GOVIT Leadership Summit & Symposium Logo

November 19-21, 2024
JW Marriott Mall of America, Bloomington, MN

2024 OPEN CALL FOR SPEAKERS

We invite you to share your knowledge and expertise at the 43rd annual 2024 GOVIT Leadership Summit & Symposium! Fusion Learning Partners is requesting presentation proposals for sessions in a wide range of topic areas. Please review each section of the Call for Speakers carefully before submitting. The online submission form will take 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You do not need to have a fully fleshed out presentation to submit a proposal, but you should give enough information for the reader to understand the larger goals of the session and what makes it unique and relevant to our audience.

 

Deadline: 11:59 p.m. CST

Monday, July 8, 2024

 

Proposals that are incomplete or received after the deadline are accepted by invitation only.

If you are a consultant and/or private sector company, your proposal will have a higher chance of being selected if
you include a government co-presenter and thoughtfully incorporate government experiences into your session proposal.

If you are a vendor and want to guarantee a speaking opportunity, there are a limited number of sponsorships available.
Find out more in the 2024 Sponsor/Exhibitor Prospectus, or contact Chris Kohn at ckohn@fusionlp.org or 952-885-7602.

Conference Background & New Additions

We are excited to announce a new chapter for the nation’s longest-running government technology conference. The Government IT Leadership Summit & Symposium, produced and hosted by the Public Technology Institute, combines two legacy events into one unique and not to be missed event for government technology leaders and their teams.

The GOVIT Leadership Summit, taking place on November 19, will bring together hundreds of local and state government IT executives and emerging leaders from across the country for a day filled with valuable information sharing and conversations about current and future trends, challenges and opportunities. The GOVIT Symposium, taking place on November 20 and 21, will include even more government technology professionals from diverse functional areas to learn and exchange ideas and solutions on a broad set of topics.

The Public Technology Institute (PTI) has been a national leader since 1971 offering cutting edge professional development programs, educational events, services, research, and certifications to government technology leaders and professionals. This expertise and reach combined with the deep knowledge and experience of the members of the Symposium’s planning committee will offer new insights and information on rapidly changing technologies such as A.I., machine learning, cybersecurity, digital services, leadership, workforce – and the intersection between all of them!

The 2024 GOVIT Leadership Summit & Symposium will be held November 19-21, 2024 at JW Marriott – 2141 Lindau Ln. Bloomington, MN with sessions and attendee engagement opportunities.

Attendance

The GOVIT Leadership Summit & Symposium brings together IT and IT partner leaders and professionals from across the spectrum of government agencies and systems, along with their private and civic sector partners.

Attendees come from:
● State Agencies          ● Cities and Counties          ● Federal & Regional Agencies
● Higher Education          ● Nonprofits          ● IT Companies

Positions include:

Analysts & Programmers
Application Developers
Architects & Engineers
Business Analysts & Managers
City/County Managers
Chief Information Officer
Chief Technology Officer
Chief Information Security Officer
Commissioners & Deputy Commissioners
Controllers & Finance Directors
Database Administrators & Developers
Department Heads & Directors
IT/IS Directors & Staff
MIS Directors & Staff
Network Administrators & Engineers
Procurement Managers
Project & Product Managers
Quality Analysts
Security Engineers & Analysts
Systems Engineers & Analysts
Technical Support/Help Desk
Telecom Managers & Staff
Web/Communication Managers

The proposal will take 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You do not need to have a fully fleshed out presentation to submit a proposal, but you should give enough information for the reader to understand the larger goals of the session and what makes it unique and relevant to our audience.

The GOVIT Leadership Summit & Symposium is seeking session proposals that reflect sound, adult learning principles that reflect best practices. To deliver exceptional learning experiences, preference may be given to proposals that feature an interactive presentation style, supports the conference’s purpose and theme, highlights engagement, and delivers an effective mix of the following:

Content:

  • Reflect innovative, cutting-edge content, and evidence-based practice
  • Explore issues important to a mixed audience of GOVIT professionals
  • Present a compelling case with evidence supported by research or data

Instructional design:

  • Stimulate and provoke discussion, audience engagement, and outcome-focused design
  • Facilitate knowledge transfer and development of new competencies and “take-aways”
  • Use methods that draw out relevant past knowledge and experiences

Thoughtful consideration of the audience:

  • Target audience represents diverse functions, cultures, settings and geographies
  • Provide approaches for diverse types of learners
  • Demonstrate relevance of lessons through “real-life” case studies and best-practices

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR COMMERCIAL COMPANIES/ORGANIZATIONS:

Breakout sessions at the GOVIT Symposium are learning experiences and are noncommercial. Under no circumstances should a presentation be used for direct promotion of a speaker’s product, service, or other self-interest. If you are a consultant and/or private sector company, your proposal will have a higher chance of being selected if you include a government co-presenter and thoughtfully incorporate government experiences into your session proposal.

