Registration and Morning Refreshments in the Exhibit Area

Opening Remarks

Laura Clark, Chief Information Officer, Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

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 “Cujo” Teschner, Founder & CEO, Vmax Group

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Concurrent Sessions

The Leader’s Guide to Prioritization of Projects

As an IT leader, managing competing objectives is part of the daily challenge. Balancing risk management while seizing opportunities for innovation, all while addressing the needs of elected officials and diverse stakeholders, requires a careful approach. In this session, we’ll explore how shifting from traditional project management to prioritization management can help you effectively align tactical, strategic, and organizational goals. Through real-world examples, we’ll dive into the challenges experienced leaders face as they navigate conflicting priorities and adapt their decision-making to stay ahead.

Craig Brown, Chief Information Officer, Department of Innovation and Technology, City of Westland

Jamie Howell, Enterprise Portfolio Division Director, Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

Deb Fett, Chief Information Officer, Ingham County

From Colleague to Manager: Learning to Lead, Mentor, and Manage

Transitioning into a leadership role marks a significant shift from executing tasks to shaping strategic direction. The best future leaders aren’t simply born; they are nurtured. As a manager, it's now your responsibility to invest in developing the professionals on your team, fostering a culture that emphasizes guidance, continuous learning, and leadership growth. Are you equipped with the right tools to coach, mentor, and lead effectively? This session will explore how to step away from the day-to-day operations, focus on the bigger picture, and empower your team to thrive.

Lunch

General Session – Driving Digital Transformation: The DTMB's Strategic Initiative for Accelerating IT Innovation

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

Concurrent Sessions

From Resistance to Buy-in: Effective Leadership Through Trust

Effective leadership goes beyond mere management – it’s about inspiring and empowering others to act. At the core of great leadership is the ability to influence, build trust, and foster collaboration. When partnering with stakeholders, the key to success lies in understanding their concerns before presenting solutions. Recognizing that one-size-fits-all approaches don’t work for every audience, how can we adjust our communication style to address varying needs? This session will explore practical strategies for tailoring communication, strengthening relationships, and securing buy-in to lead with impact, ensuring that initiatives move forward with greater efficiency and mutual respect.

Meghan Penny, Director of Data Center Services, Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

Leveraging SWOT for Excellence in IT Planning

A clear vision is essential, but without a roadmap, even the best ideas can fall flat. How can IT leaders turn insights into actionable strategies that drive results that meet your strategic, operational, and tactical objectives? This session will provide a practical approach to using SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) as a foundational tool for IT planning. Attendees will explore real-world examples of how IT leaders leverage SWOT to align technology investments with business objectives, mitigate risk, and seize emerging opportunities.

Jayson Cavendish, Chief Security Officer, Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

John Peralta, Assistant Administrator, Office of Continuous Improvement, Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB), State of Michigan

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Team Building - The Leadership Challenge: A Public Sector Trivia Showdown

Curious to see how your knowledge stacks up? Can you effectively collaborate under pressure? Dive into this lively, team-based trivia game where attendees join forces to answer questions on governance, policy, emerging tech, and the pressing issues shaping government today. This isn’t just about winning - it’s about networking, sharing expertise and maybe…just maybe - you might learn something new. Whether you’re looking to meet new people or strengthen existing partnerships, this session offers a unique chance to learn and engage with peers from across the public sector. 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.