Category Archives: Events

Top 10 AI Events for Government in 2026 

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Artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved from experimental technology into a mission-critical capability for Government agencies at all levels. From enhancing cybersecurity operations and streamlining citizen services to enabling predictive analytics and advancing national security objectives, AI is fundamentally reshaping how the Public Sector delivers on its mission. As agencies accelerate AI adoption, understanding the latest developments, best practices and ethical frameworks is essential. Carahsoft Technology Corp., The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider®, brings deep expertise in AI solutions for the Public Sector, connecting agencies with leading technology providers and proven implementation strategies. Throughout 2026, Carahsoft and our partners will participate in premier AI events designed to help Government professionals navigate the complexities of AI adoption, explore cutting-edge solutions and connect with experts shaping the future of AI. 

Meet the Chiefs: Chief Artificial Intelligence 

February 12, 2026 | Washington, D.C. | In-Person Event 

During this Meet the Chiefs discussion, NextGov/FCW will examine how Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers (CAIOs) are putting national AI priorities into action across Government agencies. Speakers will explore how recent policies are shaping governance models, workforce strategies and industry collaboration as AI becomes more deeply embedded in Government operations. The conversation will address the critical balance between innovation and risk management, examining the infrastructure needed to support AI at scale and the trust-building efforts essential for successful AI adoption. Attendees will gain insights into how agencies are translating high-level AI directives into operational reality, with particular focus on data and compute infrastructure requirements for AI at scale. 

Session to look out for: 

  • Laying the Groundwork: Data and Compute Infrastructure for AI at Scale 

Carahsoft partner Oracle is the exclusive underwriter for this event, demonstrating the critical role that enterprise AI infrastructure plays in enabling Government AI initiatives. Oracle provides the foundational data platforms, cloud infrastructure and AI services that empower Federal agencies to deploy AI at scale while maintaining security, compliance and data sovereignty. Carahsoft’s partnership with Oracle ensures Government agencies have streamlined access to the enterprise AI capabilities discussed at this event, from autonomous databases that power AI workloads to sovereign AI infrastructure designed specifically for Public Sector requirements. 

2026 Defense IT Summit 

February 26, 2026 | Arlington, VA | In-Person Event 

The Defense IT Summit brings together senior IT leaders to examine how emerging technologies and strategies are advancing mission readiness across the Department of War (DoW). Senior officials will highlight defense priorities in AI, acquisition, cybersecurity and risk management, with particular focus on accelerating technology delivery at the speed of mission. The summit addresses the critical challenge of translating AI innovation into operational capability, exploring how the DoW is transforming acquisition processes, integrating AI into warfighting systems and building the infrastructure needed to support AI-enabled decision-making.  

Session to look out for: 

  • AI Transforming Future Warfighting and The Future of Defense Acquisition 

Carahsoft is a proud partner of GovCIO and is excited to support their 2026 Defense IT Summit, bringing together our extensive portfolio of AI and defense IT solutions tailored to DoW requirements. Our partnership with GovCIO enables us to showcase how leading AI providers are addressing the unique challenges of defense IT modernization, from secure AI development environments to edge AI capabilities for tactical operations. Carahsoft’s presence at this summit ensures defense IT leaders have direct access to the solution providers who understand DoW’s specific security requirements, acquisition processes and the urgency of deploying AI capabilities that enhance warfighter advantage. 

Google Public Sector Applied Government Geo & AI Summit 

February 24, 2026 | Reston, VA | In-Person Event 

The Applied Government Geo & AI Summit brings together Government leaders, technologists and innovators to explore how AI, geospatial data and advanced engineering tools are reshaping Public Sector operations. Hosted by Woolpert Digital Innovations, Google Public Sector and Carahsoft, this summit examines the powerful convergence of AI and geospatial intelligence, from automated image analysis and change detection to predictive modeling for infrastructure planning and emergency response. Attendees will learn how agencies are utilizing AI-powered geospatial capabilities to enhance various aspects, including defense operations, border security, urban planning and environmental monitoring. 

Session to look out for: 

  • AI and Geospatial Data Transformations and AI in Defense, Infrastructure, and Data Management 

Carahsoft is proud to co-host this event alongside Google Public Sector and Woolpert Digital Innovations, demonstrating our commitment to advancing the intersection of AI and geospatial technologies for Government missions. As a leading distributor of Google Cloud solutions to the Public Sector, Carahsoft ensures agencies can access the powerful combination of Google’s AI and machine learning (ML) capabilities with advanced geospatial analytics platforms.  

Warfighter AI Innovation Summit 

March 12, 2026 | Reston, VA | In-Person Event 

The Warfighter AI Innovation Summit focuses on cutting-edge AI technologies that enhance forward-deployed warfighter capabilities. This specialized event brings together warfighters with senior leaders, innovators and industry experts, focusing on data fusion, sensors and creating subject matter expert applications across forward-deployed use cases. Designed to foster collaboration across Government, military and industry, this summit equips participants with actionable insights to accelerate AI adoption and translate innovation into operational impact. Sessions will explore AI success on the front lines and how to use AI to achieve operational advantage and battlefield dominance, addressing the unique challenges of deploying AI in contested, disconnected environments. 

Session to look out for: 

  • AI Success on the Front Line and Using AI to Achieve Operational Advantage and Battlefield Dominance 

Carahsoft is a proud partner of Federal AI Accelerator.  Our partnership enables us to connect warfighters and defense decision-makers with specialized AI technologies designed for tactical edge operations, from computer vision for threat detection to AI-powered Command and Control (C2) systems. Carahsoft understands that successful warfighter AI requires not just cutting-edge algorithms, but solutions engineered for the reliability, speed and security demands of combat operations, along with acquisition pathways that can deliver these capabilities at the pace of operational need. 

NVIDIA GTC 2026 

March 16-19, 2026 | San Jose, CA | Hybrid Event 

NVIDIA GTC is the premier global AI conference, where developers, researchers and business leaders come together to explore the next wave of AI innovation. From physical AI and AI factories to agentic AI and inference, GTC 2026 will showcase the breakthroughs shaping every industry, including Government and defense. The conference takes place across venues throughout downtown San Jose, featuring hundreds of technical sessions exploring everything from AI infrastructure and accelerated computing to real-world AI deployments. Government attendees will discover how agencies worldwide are leveraging NVIDIA’s AI platforms to power everything from scientific research and weather prediction to autonomous systems and intelligence analysis. 

