Government Innovation Showcase California
California's Digital Future: Smart, Inclusive, and Citizen-Centric!
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 continues to lead the nation in advancing digital government and investing in public sector innovation. With billions allocated toward modernizing critical infrastructure, enhancing data-driven programs, and safeguarding cyber resilience, the state is committed to delivering faster, smarter, and more inclusive services to its 39 million residents. From reimagining service delivery in health and human services to advancing climate resilience and equitable access, California is setting the pace for what modern governance looks like.
The Public Sector Network’s Government Innovation California 2026 event is designed to showcase practical strategies and proven applications that help state and local agencies deliver measurable impact. By uniting government leaders, technology experts, and industry partners, the event provides a platform to explore how data, innovation, and secure digital tools can strengthen service delivery while building public trust.
Join us in 2026 to connect with peers, hear success stories from across the state, and gain the insights needed to advance your agency’s modernization journey. Together, we will explore how to harness innovation to improve citizen outcomes, foster inter-agency collaboration, and build resilient systems that meet California’s urgent challenges today and in the future.
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Register nowWho 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 focuses on deploying emerging tools like generative AI and analytics to transform government operations and public safety. Through keynotes and panels, attendees will gain practical strategies for modernizing infrastructure, improving decision-making, and sustaining innovation in public agencies.
Digital Services, Customer Experience & AI Innovation
The Digital Services, CX & AI Innovation track highlights digital transformation in citizen-facing services, from modernizing high-volume processes to designing seamless customer experiences. Sessions offer insights into inclusive service design, leveraging AI and industry best practices to deliver equitable, user-centric digital government.
Cybersecurity and Digital Defense
The Cybersecurity and Digital Defense track explores how government agencies are strengthening resilience in an increasingly complex digital landscape. Sessions focus on building secure systems, fostering collaboration, and preparing for emerging threats to protect public trust and critical infrastructure
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.
Vendors, boost your presence
Becoming a partner at the Government Innovation Showcase 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.