Event Day Guide
For government, by government
Event steering committee
Sarah Soto-Taylor
Deputy Secretary of Strategic Development, California Government Operations Agency
Chris Rouse
Chief Technology Officer (CTO), California Department of Human Resources (CalHR)
Angela Shell
Chief Procurement Officer, Department of General Services (DGS)
Serenity Thompson
Deputy Director, Digital Services Division, California Department of Motor Vehicles
Jennifer Chan
Assistant Chief, California Justice Information Services
Sarah Soto-Taylor
Deputy Secretary of Strategic Development, California Government Operations Agency
Chris Rouse
Chief Technology Officer (CTO), California Department of Human Resources (CalHR)
Angela Shell
Chief Procurement Officer, Department of General Services (DGS)
Serenity Thompson
Deputy Director, Digital Services Division, California Department of Motor Vehicles
Jennifer Chan
Assistant Chief, California Justice Information Services
Event Overview
California is leading the nation's shift from Government 2.0 to Government 3.0, moving beyond basic digital services toward intelligent, proactive governance that anticipates citizen needs. With significant investments in modernizing infrastructure, data-driven programs, and cyber resilience, the state is embedding Government 3.0 principles—integration, anticipation, and personalization—to deliver faster, smarter, and more inclusive services to its 39 million residents.
The Public Sector Network's Government Innovation California 2026 event brings together state and local government leaders, technology experts, and industry partners to explore how Government 3.0 is reshaping public service delivery. Join us to gain actionable frameworks for AI implementation, legacy system modernization, cross-agency collaboration, and strategies to build public trust while creating resilient systems that meet California's urgent challenges.
Who will be there?
Share your case studies and collaborate with peers to ethically guide AI, integrate citizen feedback into policy, and lead cross-agency efforts for streamlined, inclusive government services.
- Guide ethical AI implementation within government for increased transparency and accountability.
- Integrate citizen feedback effectively into policy-making through digital platforms.
- Lead cross-agency collaborations to boost public service delivery efficiency.
- Promote resilient digital infrastructure that supports continuous innovation in public services.
- Adopt data analytics for smarter procurement decisions and cost-efficient government operations.
- Strategically bridge the digital divide to ensure equitable access to government services.
Discover best practices for implementing predictive analytics, ensuring data security, and leading IT modernization projects that drive efficient, future-ready infrastructure.
- Implement predictive analytics to enhance decision-making processes.
- Manage data privacy and security while deploying AI-driven services.
- Use cloud and RPA solutions to modernize IT infrastructure effectively.
- Oversee large-scale IT modernization with risk mitigation best practices.
- Improve interagency collaboration and data-sharing processes.
- Leverage advanced AI tools for public safety and emergency response optimization.
Explore ways to improve digital service accessibility, enhance user-centered design, and engage citizens through inclusive and interactive platforms.
- Improve digital customer service platforms for a seamless user experience.
- Utilize mobile government services to reach underserved communities.
- Measure customer satisfaction and use feedback to drive service improvements.
- Promote digital inclusivity and accessibility in government services.
- Integrate user-centric design into public service platforms.
- Enhance citizen engagement through interactive and transparent digital solutions.
Enhance your team’s expertise, exchange insights with peers, and uncover innovative solutions to strengthen cybersecurity operations and optimize service delivery in the public sector.
- Learn practical approaches for you and your team to integrate advanced threat detection technologies, including AI and machine learning, while exploring the implications of quantum computing for encryption and transitioning to quantum-safe strategies.
- Collaborate with peers on overcoming challenges in securing public cloud environments, maintaining compliance, and adopting zero-trust architectures to enhance operational efficiency.
- Prepare for the future of security operations by exploring how emerging technologies, like AI-driven analytics and automated threat detection, are transforming threat management and incident response.
- Gain actionable insights from real-world case studies to improve resilience planning, refine risk management strategies, and integrate cybersecurity seamlessly into service design for secure and trusted citizen interactions.
Equip yourself and your teams to support digital transformation, embrace a data-driven approach, and continuously improve public service through secure and adaptive operations.
- Build cross-functional collaboration to support digital transformation.