Sessions to look out for: 

  • AI Talks and Panels 
  • Jensen Huang’s Keynote Address 
  • Developer Days and Hackathons 

Carahsoft is the exclusive host of the Public Sector Reception at GTC on Tuesday, March 17 (tentative), providing Government attendees with a dedicated networking venue designed specifically for Public Sector professionals to connect with peers and solution providers focused on Government AI challenges. Carahsoft is also an exhibitor sponsor of NVIDIA GTC 2026. We encourage you to stop by our booth to learn about AI capabilities within Government and discover how our partnership ecosystem is supporting agencies with NVIDIA-powered solutions.  

2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit 

March 19, 2026 | Location To Be Announced | In-Person Event 

According to AI experts, we are currently experiencing the largest and fastest-moving surge of AI development in history, with more progress occurring in days and months than was achieved over decades in previous AI waves. This sixth annual AI Summit from Potomac Officers Club brings together top voices from Federal agencies, DoW components and the Government contracting industry to discuss strategies, plans and exciting use cases for how AI, ML and automation are transforming Government operations. The age of AI being merely theoretical is over. This summit features real practitioners sharing how they are deploying AI at scale. Don’t miss keynote speaker Jay Meil, the VP of Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics and Chief Data Scientist at SAIC, along with other senior Government and industry AI leaders. 

Carahsoft was proud to be a gold sponsor of the 2025 Artificial Intelligence Summit, along with our partners EmpowerAI, Primer, Oracle, Coursera and Percipient.AI and we look forward to continuing our support of this premier Government AI gathering in 2026. Carahsoft is committed to ensuring that Government decision-makers have direct access to the comprehensive AI solutions portfolio that Carahsoft brings to market, from AI development platforms and MLOps tools to AI governance frameworks and specialized AI applications designed for Public Sector missions. 

AITALKS 2026 

April 14, 2026 | Washington, D.C. | In-Person Event 

With the mainstream arrival of large-language, generative AI models, AI has emerged as a top priority for driving economic prosperity and boosting Government efficiency and mission effectiveness. AITalks is where top Government leaders, tech innovators and industry experts converge to explore the transformative potential of AI in the Public Sector, particularly as new priorities establish the nation’s AI vision and direction. With AI set to revolutionize Government operations, the nation is at a critical juncture where it is competing to set the tone for global AI leadership.  

Session to look out for: 

  • Going All In on AI-Powered Government and Advancing AI on the Frontlines 

Carahsoft partner Microsoft is a Diamond sponsor at the 2026 AITALKS, reflecting Microsoft’s leadership position in enterprise AI and their commitment to helping Government harness AI capabilities through Azure AI, Microsoft 365 Copilot and industry-specific AI solutions. Previous AITALKS sponsors have included Salesforce, AWS, Elastic, Broadcom, Cloudflare, IBM, Red Hat, Seekr and Nutanix/Pryon, a roster that demonstrates the breadth of Carahsoft’s AI partner ecosystem. As a key partner to many of these leading AI providers, Carahsoft ensures Government attendees can explore the full range of AI solutions available through our contracts, from foundational AI infrastructure to specialized applications addressing specific Public Sector use cases. 

SANS AI Cybersecurity Summit 2026 

April 20-27, 2026 | Arlington, VA | Hybrid Event 

The AI Cybersecurity Summit brings together the most critical aspects of AI in cybersecurity, from leveraging AI to strengthen defenses to protecting against sophisticated AI-powered attacks that are already reshaping the threat landscape. This unique event addresses both offensive and defensive dimensions of AI in cybersecurity, exploring how agencies can use AI to enhance threat detection, automate incident response and improve security operations while simultaneously defending against adversaries who are weaponizing AI for attacks. Attendees will connect with cybersecurity professionals, AI/ML experts and thought leaders to exchange insights and advance AI-powered cybersecurity solutions.  

Session to look out for: 

  • AI Governance and Risk, Offensive AI Adversary Tradecraft, and Protecting AI Architectures 

Carahsoft partner Microsoft is a sponsor of this critical event in the AI and cybersecurity space, bringing its extensive experience in AI security through Microsoft Defender, Azure AI security capabilities and its responsible AI frameworks. The convergence of AI and cybersecurity represents one of the most pressing challenges facing Government agencies today. Organizations must simultaneously adopt AI to enhance their security posture while defending their own AI systems from attack and ensuring AI is deployed responsibly. Carahsoft’s partnership with Microsoft and other leading cybersecurity and AI providers positions us to guide agencies through this complex landscape, offering integrated solutions that address both AI-enhanced security operations and the security of AI systems themselves. 

GEOINT 2026 

May 3-6, 2026 | Aurora, CO | In-Person Event 

Explore the intersection of technology and security as the geospatial intelligence community (IC) addresses challenges and opportunities in today’s complex geopolitical landscape. From land to sea and cyberspace to outer space, GEOINT’s impact is felt across every dimension and domain. Attendees will engage with industry experts, Government leaders and innovators to discover how geospatial intelligence is shaping a safer world for tomorrow. With AI and ML now central to modern GEOINT capabilities, this year’s symposium places special emphasis on GeoAI, spotlighting current innovations and future opportunities in AI and ML applied to geospatial data, from automated change detection and object recognition to predictive analytics for strategic planning. 

Carahsoft is a proud annual sponsor of the GEOINT Symposium and will have a large presence on the tradeshow floor, ensuring maximum visibility throughout this premier geospatial intelligence event. This year, we have also partnered with NVIDIA to host the exhibit hall Scaling AI Stage, a dedicated venue for exploring how Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-accelerated computing and AI platforms are transforming geospatial intelligence processing, enabling real-time analysis of massive imagery datasets and sophisticated AI models for intelligence applications.  

AI for Government Summit 

May 19, 2026 | Reston, VA | In-Person Event 

Carahsoft is excited to announce our 3rd Annual Artificial Intelligence for Government Summit. Join Federal, State and Local Government leaders, practitioners and industry experts to explore how AI is transforming missions, services and infrastructure across the Public Sector. From copilots that streamline daily workflows to advanced cybersecurity, responsible AI frameworks and next-generation data strategies, this summit shows practical solutions aligned with the latest administrative orders and policy guidance. Attendees will gain insights from Government decision-makers, engage with hands-on training from leading AI companies and leave with actionable strategies to accelerate innovation while building trust and security in AI adoption.  

Session to look out for: 

  • Advanced Reasoning in the Age of Agentic AI and Innovation and Workforce in the AI Era 

Carahsoft is the proud host of the AI for Government Summit, our flagship AI event designed specifically for the unique needs and challenges of Public Sector AI adoption. This year’s sponsors include AWS, Broadcom, Dell, Intel, NVIDIA, OpenAI, Palo Alto Networks, Salesforce and many others. As both the host and convener of this summit, Carahsoft curates an agenda that directly addresses the most pressing questions facing Government AI practitioners: how to move from pilot to production, how to ensure responsible and ethical AI deployment, how to build the data infrastructure and workforce capabilities needed for AI success and how to navigate the complex landscape of AI regulations and policies while maintaining the agility to innovate at mission speed. 

