This event is now complete
Wed 27 Aug 2025
View event detailsRegistration and Networking Coffee
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM (60 mins)
Welcome from FTC CEO James Taylor
8:40 AM - 8:50 AM (10 mins)
Opening Remarks from the Lt Governor
8:50 AM - 9:20 AM (30 mins)
The newly appointed Lt Governor will open the event and speak for 20 minutes. This will be followed by 10 minutes of audience Q&A
Welcome from the State CIO Warren Sponholtz
9:20 AM - 9:35 AM (15 mins)
Artificial Intelligence is no longer theoretical—it’s operational. In Florida, AI is being embedded across state government to improve service delivery, build resilient infrastructure, and strengthen digital defenses. But as adoption grows, so does the need for AI literacy, responsible implementation, and clear standards. This keynote explores Florida’s strategic approach to AI—from identifying high-impact use cases to leveraging machine learning in real-time cyber threat detection.
This session will show how you can apply AI responsibly to drive performance, increase agility, and safeguard your digital enterprise.
- Identify “Goldilocks” use cases where AI can deliver fast, scalable value
- Improve AI literacy across agencies to ensure ethical and effective deployment
- Advance cybersecurity by using AI/ML to detect, prevent, and respond to threats
- Transform IT operations by embedding intelligence into workflows and decision-making
- Strengthen public trust by aligning innovation with transparency and governance
Welcome from the Chair
9:35 AM - 9:45 AM (10 mins)
Inside the Loop: AI, Cybersecurity, and the Battle for Decision Superiority
9:45 AM - 10:10 AM (25 mins)
AI is reshaping cybersecurity by accelerating decision cycles. This keynote examines how attackers leverage AI for speed and scale, and how defenders can respond by compressing their own cycles to regain advantage. Drawing from strategy and real-world examples, the session highlights practical approaches to design for speed, practice for pressure, and win the fight for decision superiority.
Key Points
- How AI enables faster attacker decision-making (deepfakes, social engineering, recon).
- How defenders can leverage AI to regain tempo and contain threats faster.
- Why success in cyber defense is ultimately a battle of decision cycles.
Leveraging AI in your agency: Are you Ready?
10:10 AM - 10:30 AM (20 mins)
As enterprises and government agencies gain familiarity and start to leverage this technology in their environments, we pose the question, are you prepared for AI? This session will provide an understanding of AI and Agentic AI and how to secure your environment for this transformation.
Key Points:
- What should any organization do to prepare for AI?
- What is the difference between Generative AI and Agentic AI?
- What is the AI Risk Spectrum?
- How should I protect my AI applications?
Morning Coffee and Networking Break
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM (30 mins)
From Silos to Synergy: Building Whole-of-State AI & Cybersecurity Collaboration
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM (30 mins)
This panel explores how Florida can move toward a whole-of-state approach in cyber readiness. Attendees will hear how collaboration, data-sharing, and unified frameworks drive stronger security outcomes.
- Developing shared frameworks across state, local, and tribal agencies.
- Examples of successful joint initiatives and their impact.
- Barriers to cross-jurisdictional collaboration and how to overcome them.
- Future vision for statewide coordination in threat response.
Navigating AI and Cybersecurity in the Public Sector
11:30 AM - 11:50 AM (20 mins)
Smart, Safe, and Strategic: AI & Cyber in Education and Government
Join us for a dynamic 20-minute fireside chat exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in the public sector. Moderated by Hugues Morin, Southeast SLED Director at Intel, this conversation features insights from Bill Hunkapillar, Chief Information Security Officer at Florida State University, and Eric Skomra, SLED AI Technologist at Lenovo. Together, they’ll discuss emerging trends, real-world applications, and strategic challenges shaping the future of technology in education and government.
Using AI to build a Cyber Wall Brick by Brick
11:50 AM - 12:20 PM (30 mins)
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, malicious actors are also leveraging AI at an accelerating pace. Traditional indicators of cyber threats that users have been trained to recognize are becoming less reliable. AI has lowered the barrier to entry for cybercriminals, making their operations more efficient and harder to detect.
However, AI also presents powerful opportunities for defenders. When implemented thoughtfully—following a “crawl, walk, run” approach—AI can significantly enhance network and data security. By gradually integrating AI-driven tools and strategies, organizations can improve threat detection, response times, and overall resilience against evolving cyber threats.
Lunch Break and Networking
12:20 PM - 1:20 PM (60 mins)
Interactive Roundtables
1:20 PM - 2:20 PM (60 mins)
Interactive roundtables enable participants to dive into practical applications of AI for fraud detection, audits, and cyber risk management. They also explore culture-building for AI-cyber resilience.
- Roundtable 1: Bridging Innovation and Security: Operationalizing AI in the Real World, Moderated by: Donald Cook, Sr. Solution Architect - Public Sector, Infoblox
- Roundtable 2: Agentic AI and Machine-Based Decisions: Are You Ready? - Moderated by: Dan Kent, Field CTO, Cloudflare
- Roundtable 3: Integrated Cyber Defense: Building Holistic Security Solutions Across Network, Endpoint, and Cloud, Moderated by: Josh Baker, Regional Account Executive, Public Sector, Fortinet
- Roundtable 4: Florida Forward: Unlocking AI's Economic Engine Through Strategic Government-Academia Partnerships - Moderated by: Eric Skomra, Public Sector & Smart Space AI Technologist and Dr. Hernan Londono, Chief Technology & Innovation Strategist, Lenovo
- Roundtable 5: The New Cyber Battleground: Protecting America's Infrastructure with Self Learning AI, Moderated by: Andrew Carroll, Regional Sales Manager, MixMode
Comfort Break
2:20 PM - 2:25 PM (5 mins)
Cyber Battles in the AI Battlefield: Next-Gen Threats and Public Infrastructure Defense
2:25 PM - 2:55 PM (30 mins)
The panel explores evolving AI-powered cyber threats targeting public infrastructure and how to defend against them. Training, scenario planning, and IT-OT convergence are also key points of discussion.
- Identifying emerging AI-driven cyber threats.
- Protecting IT-OT environments from AI intrusions.
- Training the workforce in AI-cyber competencies.
- Engaging in scenario planning for disruptions.
Comfort Break
2:55 PM - 3:00 PM (5 mins)
Humans at the Helm: Unlocking AI’s Promise in the Public Sector
3:00 PM - 3:20 PM (20 mins)
An honest dialogue on where AI delivers real value to government—and where human judgment must remain at the core. We’ll explore workforce shifts, examine the ethical guardrails leaders must uphold, and discuss how agency leaders can confidently guide teams through both the disruption and the opportunity of this historical transformation.
Your data journey; It's a lifestyle not a diet
3:20 PM - 3:40 PM (20 mins)
Data transformation isn’t a quick fix—it’s a long-term commitment. Your Data Journey: It’s a Lifestyle, Not a Diet explores how agencies can move beyond short-term solutions and adopt sustainable practices for managing, securing, and leveraging data. This session will highlight practical strategies for modernizing data systems, breaking down silos, and building a culture where data drives smarter decisions every day. Leaders will share how embracing data as a lifestyle empowers agencies to improve efficiency, strengthen security, and deliver better outcomes for the citizens they serve.
Comfort Break
3:40 PM - 3:45 PM (5 mins)
In conversation with Rep. Omar Blanco
3:45 PM - 4:05 PM (20 mins)
Gain insight from Rep. Blanco on priorities for the the House in this legislative session
Closing Remarks
4:05 PM - 4:15 PM (10 mins)
Networking Reception
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM (60 mins)