Organizations today face the dual challenge of securing their IT environments while driving innovation and operational excellence. This panel will bring together government and industry leaders to delve into strategies for leveraging cutting-edge technologies and workforce upskilling to enhance productivity, streamline operations, and achieve a competitive edge. They will examine how to balance robust cybersecurity measures with the agility and innovation needed to maximize the impact of technology investments. Discussions will spotlight the integration of emerging technologies, solutions to close workforce skill gaps, and approaches to fostering a culture that prioritizes both security and innovation. 

Public Sector operates in an increasingly digital landscape, yet persistent IT inefficiencies continue to undermine productivity, mission readiness, and workforce morale. A recent study of the DoD found an estimated $2.5 billion in lost productivity annually due to poor IT and application performance. Outdated infrastructure, poor observability, and fragmented system management create significant barriers to efficiency, making it clear that incremental fixes are no longer enough. This conversation will explore how engineering excellence, continuous performance monitoring, and focused improvements can transform Public Sector organization’s IT challenges into force multipliers. Public sector leaders will share insights on the critical roles of CIOs, CTOs, Service Delivery Teams, and others play in overcoming systemic IT operational and performance challenges. They will also examine strategies for continuous improvement, reducing technical debt, and nurturing a culture that enhances both user experience and operational effectiveness.

Government agencies face increasing pressure to do more with limited resources, navigating tight budgets and rising demands. Enormous value is locked up in mountains of data scattered across agency systems. Through innovative data management combined with AI/ML agencies are making more informed decisions with greater speed and precision, all while ensuring security and resilience. This panel will explore how rethinking our approaches to data management, intelligent insights, and beyond are transforming mission capabilities. 

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way government agencies operate, unlocking unprecedented levels of efficiency, precision, and strategic advantage. From real-time insights at the edge to enterprise-wide solutions, AI technologies like Generative AI, Large Language Models, and Agentic AI are transforming mission capabilities. However, adopting these innovations requires a secure and trustworthy approach. There are challenges with data security, LLM vulnerabilities, excessive agency, ethics, and more. In this tech talk, Lasso Security CEO (Elad Schulman) and Swish CTO (Sean Applegate) will discuss practical approaches to address the OWASP Top 10 Vulnerabilities for LLMs, navigate the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, and align AI efforts with OMB M-25-21 Accelerating Federal Use of AI through Innovation, Governance, and Public Trust.

As the digital landscape evolves, the integration and security of operational technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) systems have become critical for government agencies. With the increasing connectivity of devices and systems, ensuring that OT and IoT solutions are seamlessly integrated and secure is essential to safeguarding infrastructure, protecting sensitive data, and maintaining operational continuity. However, achieving robust OT and IoT security within government environments presents unique challenges, including legacy systems, evolving threats, and regulatory compliance. This session will explore the critical importance of integrating and securing operational technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) in today's digital landscape. Our panel will provide practical guidance and real-world examples of successful OT integration and security measures within government environments.