Federal AI Forum 

August 13, 2026 | Reston, VA | In-Person Event 

The Federal AI Forum dives into the next frontier of AI: agentic AI. Experts from across Government, academia and industry will discuss how autonomous agents and copilots are reshaping workflows and policy in the Public Sector. This forum offers a forward-looking conversation about critical issues in responsible adoption, architecture and practical implementation of agentic AI systems in Federal missions. As AI systems evolve from tools that assist human decision-making to autonomous agents capable of multi-step reasoning and independent action, Government agencies face new questions about governance, accountability and security.  

Session to look out for:  

  • Agentic AI Use Cases and Data Security and Accountability 

Carahsoft is proud to be the Anchor Sponsor of the 2026 Federal AI Forum, to help Government agencies navigate the emerging landscape of agentic AI and autonomous systems. This year’s sponsors include Box, ServiceNow, Granicus, Seekr, Latent AI, Stryk.AI and others, partners who are pioneering the development of agentic AI capabilities specifically designed for Government use cases. 

As AI continues to mature from emerging technology into essential infrastructure, Government agencies face both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges. The events highlighted above represent the best venues for Government professionals to gain practical knowledge, connect with proven solution providers and learn from peers who have successfully navigated AI implementation. Whether you are just beginning to explore AI capabilities or seeking to optimize existing initiatives, these gatherings provide invaluable insights, hands-on experience and strategic guidance from the leaders shaping AI’s future in Government. 

Connect with Carahsoft’s AI experts who understand Government requirements, compliance frameworks and proven implementation strategies. Whether you are attending one of these events or planning your AI roadmap, we are here to help.  

Contact us at AITeam@carahsoft.com to discuss your specific AI challenges, schedule a demo or coordinate meetings at upcoming events.  

Explore our AI solutions portfolio to see how we’re helping agencies like yours harness the power of AI to achieve mission success. 

From Compliance to Capability: Key Insights from CS5 CMMC Global Conference 2025

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The CS5 CMMC Global Conference 2025, the official conference of The Cyber AB, brought together more than 1,000 senior leaders from the Department of War (DOW), the Cyber AB, Federal agencies and the broader Defense Industrial Base (DIB) in Washington, D.C. The conference served as the essential gathering for defense contractors and DIB suppliers to chart the next phase of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) implementation, cyber resilience and supply chain security.  Speakers explored key themes, including:

  • CMMC’s Next Phase: Turning Compliance into Capability and Defending the Digital Nation
  • AI-Driven Compliance
  • Driving Operational Excellence through Documentation
  • Combat Readiness: Scaling Across the Defense Ecosystem
  • Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience

CMMC’s Next Phase

Turning Compliance into Capability

CMMC’s next phase represents precision in action and marks a national shift from policy compliance to operational defense. The United States now views information security as a foundational element of national defense. Safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), whether technical information, operational intelligence or logistical data, is inseparable from mission readiness and warfighter support. The DIB now operates as the digital frontline of national security, where compliance is no longer optional but an essential layer of protection.

Defending the Digital Nation

Contractors demonstrate that they not only meet Federal requirements but also actively share the responsibility of defending the nation’s digital infrastructure. CMMC represents both a compliance framework and a patriotic commitment to protecting critical information, ensuring that data remains secure in an era where proximity to the battlefield no longer determines risk.

AI-Driven Compliance

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the CMMC landscape by acting as a force multiplier for speed, accuracy and operational efficiency. Across the Defense Industrial Base, AI-enabled tools are drafting policies, tagging evidence, detecting anomalies and summarizing documentation that once required extensive manual effort. Large language models (LLMs) can rapidly produce preliminary content that validates cybersecurity readiness and synthesizes complex data, enabling DIB contractors to prepare security readiness at scale. Speakers emphasized the need for human oversight to ensure that AI-generated output is validated and aligned with compliance integrity, as automation without governance creates new vulnerabilities. In practice, organizations should leverage AI to enhance efficiency and maintain traceable audit trails, while reserving decision-making, evidence validation and risk assessment for qualified staff. 

When implemented responsibly, AI enables a balanced model of collaboration between human expertise and machine efficiency, accelerating readiness without compromising accountability or security.

Driving Operational Excellence through Documentation

Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) platforms serve as key accelerators by automating version controls, maintaining audit trails, centralizing repositories and linking policies directly to evidence. Updating documentation frequently ensures team alignment and simplifies compliance upkeep as levels role out and evaluations are conducted. Embedding documentation into corporate culture ensures long-term sustainability and empowers teams to focus on meaningful security efforts rather than reactive updates.

Best Practices:

  • Automate version controls and standardizes templates to ensure consistency
  • Use GRC systems to consolidate documentation and eliminate silos
  • Treat documentation as continuous validation: write it, organize it and prove it
  • Integrate compliance reviews into routine workflows to sustain readiness and confidence

Combat Readiness: Scaling Across the Defense Ecosystem

The official enforcement of Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations on November 10, 2025, will operationalize CMMC as a mandatory requirement for Federal contracts, transforming cybersecurity from a best practice into an enforceable procurement standard across the DIB.

As CMMC Phase 1 begins, compliance must be achievable and affordable, particularly for small and mid-sized contractors that anchor the defense supply chain. Organizations should use this time to budget to train and develop strategies for compliance, leveraging hyperscalers and automation to accelerate readiness. Speakers emphasized that scalable readiness, supported by harmonized frameworks and the reduction of overlapping requirements, is critical to sustaining momentum toward full certification.

Early preparation is essential, as a limited number of assessors may create scheduling delays once enforcement expands. Companies that act now by documenting, training and aligning their operations with Federal standards will not only meet compliance expectations but also reinforce their resilience, competitiveness and commitment to securing the nation’s defense ecosystem.

Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience

High-profile cyber intrusions reaffirmed a simple truth: supply chain security is the foundation of national security. Every organization must know what it protects, how it protects it and how that protection is verified through certification. Compliance is no longer just a cost of doing business; it is both a competitive advantage and a national defense imperative. Contractors should prepare their teams to understand eligibility requirements, strengthen internal controls and treat certification as an investment in long-term success. By embedding compliance into corporate culture and operational workflows, companies not only safeguard data but also enhance brand credibility, reduce systemic risk and ensure continuity of operations across the DIB.

Each contractor that fortifies its cyber posture strengthens the resilience of the entire supply chain because securing the DIB is securing the nation.

