessibility across the state. Hear from public sector leaders on the strategies driving more personalized, transparent, and connected digital experiences for Texans.

Optimizing the Workforce for a New Era

Emerging technology is transforming the public sector workforce by streamlining operations, enhancing decision-making, and redefining job roles. As government agencies adopt AI-driven tools and automation, the challenge lies in balancing technological innovation with workforce optimization. How can IT leaders ensure a smooth transition, empower employees with new skills, and foster effective human-AI collaboration? This session will delve into strategies for seamlessly integrating AI into government operations while cultivating a culture that is resilient

Lunch

Best of Texas Awards Program

Bits and Bytes – AI Showcase

In these use case focused Ted-style lightning talks, we’ll explore public sector success stories.

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

Practical AI in the Public Sector – Boosting ROI Through Automation

Implementing AI in the public sector offers a powerful opportunity to boost return on investment by automating routine tasks, enhancing data security, and improving service delivery. From accelerating software development with AI-assisted coding to scaling and targeting public programs, AI is transforming how agencies operate and innovate. This session will explore how government organizations can evaluate AI initiatives for their potential to deliver measurable value - factoring in costs, feasibility, risk, and security considerations.

Workshop: Leveraging the Power of Data Through Digital Readiness

Public sector organizations face growing challenges in unlocking the full potential of data while maintaining privacy, integrity, and trust - especially with the added complexity of AI. In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore practical strategies for cultivating responsible data practices, navigating digital readiness, and maximizing the value of their data tools. Through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios, we’ll dive into how to protect sensitive information while using data to drive better outcomes for Texas’ communities and beyond.

Securing the Future: Cybersecurity Funding, Emerging Threats, and Government Collaboration

As cyber threats grow in complexity - ranging from AI-driven attacks and ransomware to threats against critical infrastructure - the need for sustainable cybersecurity funding in the public sector has never been greater. With emerging threats targeting both public and private sectors, working together across all levels of government is essential to safeguarding citizens’ data. This session will examine the future of cybersecurity funding, emerging threats posed by agentic AI, and the urgent need for multi-layered government collaboration and communication.

Advancing Digital Accessibility

As digital services expand, governments must address challenges around infrastructure, platform usability, and compliance with standards like WCAG 2.1 to meet accessibility requirements. This session explores practical approaches to improving digital access, maintaining web and application accessibility, and supporting user success. We'll spotlight how Texas is advancing these efforts through improved connectivity and user-centered technology design.

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Hosted by:

John Hoffman, Deputy State Chief Information Officer, Department of Information Resources, State of Texas

Lisa Massock, Chief Procurement Officer, Department of Information Resources, State of Texas

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

General Session –AI 2025 – From Administrative Assistance to Agentic AI

As artificial intelligence rapidly evolves, organizations are moving beyond AI as a simple administrative assistant to leveraging more autonomous, decision-making "agentic AI." This session will explore the transition from task-based automation to AI systems capable of reasoning, adapting, and executing complex workflows with minimal human intervention. Attendees will gain insights into how governments can harness these advancements while ensuring transparency, control, and alignment with human goals. Whether you're an executive, technologist, or policymaker, this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the AI landscape of 2025 and beyond.

Dustin Haisler, President, 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.