If you are a vendor and want to present at the Symposium, there are a limited number of sponsorship opportunities available that guarantee you a session. Find out more in the 2024 Sponsor/Exhibitor Prospectus, or contact Chris Kohn at ckhon@fusionlp.org or 952-885-7602.

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

7:30 Registration Opens
8:00 – 9:00 Continental Breakfast
9:00 – 12:00 (3) Plenary Panel Discussions
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch Break
1:00 – 2:45 Breakout Roundtable Discussions  /  Career Connections Event
2:45 – 3:00 Break
3:00 – 4:00 Plenary Panel Discussion
4:00 – 5:00 Welcome Reception

 

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

7:30 Registration
7:30 – 8:30 Continental Breakfast / VIP Breakfast
8:30 – 8:45 Welcome & Opening Comments
8:45 – 9:30 Keynote
9:30 – 9:45 Break
9:45 – 10:30 Breakout Sessions / 2 Hour Deep Dive OR Hands-On Training
10:30 – 11:00 Break
11:00 – 11:45 Breakout Sessions
11:45 – 1:00 Lunch and Symposium Slam
1:00 – 1:30 Break
1:30 – 2:15 Breakout Sessions
2:15 – 2:30 Break
2:30 – 3:00 Fireside Chats
3:00 – 3:15 Break
3:15 – 4:00 Breakout Sessions
4:00 – 5:00 Happy Hour

 

Thursday, November 21, 2024

7:30 Registration
7:30 – 8:30 Continental Breakfast / PTI Members Only Breakfast
8:30 – 8:45 Welcome & Opening Comments
8:45 – 9:30 Keynote Panel Discussion
9:30 – 9:45 Break
9:45 – 10:30 Breakout Sessions / 2 Hour Deep Dive OR Hands-On Training
10:30 – 11:00 Break
11:00 – 11:45 Breakout Sessions
11:45 – 1:00 Lunch, Awards, & Closing Plenary Session

Adult learners usually prefer to engage in self-directed learning. The GOVIT Leadership Summit & Symposium seeks to offer a variety of learning formats with a range of instructional methods that give attendees more control over setting priorities and choosing the right content, materials, and methods that match their learning styles and objectives.

 

Formats:

  • Solutions-driven workshop (2 hour sessions) – Information-intensive sessions aimed to provide tactical knowledge and actionable next steps. Built to explore issues in greater depth, workshops allow attendees to experiment with new modes of thinking and formulate the application of presented strategies to address relevant issues through small group exercises and discussion. These workshops are highly interactive and incorporate a variety of presentation methods to engage attendees, including: mini lectures, large and small group discussions, individual and group exercises, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Attendees should leave with practical application ideas and a list of tools and resources.
  • Tech-based learning lab (2 hour sessions) – Computer or technology-based sessions that allow participants to learn about a software program or application through a combination of presentation/instruction and hands-on exercises.
  • Panel discussion (45 minute session) – Interviewer/interviewee-style sessions featuring a moderator to facilitate the discussion/ask questions, and 3-4 panelists representing diverse points of view to share/demonstrate experiences, information and best practices with the audience. Opening remarks/presentation by the moderator followed by moderator-driver question and answers (determined in advance) with at least 10-15 minutes audience question and answer session to conclude the session.
  • Case studies (45 minute session) – A case study session includes a presentation/analysis by one or two presenters of a real-life situation or scenario that addresses a dilemma, conflict, or problem. The audience is asked to consider the scenario either individually or in small groups, with at least 10-15 minutes audience question and answer session to conclude the session.
  • Lecture/Formal presentation (45 minute session)One or two co-presenters speaking, supported by presentation slides. Highly didactic session with minimal attendee participation. This format is best used to convey a large amount of content with minimal interaction. Presentation should include 10-15 minutes for Q&A
  • Interactive Presentation (45 minute session) -– One or two co-presenters speaking and supported by presentation slides. Highly interactive session with varied opportunities for attendees to participate, discuss topics, and interact with one another to digest the information – and offer their own experiences.