How Carahsoft Can Help

Whether your organization is preparing for its first CMMC assessment or advancing its cybersecurity maturity, there are continuous opportunities to strengthen readiness and collaboration across the Defense Industrial Base.

Explore CMMC Resources

Visit Carahsoft’s CMMC page to access compliance guides, vendor solutions and educational content designed to support Defense Industrial Base organizations at every maturity level. From understanding capability domains to preparing for assessments, our resources help organizations make informed decisions throughout their CMMC journey.

Download our comprehensive Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Framework Guide to understand the requirements, assessment processes and best practices for achieving CMMC compliance across all maturity levels.

Connect with CMMC Experts

Gaining CMMC compliance can be a complex and time-consuming process, but Carahsoft can guide your organization through every stage. Partnered with more than 200 cybersecurity vendors, Carahsoft connects DIB organizations with the right technologies, service providers and experts to address every maturity level and capability domain.

Contact the Carahsoft Team at (888) 662-2724 or CMMC@carahsoft.com to discuss your organization’s specific compliance needs and discover tailored solutions from our network of cybersecurity partners.

Attend Upcoming CMMC Events

Stay informed on the latest CMMC developments through Carahsoft-hosted workshops, webinars and training sessions. Through our network of partners, policy insights and educational events, Carahsoft helps organizations advance their cybersecurity maturity and meet evolving compliance requirements. Register to receive updates on upcoming CMMC-focused events and training opportunities.

Top 5 Insights from IACP Annual 2025 

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The 2025 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual conference served as a premier gathering for law enforcement and partners to share the latest in technology and industry solutions.

Carahsoft and its partners attended to connect on the latest in law enforcement technology.  

Five key themes stood out throughout the sessions:  

1. AI-Assisted Investigations 

In the session “The AI-Powered Investigator: Surfacing Insights in Law Enforcement,” speaker Jeremy Peterson presented on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance law enforcement investigations while maintaining compliance and auditability. While AI offers tremendous potential for supercharging investigations, its function as a “black box” means it lacks the transparency required in regulated environments. With the use of multiple specialized AI agents, law enforcement can utilize guardrails and clear audit trails for working within structured workflows, rather than relying on a single generic AI. In one case study, Special Agent Isabella Rossi investigated a multi-state burglary operation, where AI identified connections between stolen crypto-mining hardware and a warehouse fire, helped draft legal documents like subpoenas and generated lookout alerts. Solutions from industry innovators such as Veritone and Tranquility AI are already helping agencies put these concepts into practice, offering AI-powered tools that enable law enforcement agencies to rapidly analyze data and tailor solutions to their specific workflows, expediting investigation processes.

2. Protecting Officers Through Drones 

In the panel “Don’t Let Them Go in Blind: Evolving Drones as First Responders to Protect Every Patrol Officer,” speakers discussed the role of comprehensive Drones as First Responders (DFR) for law enforcement. DFR designed with public safety in mind effectively address critical challenges in the field, including staffing shortages, response times and officer safety. Outdoor DFR systems, which are currently operational across multiple jurisdictions with multiple docks per city responding to thousands of monthly calls, have demonstrated the ability to arrive on scene in under two minutes, reduce crime through rapid visual documentation, decrease use of force incidents and clear 20-40% of calls without officer dispatch. New indoor drones address the situational awareness gap that occurs when officers enter buildings, providing capabilities for confined space navigation, perching for up to three hours, two-way communication replacing traditional throw phones, 4K night vision and obstacle avoidance technology. They are all deployable within 30 seconds from a patrol vehicle. The new technology offers remote piloting, freeing officers to focus on incident command rather than drone operation. 

3. Instant Translation with AI Services 

At the panel “Enhancing Emergency Communications with an End-to-End AI Assistive Platform,” speaker Brad Flanagan, Prepared’s Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Ambassador, discussed how AI-powered platforms are improving the efficiency of for 911 emergency call centers by providing comprehensive support and incident resolution. Translation-based AI systems, such as those created by Prepared and Hyper, offer real-time language interpretation in over 240 languages through text, automatic transcription and AI agent conferencing, significantly reducing wait times for interpreters and improving emergency response, including instances where cardiac arrests and domestic violence situations were handled more effectively. The platform consolidates multiple location verification systems into a single interface, reducing address errors from six per month to a timeframe of six months, despite having less experienced staff. AI translators enable rapid incident review and reporting by automatically organizing call recordings, radio traffic and transcripts, reducing review time. The current system includes AI-assisted call triage during high-volume situations, post-call performance analysis within two minutes, live guidance for call-takers on protocol-specific questions and training simulations for staff development. AI platforms provide field responders and administrators with real-time data insights and analytics to improve emergency response quality and efficiency. 

4. Cybersecurity in the Modern Age 

During the session “Cyber Threats to Critical Communications Systems,” speaker Travis Randall discussed the evolving cybersecurity threats that Public Safety organizations face. Agencies are increasingly vulnerable due to their combination of sensitive data and critical high-availability systems, such as dispatch, 911 and radio networks. The primary threat is ransomware groups, who often operate through a sophisticated criminal ecosystem of developers, affiliates and access brokers, conducting attacks at scale that have significantly disrupted emergency communications. Randall details how these attacks typically exploit valid credentials, unpatched vulnerabilities, misconfigured VPNs and weak access controls to compromise networks, often using legitimate system tools rather than obvious malware to evade detection. To stay on top of ransomware groups, agencies must employ essential defensive measures like offline backups, multi-factor authentication, privilege management, vulnerability patching and continuous network monitoring.  

5. Improving Awareness with Real-Time Crime Centers 

In the session “Real-Time Crime Centers: A Real Possibility for Small and Midsize Agencies,” speakers Chris Henningsen, President at the National Real Time Crime Center Association, and Chris Settle, Police Chief of Culpeper Police Department, discussed the operation of real-time crime centers. The speakers emphasize that real-time centers serve as technology hubs providing situational awareness and acting as force multipliers during staffing shortages, are attainable for agencies of all sizes. Centers can start small with minimal resources, such as a computer, radio and analyst, and scale over time based on demonstrated successes and measurable outcomes. Key components include integrating existing resources like traffic cameras, body-worn cameras, license plate readers, drones and community partner camera feeds to provide officers with critical information before arriving at scenes, often achieving response times of seconds rather than minutes.  

Some of the benefits include that real-time crime centers can: 

  • Reduce investigation time with camera networks and LPR technology 
  • Enhance recruitment and retention by demonstrating technological investment and officer safety support 
  • Enables officers to connect with back-up support, who can view footage and provide aid in real-time 

Henningsen and Settle stress that effective implementation requires cross-training staff, tracking progress through data analytics and continuously pursuing partnerships with technology vendors, such as Flock Safety, to share resources and best practices.  

