On Wednesday, September 19, more than 2,000 state and local government employees will come together online at the State and Local Virtual Summit: How Tech Can Help Problem Solve hosted by GovLoop to share best practices and learn how technology is helping solve some of government’s biggest challenges.

The virtual summit will kick off with a keynote session from two chief information officers from state and local government: Ted Ross, CIO, city of Los Angeles, California, and general manager for the Information Technology Agency (ITA), and Ed Toner, CIO, state of Nebraska. During this session, Ross and Toner will discuss and compare the specific challenges they’re facing and how their organizations are using technology to overcome them, including:

Problem #1: Digital Engagement

How does a large local government engage residents? The CIOs will discuss using tools like chatbots, Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, and virtual assistants to improve service delivery.

Before you attend, read Gauging Public Opinion the Right Way. It discusses effective, efficient, and inclusive ways to harness resident opinion.

Problem #2: Manual to Automation

The CIOs will cover how their agencies are taking manual processes and automating them to save both employees and residents time.  

Before you attend, read about the Seven Communities that have been recognized for their use of technology to save time, money, and deliver better services to residents.

Problem #3: Workforce Challenges

Ross and Toner will discuss how automation and new recruitment tactics are helping overcome challenges associated with an aging workforce.

Before you attend, read The Most Effective Recruitment Strategies in Local Government. A 2017 report shows that most local governments are using these top five resources to reach qualified candidates.

After the keynote session, you’ll attend four online training sessions where you’ll have the opportunity to earn continuing professional education (CPE) credits. You can pick and choose which sessions you’d like to attend based on your schedule. Remember, all sessions are delivered online so there’s no need to leave your office. By registering, you’ll also have access to all of the sessions on-demand after the virtual summit. Here’s a summary of what you can expect in each session:

Session 1: Connectivity for All – How Cloud is Changing the Game for State and Local Gov

Dr. Craig Orgeron, director, MS Department of Information Technology Services, and Ken Liska, systems engineering manager, Citrix State and Local, will dive into how agencies can securely deliver applications to mobile devices.

Before you attend, download the ICMA/IBTS report Smart Solutions: Technology Serving Communities to become more familiar with the trends in smart technologies and consider the possibilities, challenges, and impacts of smart technology solutions in your community. 

Session 2: Cybersecurity and Automation: A Perfect Match for Government

Bridget Kravchenko, chief information security officer, Oakland County, Michigan; Christopher Grimm, consulting architect, Red Hat; and Greg Tinsley, senior consultant, Red Hat, will showcase how automation solutions can help all teams work together toward achieving meaningful improvements in the security posture of government agencies.

Before you attend, expand your understanding of the challenges and necessity of cybersecurity by downloading the ICMA/Microsoft Cybersecurity: Protecting Local Government Digital Resources Report.

Session 3: Citizen-Centric Approach Helps Constituents and Gov

A panel of government experts will share how successful agencies have improved their digital services and transformed their agency by focusing on resident needs.

Before you attend, read How Engaging the Community First Will Expand Broadband Access to learn how broadband Internet can open the door to a world of resources for learners of all ages in the community.

Session 4: 4 Steps to an Effective Communications Strategy

In this session, Lyndsay Booth, senior digital engagement strategist, Granicus, will help you unlock the ability to connect with your audience. She will discuss the core components of a successful communications strategy for any state and local organization.

Before you attend, read The Science (and Power) Behind Effective Citizen Communication to see how Scottsdale, Arizona’s assistant city manager boosts engagement with residents.

The State and Local Virtual Summit is free and requires no travel. To register, click here.