As you reflect on your proposal, please consider topics that support the Symposium’s focus on collaboration, innovation, and service that fit into the following topic tracks. While proposals may address more than one area, you will be asked to select one which is the best fit. Some examples of topics are listed after each track. Examples of specific topics within each track are NOT exhaustive – other topics that fit within the subject areas are welcome.

 

Digital Government

  • Automated services
  • Digitization/Big Data/Open data
  • User experience/User design
  • Design Thinking/Human-Centered Design
  • Accessibility
  • Citizen Communication/Engagement
  • Advanced marketing techniques

 

Innovation, Insights & Trends

  • Cognitive Technologies/AI/Machine Learning
  • Virtual/augmented reality
  • Blockchain
  • Collaboration/Shared Services
  • Internet of Things
  • Autonomous Vehicles
  • Advanced connectivity options
  • Modernization

 

Cybersecurity: Risks & Strategies

  • Plans and Policies
  • Threat Landscape
  • Effective Organizational Structures
  • Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery
  • Data – Rights, Compliance, & Obligation
  • DevSecOps
  • Security Tools
  • AI in Cybersecurity
  • Ransomware

 

Technology Governance

  • Procurement Rules/Policies
  • Technology Modernization
  • Software Defined Networks
  • Business Relationship Management
  • Project Portfolio Management
  • AI in Technology Governance
  • Records Management
  • Hardware & Infrastructure

 

Leaders & Emerging Leaders

  • Communication Skills
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Developing Business Acumen
  • Managing Change
  • Leadership Development
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Building Your Brand
  • Career Paths
  • Recruitment and retention strategies
  • Strategic planning/IT Leadership
  • Remote working and/or supervising teams remotely

 

Product & Project Skills

  • Office 365 /Share Point
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Windows
  • Application/Software Development
  • Agile/Scrum
  • Project Management/Process Improvement
  • GIS

 

All proposals must be submitted using the GOVIT Summit & Symposium online proposal form. Upon submitting a proposal, you will receive an automatic confirmation for your records if it was submitted successfully.

Plan your submission in advance. We suggest that you first collect your thoughts for your proposal. Collect contact information and biographies from your co-presenters before beginning the form. Session proposals require clear and concise titles, a persuasive learning outcomes-focused description, three action-oriented learning outcomes that answer the question “upon completion of this session, participants will be able to…” and an explanation how the presentation will engage the audience. The following is the order and type of questions asked on the online proposal submission form:

  • Format
  • Title (character limit applies)
  • Session Description (character limit applies) You do not need to have a fully fleshed out description, but we are looking for a sharp vision and point of view.
  • How the Presentation will Engage the Audience
  • Suggested Track
  • Presentation Specifics (Target Audience, Level of Prior Knowledge, Learning Outcomes, etc.)
  • Primary Presenter Name, Position, Organization, Address, Email and Social Media
  • Previous Speaking Experience (optional upload of video)
  • Primary Presenter Bio (character limit applies)
  • Additional Presenters Questions – (List each Co-Presenters Names, Positions, Organizations, and Emails)
  • Presentation Accessibility
  • Comments/Questions
  •  

Fusion is dedicated to diversity in its staff, volunteers, presenters, and audiences – including full participation in, committees, content, programs, and decision-making.

Accessibility Requirements

Federal and State law require that public conference information systems, venues, tools and content be accessible to people with disabilities. In addition, Fusion Learning Partners is committed to ensuring the GOVIT Leadership Summit & Symposium is accessible to a diverse audience.

    1. What do you know about the accessibility implications of your chosen topic? Here are a couple of resources to help get you started: mn.gov/mnit/accessibility, or email: MNITAccessibility@state.mn.us.
    2. How will you present your session in a way that is accessible (slides, videos, etc.) to everyone who attends? NOTE: All electronic files provided to Fusion for attendees are required to be accessible. Visit the State of Minnesota’s accessible documents page for training and other resources.
We seek to create a premiere event for the GOVIT field, and therefore priority will be given to those sessions that meet the following criteria:

Timely Does the topic address a current or emerging concern?

Relevant How significant is the topic to the theme and purpose of the conference?

Clarity Is the proposal clear and understandable?

Engaging – Is the session designed to engage the audience?

Vendor Neutral –Proposals will not be selected that promote a particular vendor platform, technology, product or service.