Maintaining pace with the evolving technology landscape ensures that law enforcement and confidential data remains protected. Through AI, real-time crime centers, drones and ransomware protection, law enforcement remains committed to protecting civilians.  

Missed IACP Annual? Attend Carahsoft’s 2026 law enforcement innovation summit to learn more about the latest technology and solutions in law enforcement.  

Billington CyberSecurity Summit: AI Takes Center Stage

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Premier U.S. Government cyber conference previews AI on offense, on defense and as a target

  • While adversaries can boost the quality and volume of attacks with artificial intelligence (AI), defenders will apply AI to counter attacks with predictive and proactive defenses.
  • The advent of Agentic AIs will accelerate this trend and provide more avenues for attack, but defenders will always have the advantage by being able to train AIs with proprietary information and use them to identify vulnerabilities before attackers do.
  • The transition to post-quantum cryptography will be an industry-wide heavy lift, with extensive rewriting of code to meet post-quantum standards.

Recently, I had the opportunity to share some of my experience and insights at the Billington CyberSecurity Summit in Washington, D.C. Moderated by Chris Townsend, Global Vice President of Public Sector at Elastic, our panel session, “The Future of Cyber Threat: Anticipating Threat Actors’ Next Steps,” explored how threat actors are evolving and what organizations can do now to prepare. Not surprisingly, AI was a hot topic. We also discussed quantum computing, emerging threats and the cybersecurity staffing shortage.

How Attackers Will Leverage AI

Attackers are already using AI to power their attacks, but it is important not to over-sensationalize the impact that AI is having because the proportion of AI-driven attacks is still quite small relative to the overall amount of malicious activity we are seeing. However, we expect that proportion to grow quickly.

One of the main ways attackers are using it now is to create phishing materials, because it addresses what is a weak point for many threat actors, who often are not native English speakers. Attacks that are technically sophisticated can fail because they begin with a spear phishing email whose spelling or grammar is wrong. Large Language Models (LLMs) solve that problem brilliantly because if there is one thing they are good at, it is creating plausible narratives in perfect English.

The other area we see attackers using it is to automate their work. We have already documented examples of code that appears to have been written by an AI.

In the short term, AI will not enable adversaries to do anything new, but we expect it to enhance the quality and volume of their attacks. AI is lowering the entry bar for threat actors. They do not even need to know how to code anymore. Naturally, the number of attacks will begin to go up.

In the medium term, the arrival of Agentic AI is likely to accelerate malicious activity levels, since agents can act autonomously, further minimizing the level of input needed from attackers.

We have already done some research on how agents could be abused and proven that they can already be used to carry out a basic spear phishing attack and deliver malicious code to a target. Agents are still in their infancy, and it is only a matter of time before they become capable of carrying out more sophisticated attacks with minimal instruction.

Preparing For the Quantum Era

The advent of quantum computing presents another significant challenge for cybersecurity. Quantum computers have the potential to break current encryption standards, making it imperative for organizations to transition to post-quantum encryption algorithms.

Adversaries are already preparing for this shift. The “harvest now, decrypt later” strategy involves stealing encrypted data today with the intention of decrypting it once quantum computing becomes viable.

This process of transitioning to post-quantum encryption is not without its challenges. Decades of work have gone into refining and protecting the implementation of existing encryption methods, and we now face the task of revising and rewriting code using new, post-quantum standards. This will inevitably introduce a new generation of bugs, but we will have the benefit of AI to mitigate them.

It Does Not Stop Here

Conferences such as Billington are essential as we navigate this complex landscape. It embodies the Public and Private Sector collaboration that will be key to realizing better cyber defense outcomes moving forward. Together, with partners like Carahsoft delivering mission-critical industry expertise to U.S. Federal and Public Sector agencies, we can anticipate and counter the next generation of cyber threats, ensuring the safety and resilience of our digital ecosystems.

Learn more about how industry icons like Symantec and Carbon Black are putting AI on the front lines of cybersecurity.

Want to learn how Symantec, Carbon Black and Carahsoft can strengthen your cybersecurity posture? Contact us at Broadcom@Carahsoft.com for more information.

Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, including Broadcom, we deliver solutions for Geospatial, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Experience and Engagement, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Explore the Carahsoft Blog to learn more about the latest trends in Government technology markets and solutions, as well as Carahsoft’s ecosystem of partner thought-leaders.

This post originally appeared on security.com, and is re-published with permission.

Insights from MESC: Modernization, AI and the Cloud 

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At this year’s Medicaid Enterprise Systems Conference (MESC), held August 11-14 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Federal officials, technology partners and thought leaders joined to share insights on modernization, artificial intelligence (AI), fraud prevention and cloud adoption. 

Carahsoft attended MESC alongside its partners to facilitate connections between healthcare systems and technology vendors. 

Here are the top five insights from MESC.

1. Unified Observability Enables Modernization

As agencies modernize, observability is becoming critical to success. In the session “You Can’t Modernize What You Can’t See: Observability for Medicaid Cloud Future,” Datadog speakers Greg Reeder, the Senior Director of the Public Sector Marketing, Ryan Gault, the Regional Sales Director for SLED East, and Abe Rosloff, the Enterprise Solution Engineer for SLED, discussed best practices for the cloud. Observability reduces the time it takes teams to find system bottlenecks. With Datadog’s unified observability SaaS platform, agencies can utilize real-time monitoring to oversee critical systems. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released new modules that run alongside 30 year old modular systems. Onboarding the cloud to legacy systems can be tricky, so Datadog’s unified platform provides a layer of visibility that empowers users with insight in the form of an easy-to-use dashboard. Working with a large Medicaid agency on both coasts under contracts with the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO), the US General Services Administration (GSA) and OMNIA, Datadog helps pinpoint issues quickly through their SaaS platform.  

With Datadog’s unified monitoring, agencies gain real-time visibility into user interactions to proactively identify and address breaches before they arise. 

2. AI Use Cases for Medicaid 

In the session “Avoiding AI Landmines in Medicaid: What Worked, What Didn’t and What We’ve Learned,” speakers Eng Tan and Cynthia Afkhami from Automated Health Systems (AHS) discussed the pros and cons of various AI usages. AHS discussed its digital journey in AI adoption; it took three months for users to learn terminology, three months to build the model and six to nine months to test it. While building the AI was easy, the production stage was more challenging. Instead of traditional IT testing, AI requires strategic, human-centered testing. In one case study, AHS designed Infobot, a “digital butler” for customer support representatives that helped translate notes between Spanish and English. This resulted in reduced wait times, a 3% increase in scores and reduced attrition. AHS attributes this success to relevant management buy-ins, IT management support, staff participation, senior management support and focused training. Ultimately, AHS recommends having a solid foundation of data management, governance frameworks and team training before implementing AI. 