- Adopt a data-driven mindset to improve service efficiency and outcomes.
- Manage organizational change during AI and digital adoption.
- Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement within public service.
- Implement effective cybersecurity measures in day-to-day operations.
- Adapt skills for emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing in public service.
2026 Speakers
Sarah Soto-Taylor
Deputy Secretary of Strategic Development, California Government Operations Agency
Chris Rouse
Chief Technology Officer (CTO), California Department of Human Resources (CalHR)
Douglas Leone
Chief Information Security Officer, Employment Development Department
Angela Shell
Chief Procurement Officer, Department of General Services (DGS)
Thomas Boon
Chief Information Officer, CA Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
Serenity Thompson
Deputy Director, Digital Services Division, California Department of Motor Vehicles
Tracks at a glance
Specialized Tracks Designed for Your Unique Perspective
Technology, Data, and AI Integration
The Technology, Data, and AI Integration track explores California's transition from Government 2.0's siloed systems to Government 3.0's intelligent, anticipatory governance. This track delivers practical frameworks for modernizing legacy infrastructure, implementing responsible AI governance, and leveraging integrated data platforms. Featuring leaders like Thomas Boon, Fredrick Gomez and Alicia Wong, attendees will gain actionable strategies for embedding AI capabilities across agencies and building adaptive infrastructure that sustains innovation while maintaining transparency, security, and public trust.
Digital Services, Customer Experience & AI Innovation
The Digital Services, CX & AI Innovation track showcases California's evolution from Government 2.0's basic digital services to Government 3.0's intelligent, citizen-centric experiences. As the state transitions toward anticipatory governance, this track explores how agencies are modernizing high-volume processes, designing seamless customer experiences, and leveraging AI to predict citizen needs before they arise. Sessions deliver practical frameworks for inclusive service design that ensures digital government is equitable and accessible to all Californians, embedding the integration, personalization, and proactive engagement principles that define Government 3.0. Featuring leaders like Serenity Thompson, Chris Rouse and Steve Nash, attendees will gain actionable strategies for implementing user-centric digital transformation aligned with Government 3.0 priorities—creating services that don't just respond to citizen requests but anticipate them, delivering personalized experiences across all touchpoints while maintaining the transparency and trust essential to California's digital future.
Cybersecurity and Digital Defense
The Cybersecurity and Digital Defense track explores how California's government agencies are strengthening resilience as the state transitions from Government 2.0 to Government 3.0, where increased connectivity and intelligent systems create both new vulnerabilities and opportunities for proactive threat detection. As California embeds AI-driven services and integrated data platforms across agencies, securing these systems becomes essential to maintaining public trust and protecting critical infrastructure. Featuring leaders like Albert Lam, Bradley Ponce, and Jimmie K Ramos, sessions deliver actionable strategies for building secure-by-design systems, fostering cross-agency collaboration, and preparing for emerging threats—equipping attendees with frameworks to embed cyber resilience throughout California's Government 3.0 transformation while ensuring the continuity of essential services for all Californians.
Why attend?
Actionable Insights
Gain valuable insights from keynotes, case studies, and expert panels. Leave with practical strategies and knowledge to apply directly to your agency’s digital transformation journey.
Fostering Collaboration
Participate in interactive sessions designed to foster collaboration across agencies. Work together on shared challenges, learn best practices, and explore solutions that drive collective impact.
Unmatched Networking
Meet and connect with fellow government leaders, innovators, and industry experts. Build relationships and grow your professional network with peers dedicated to advancing public service.
Featured Sponsors
Vendors, boost your presence
Becoming a partner at the Government Innovation California offers unique opportunities to connect with decision-makers, showcase innovative solutions, and align with transformative public sector goals. As a partner, you’ll have access to influential government leaders, providing a valuable platform to demonstrate your expertise and contribute to critical conversations on public sector modernization. With a focus on California’s specific needs, partnership enables you to collaborate directly with key players, co-develop solutions for the state’s challenges, and reinforce your commitment to advancing government services in impactful ways.
Looking for speaker slides?
Members can catch up on more content from the event in the event forum
View event resources