Proposals must be submitted via the online submission form. Proposals sent by email will not be considered. Presenters may submit more than one submission.

The online submission form closes on Monday, July 8th at 11:59 p.m. CST. Incomplete and/or late proposal submissions are accepted by invitation only.

The person listed as the lead presenter will be automatically notified of receipt by an email sent to the address that you provide. If you do not receive such a notification, please contact Program & Communications Coordinator, Brandon Shuey at bshuey@fusionlp.org  to confirm that your proposal was received.

Submission of a proposal does not guarantee inclusion in the program.  Fusion Learning Partners reserves the right to work with presenters to revise presentation titles, reassign the identified topic area and edit session descriptions for promotional and program publication purposes.

How are proposals reviewed/accepted?

The GOVIT Leadership Summit & Symposium Steering Committee with diverse representation of GOVIT settings and functions will meet to review, rate and prioritize ALL proposals to determine which ones will be selected for the 2024 Leadership Summit & Symposium.

When are proposals selected?

Final selections will be made by late July. Confirmation letters will be sent to selected lead presenters at this time. Signed confirmation letters will be due back to Fusion Learning Partners two weeks after the date of notification.

Session scheduling

The Committee will advise on scheduling selected sessions. Sessions will be scheduled to minimize topic overlap and maximize available meeting space. Some presenters may be asked to repeat their sessions. Sessions will be scheduled for the following timeslots:

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

9:45 – 10:30 45 minute breakout sessions (Various Breakout Rooms)
11:00 – 11:45 45 minute breakout sessions (Various Breakout Rooms)
1:30 – 2:15 45 minute breakout sessions (Various Breakout Rooms)
3:15 – 4:00 45 minute breakout sessions (Various Breakout Rooms)

Thursday, November 21, 2024

9:45 – 10:30 45 minute breakout sessions (Various Breakout Rooms)
11:00 – 11:45 45 minute breakout sessions (Various Breakout Rooms)

 

Speaker honorarium

For each 45 minute proposal selected, one speaker/moderator/facilitator will receive a complimentary registration for the day of the conference. No additional compensation is available. All speakers will be required to register prior to the event using an online registration system.

Cancellations

Once a session has been accepted and listed online, cancellation imposes a serious burden. Please do not submit a proposal if you are uncertain that you will be able to fulfill your obligation to organize and conduct the session.

Monday, July 8th at 11:59 p.m. CST – deadline to submit online proposal form

Late July – proposals selected and lead presenters notified

2 weeks after selected notifications sent out – signed presenter agreement forms due

Late August – all presenter & session information due

Mid-September – speaker registration deadline

November 1st – Presentation Power Point slide deck and handouts due

November 8h – Final room assignments/schedule changes sent to lead presenters

November 19th-21st – 2024 GOVIT Leadership Summit & Symposium

You must submit your proposal using the online submission form. Proposals sent by email will not be considered. When you submit your proposal, you will be automatically notified of receipt by an email sent to the address that you provide. If you do not receive such a notification, please contact Program & Communications Coordinator Brandon Shuey (bshuey@fusionlp.org)  to confirm that your proposal was received. You will be able to return to the proposal to edit it until the submission deadline on July 8th at 11:59 p.m. CST. Information on how to do so will be included in the automated email.

About Fusion Learning Partners

From learning opportunities and events to organizational development and collaborative initiatives, Fusion exists to strengthen and transform the communities where we work, live, and thrive.

Because Innovation Begins with Learning.

2024 Steering Committee

  • Jay Wyant, Minnesota IT Services
  • Melissa Reeder, League of Minnesota Cities
  • Sue Wallace, Quantico Consulting
  • Amy Middendorf, Morrison County
  • Adam Larson, Washington County
  • John Gamades, OrangeBall Creative
  • Amy Kretsch-Ward, Fortinet
  • Alex Hepp, City of Hopkins
  • Dave Andrews, Minnesota State Services for the Blind
  • Jim Hall, Hallmentum
  • Lisa Meredith, Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative
  • Derek Engelking, City of Saint Paul
  • Tia Kropf Beringer, State of Wisconsin
  • Tim Herman, Online Business Systems and Minnesota Infraguard
  • Chetan Ganatra, Ramsey County
  • Patty Hartwig, LOGIS
  • Rebecca Dennis, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
  • Matt Bailey, IBM
  • Sarah Mixdorf, Google