Learn how AI can help streamline processes to build stronger, more resilient healthcare systems with Carahsoft’s AI solutions. 

3. How GenAI Can Embolden Healthcare 

In the session “Unleashing the Power of Generative AI on Care Planning in Healthcare,” speakers Mason Tanaka, the Deputy Commissioner and CIO from Alabama Medicaid Agency, and Andy Pitman, the State and Local Government Health and Human Services (HHS) Strategy Director for Microsoft, showcased Alabama Medicaid’s  goals and guiding principles behind its new generative AI (genAI) platform, AI Continuum. In collaboration with Microsoft, Alabama Medicaid aims to bring genAI into healthcare planning by operationalizing various tools in testing and production to help teams reclaim ownership of the planning and design process. Through AI Continuum, nurses and social workers were able to support clinical decisions and use risk stratification predictive analytics to secure better patient outcomes. 

Leverage genAI insights and maximize your data’s potential through Databricks’s optimized data infrastructure and scalable, predictive machine learning models. 

4. Modernization, the Cloud and AI

In the session “CMS-5: MES State of States,” speakers from CMS Ed Dolly, the Deputy Director for Data Systems Group, and Eugene Gabriyelov, the Director Division of State Systems, reviewed the progress made in Medicaid Enterprise Systems (MES) and future goals.  

The top takeaways include: 

  • The time spent creating modular certifications has been reduced from two years to fourteen months 
  • With over 1,300 MES submissions received annually, timely operational reporting has become more significant 
  • Metric reporting is essential for continued funding 

Looking ahead to the upcoming fiscal year, goals include receiving operational metric reports from each state, standardizing interfaces, expanding AI usage and increasing collaboration across the nation. 

Modernize with confidence to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability. Visit Broadcom’s page to learn how their solutions support interoperability.  

5. Fighting Fraud with DNA Prevention

In the session “Fighting fraud: Insights from Illinois Health and Family Services (HFS) Office of Inspector General (OIG)’s internally developed Fraud, Waste and Misuse (FWM) early warning system,” speakers Wei-Shin Wang, the Bureau Chief at the Bureau of Fraud Science and Technology, Douglas Steinley, data analytics consultant at the University of Missouri, Ben Xu, the Sr. Developer at the Bureau of Fraud Science and Technology, and Jon DeShazo, the Senior Lead Consultant at Leads, discussed Dynamic Network Analysis (DNA)-powered fraud prevention. The FWM early warning system, which was built with NTT DATA and powered by DNA, saw successes in uncovering fraud patterns early on. Within the system, there are modules for profiles, reports and inquiries, advanced surveillance and risk detection, audit support and system usability. Early results from this training illustrate that automation and analytics can strengthen program integrity while reducing manual oversight.  

Leverage trusted data analytics and streamlined operations with Equifax’s trusted solutions in data analytics and fraud-resilient technology.  

——————– 

As medical systems evolve, the common theme is clear: innovation must balance modernization with accountability, human-centered design and measurable outcomes. 

Carahsoft’s healthcare portfolio equips agencies with cloud, genAI and analytics solutions that streamline operations and strengthen program integrity. By improving efficiency, reducing fraud and eradicating unnecessary costs, agencies can reinvest in sustainable healthcare that prioritizes improving patient outcomes.  

Looking to modernize with the latest in healthcare technology? Visit Carahsoft’s broad range of contract vehicles to access Government healthcare solutions quickly and confidently.  

From Noise to Impact: How Agencies Can Build Real AI Use Cases

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Insights from Federal data, legal and technology leaders on turning AI potential into mission-driven action

Everyone’s talking about AI. But in Government, where budgets are tight, oversight is strict and the stakes are high, talk isn’t enough. Agencies need AI use cases that solve real problems, not just generate headlines.

At a recent panel discussion in D.C. hosted by ZL Tech and Carahsoft, experts from data, legal and tech roles shared their insights on how Federal agencies can move from experimentation to impact. Their message was clear: success with AI starts with governance, strategy and the right people at the table.

1. Want Real AI? Start at the Top

The biggest challenge agencies face? Starting small and remaining siloed.

“Start at the highest, most strategic level of the organization,” said Matthew Versaggi, a White House Presidential Innovation Fellow for AI. “Don’t begin in your own department, by then it’s too narrow. Instead, ask: what’s the most impactful agency-wide use case we can build toward?”

The panelists emphasized that departmental pain points might improve workflows, but agency-wide pain points tied to the mission are where AI can truly move the needle.

“Without a structured process, you’re just chasing your tail,” added Kon Leong, CEO of ZL Tech. “Start small, but make sure your experiment is scalable and aligned to long-term strategy.”

2. Governance Isn’t a Roadblock. It’s the Roadmap.

AI can’t succeed without trust in the data. And trust depends on governance.

“Governance is accountability,” said Leong. “It’s what separates scalable, sustainable innovation from science experiments.”

Jason Baron, a professor and former senior Government attorney, described governance as a mesh, not a silo: “True governance links your CISO, CIO, records officers, FOIA leads, legal teams—all under shared policy and ownership. We used to work in silos. That has to end.”

And as Matthew pointed out, AI governance isn’t a blocker, it’s an enabler: “AI governance becomes the mechanism for sustaining innovation. If we’re going to compete globally, we have to embrace it.”

3. Talk to Your CDO—Yes, You Have One

One of the most actionable takeaways: if you’re not already talking to your Chief Data Officer, you’re behind.

“Every agency has a CDO,” said Jason. “Go find them. Hopefully you like them. Have a conversation.”

CDOs are uniquely positioned to bridge mission needs with data access and policy. As one attendee noted during the session, “Awareness is the first step. Records and governance leaders are finally getting a seat at the table.”

It’s no longer enough for legal, records and privacy teams to operate in isolation. Building AI responsibly requires alignment—and that starts with the CDO.

4. Unstructured Data Is the Game-Changer

Structured data, like spreadsheets and databases, has been the traditional foundation for reporting and analytics. But that’s not where the majority of Government data lives.

“Unstructured data is radioactive,” said Leong. “That’s where every crisis lives. And now, it’s center stage in AI.”

Unstructured data includes everything from emails and PDFs to file shares, chat logs and documents. It makes up more than 80% of enterprise data, yet many agencies lack visibility or control over it.

Jason gave a real-world Federal perspective: “As a records guy, I’d take out my watch and wait to see how long it took vendors to say ‘FOIA’ or ‘FedRAMP.’ If they don’t understand the challenges around Federal unstructured data, they’re not serious.”

5. Use the Impact vs. Effort Matrix to Prioritize Wisely

With hundreds of possible AI use cases, how can agencies filter out distractions and find the ones worth pursuing?

Panelists recommended the Impact vs. Effort Matrix—a simple yet powerful tool to map use cases by how much effort they require and how much impact they’ll deliver.

What Is the Impact vs. Effort Matrix?

This tool helps agencies focus on what’s worth doing, especially when time, talent and resources are limited. Each AI idea gets placed into one of four categories:

  • Quick Wins (High Impact, Low Effort): Prioritize these immediately.
  • Major Projects (High Impact, High Effort): Worth the investment—plan carefully.
  • Fill-Ins (Low Impact, Low Effort): Do when time permits.
  • Thankless Tasks (Low Impact, High Effort): Avoid or minimize these.

“We see hundreds of AI ideas across agencies,” one panelist said. “But when you apply the matrix, only a handful have real traction. The juice has to be worth the squeeze.”

The matrix helps filter noise and ensure teams are spending time on the projects most likely to scale, succeed and support the mission.

6. Build with Scale in Mind, Even If You Start Small

AI is experimental. Not every idea will pan out. But successful projects need a path to grow from day one.

“Do a small test with an enterprise mindset,” said Matthew. “Security, governance and scale should be built in from the start.”

Leong agreed: “Get your data ducks in a row, and everything else will follow. You don’t want to make long-term bets on projects that were never designed to scale.”

7. Custom or Off-the-Shelf? Choose Based on Complexity

Should agencies build custom platforms or adapt off-the-shelf tools? It depends.

“Don’t overpay for generic tools,” said Matthew. “But for deep, high-end capabilities, you may need in-house builds—just know the tradeoffs.”

The more specialized the use case, the more likely a tailored solution is required. But whether buying or building, the panel emphasized the importance of involving records officers, legal teams and SMEs early—not just the CIO chasing the next shiny object.

Final Thought: The Data Is There. The Champions Are Too.

The core message of the session? Agencies already have the data—and they have the people who care about getting it right.

What’s missing is coordination, prioritization and a strong governance foundation.

Start with strategy. Talk to your CDO. Use the matrix. Build with intent.

Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator for our vendor partners, including ZL Tech, we deliver solutions for Geospatial, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Experience and Engagement, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Explore the Carahsoft Blog to learn more about the latest trends in Government technology markets and solutions, as well as Carahsoft’s ecosystem of partner thought-leaders.

The Tech Behind Trust: Enabling Better CX Through Automation, Cloud and Cybersecurity 

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Cybersecurity, automation, data analytics and the cloud can improve customer experience (CX) and increase trust in Public Sector institutions. At the 2025 CX and Engagement Summit, thought leaders and Government officials from the U.S. Department of State, the Department of Labor, the U.S. Coast Guard and more, discussed how technology and CX go hand in hand.  

As Public institutions work to strengthen their CX, Carahsoft and our partners, such as Box, are here to help guide and support their journey.   

Automation and Analytics for CX 

Data analytics can be critical to improving CX and overall agency and organization efficiency.  In the session “Leveraging Automation and Analytics to Enhance Customer Experience,” speakers Manny Medrano, the Director of Cybersecurity Monitoring and Operations at the U.S. Department of State, Dan Bauer, Former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at the U.S. Department of State and Angy Peterson, the Vice President for Experience Services at Granicus, discussed the many uses of automation and data analytics. Medrano recommends keeping in mind key questions, such as “how is this improving our operations?” and “are we delivering on our mission?” With these framework questions in mind, agencies can better connect data to everyday processes and fulfill day-to-day organizational goals.  

Automation can be used to pull more data to improve accuracy and trust in Public systems. Bauer explains that with automation, agencies and organizations can eliminate manual touchpoints, enabling faster, more accurate service delivery. When paired with analytics, automation helps provide insight into system performance. For example, agencies tend to review feedback surveys for dissatisfied users only. With automated analytics, agencies can gather and review analytics that provide the full emotional and behavioral picture. Leadership can also use analytics to locate process steps that are taking an extraneous amount of time, revealing organizational bottlenecks or gaps. By utilizing data and asking the right questions, organizations can refine technology and processes to improve CX. 

Utilizing the Cloud for CX-Focused Integration 

Users want services that adapt to them, not the other way around. At the panel “Cloud-Powered Customer Experience,” speakers Sanjay Koyani, the Former Executive Director of IT Operation and Services at the Department of Labor, and Kaitlin Klaum, the Senior Team Manager at Box, discussed meeting customer expectations with cloud technology. User experience (UX) must be a top priority to meet customer expectations that services be quick, easy and relevant. Leveraging the cloud helps agencies deliver on these expectations by enabling integration, automation and smarter use of data.  

Replacing legacy systems can be expensive, so Koyani recommends agencies prioritize incremental modernization, allowing old and new systems to coexist where appropriate. Klaum asserts that security must be the starting point for any implementation, especially when onboarding new technology. By adopting Zero Trust frameworks, agencies can ensure information remains protected throughout the modernization process. Vendors play a critical role in this journey, partnering with agencies to onboard technology, solve problems and implement solutions that enhance performance. 

Understanding Data Analytics for Mission Success 

In the session “Data Analytics: Turning Insights into Impact,” speaker Trang Tran, the Deputy Chief Data Officer for Customer and Border Protection, Dan Allen, the Global Head of Customer Success Digital and Security Solutions at Hewlett Packard, and Captain Daniel Rogers, the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard, discussed understanding data to ensure optimal employment. 

Tran emphasized that tying data to a clear mission statement ensures reliability, efficiency and effectiveness across an organization.  

There are a few ways to promote data literacy across an agency: 

  1. Educate employees on the purpose of data, so that they can interpret analytics with the agency’s mission statement in mind. 
  1. Create an agency data office to support integration and to help teams understand their data and how to use it effectively. 
  1. Build collaborative tools that improve decision-making and make data actionable items. 
  1. Share data across agencies, like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. 

When equipped with data literacy, teams can drive more meaningful improvements to the customer experience. 

Allen ties data analytics to mission fulfillment, positing that every team’s actions should be fulfilled through the lens of “how can I better accomplish my mission?” Success depends on every team member understanding the mission goal, regardless of their role. It is important to measure not just output, but the overall effectiveness of services and the CX delivered. Utilizing the right tools to analyze data, such as the latest in information technology, can extract meaningful insights and drive continuous improvement. 

Rogers echoes this point, tying great CX to technology, as well as training, intuitive systems and a clearly defined process. By giving employees access to integrated tools and real-time data, businesses can streamline decisions and avoid silos. Accessibility tools, such as user-friendly interfaces and single-click actions, keep systems simple, while contextual help like built-in guides support user understanding. Using the same solution across an enterprise establishes a consistency that is recognizable to consumers. By utilizing data analytics to build on existing tools, agencies can reach customers and build trust.  

Integrating Cybersecurity for Usability and Fortification 

In the session “Balancing Customer Experience with Cybersecurity,” speakers Steven Boberski, the Public Sector Chief Technology Officer of Genesys, and Densmore Bartly, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of the U.S. House of Representatives, discussed the integration of cybersecurity and CX. Boberski explains that security is not just technical; it impacts areas like hiring, operations and how people interact with systems. Modern technology- such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation and cloud computing- offer new opportunities to strengthen defenses and enhance CX. Tools such as speech-to-text, call summaries, smart recommendations and autofill enhance customer satisfaction, as well as security, by reducing steps and encrypting data throughout its lifecycle. Prioritizing cybersecurity safeguards both company infrastructure and customer information.  

Bartly examines cybersecurity through the lens of Federal policies. While agencies must consider regulations, they can still subscribe to smart, secure policies. Cybersecurity and CX reinforce each other, and the ideal experience is a trifecta of security, functionality and usability. While implementing every best practice and new technology can be expensive, by focusing on customer priorities, agencies can pick the practices best suited for their business model and consumer base. 

When choosing new technologies, agencies should follow this four-step process: 

  1. Locate business gaps 
  1. Define customer needs 
  1. Apply new technology 
  1. Layer in risk mitigation 

Each of these steps lays a stronger foundation for adoption, and when paired with features that communicate a secure, protected experience, they help agencies earn the trust of both employees and customers.  

Through the integration of cybersecurity and CX, agencies can deliver on both customer safety and satisfaction, reinforcing confidence in Public institutions. 

To learn more about the topics discussed at the 2025 CX & Engagement Summit, view the session recordings, on-demand. To learn more about the technologies that can help meet your agency’s mission statement, take our Carahsoft’s CX Buyer’s Guide Quiz, or visit our CX and engagement solutions portfolio.   

Effective Government CX Strategy: Aligning Technology, Culture and Purpose for Mission Success 

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Citizens expect fast, seamless, personalized service. Customer experience (CX) is at the heart of every agency, impacting satisfaction, engagement and trust in Public Sector institutions. At the opening keynote during the 2025 CX and Engagement Summit, thought leaders from the General Services Administration (GSA), the Veteran’s Experience Office (VEO), GovExec, Adobe and The White House discussed centering CX initiatives to meet mission objectives, decrease costs and improve operational efficiency. 

Carahsoft and its partners, such as  Calabrio, Figma, Granicus, Help Scout, Liferay and NetDocuments, are equipped to connect agencies with the latest technology for CX solutions. 

The Strategy Behind Effective CX 

CX-centered solutions improve operations and reinforce trust in Public services. Brian Chidester, the Head of Global Strategy and Innovation at Adobe, emphasized that customers expect the same standards from Government service that they do of leading private companies. Poor CX can result in dissatisfaction, reduced engagement and erosion of trust in Public institutions. 

But CX is not merely about satisfaction. A customer’s experience correlates to operational efficiency, cost savings and service effectiveness. When well-designed, centering CX enables agencies to reduce duplication, minimize support needs and improve system interoperability. 

Constance Sayers, the President of GovExec, discussed the importance of engaging with customers in the face of decreasing trust in Government systems. By centering CX, Public agencies can prove their reliability and effectiveness. 

There are a few main ways to center CX strategies. Public institutions can: 

  1. Empower Public agencies and services 
  1. Leverage modern tools to deliver efficient, user-centric experiences 
  1. Employ both skilled personnel and relevant technology to provide faster, inclusive and reliable service 

CX must be grounded in outcomes. By starting with a measurable goal, agencies can determine how well strategies and technology meet user needs. Technology such as advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing all enable real-time decision-making and proactive service delivery. Operational goals, such as reducing call volume or wait time, can be directly addressed through CX.  

Achieving Mission Objectives Through CX-Centered Planning 

Maria Roat, the Former US Deputy Federal Chief Information Officer for the Executive Office of the President, emphasized that CX must be a mindset across all teams and departments. To improve mission-related outcomes, proficient staff with specialized skills and experience are essential to seeing continuous improvement. Teams should begin with a clear, defined concept of their mission objectives and desired end-state. Policy constraints and operational hurdles should be taken into account when designing a strategic process to accomplish objectives. Roat advises team leaders  to conceptualize their goals into a single sentence to maintain focus on the mission. By questioning existing procedures, teams can overcome outdated policies and misaligned priorities that create roadblocks to progress. By overcoming barriers and prioritizing preparation and realistic planning, agencies can ensure continued, long-term success for CX initiatives and beyond.  

Sonny Hashimi, the Former Commissioner of Federal Acquisition Service in the GSA, echoes this point, attesting that effective CX begins with understanding the “why;” which issue is being addressed, and who the audience is. Processes cannot be effectively updated without measuring the progress. By defining clear goals and tracking their progress, teams can improve CX by fulfilling grounded outcomes that are measured by how well they meet user needs. By embedding CX into core operations to ensure services are designed around user needs and not internal processes, agencies can offer seamless service. 

People-First CX Initiatives 

At the closing keynote “The Future of Government Customer Experience,” Barbara C. Morton, the Deputy Chief Veterans Experience Officer at the VEO of the Department of Veterans Affairs, discussed how active listening and CX are intrinsically tied. Listening to veterans, survivors and their families empowered the VEO with actionable items to improve their CX. The VA CX Office was established on that very principle, using data and insights to embed CX into everyday programs, services and trainings. In action, this looks like offering services that customers can directly interact with, ensuring users do not “fall between the seams.” CX teams utilize feedback to identify service gaps and implement cross-functional action plans. Technology can be used to amplify human-centered service by improving speed and accuracy. AI, for example, has enabled the VA to scale its services to maximize efficiency. Human-centered design ensures that service design and delivery begin with the lived experiences of customers. Morton attests that in a democracy, to serve is to listen; CX is foundational to Government legitimacy. By tuning in to customer stories, the VEO and other agencies maintain focus on people, not just processes.    

By prioritizing customer experience, agencies can ensure their work reflects both their internal values and the communities they serve. 

To learn more about the topics discussed at the 2025 CX & Engagement Summit, view the session recordings, on-demand. To learn more about the technologies that can help meet your agency’s mission statement, take our Carahsoft’s CX Buyer’s Guide Quiz, or visit our CX and engagement solutions portfolio.  

The 10 Top Law Enforcement Events for Government in 2025 

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This year is packed with must-attend events for Law Enforcement and Government professionals looking to stay ahead of the latest technology trends. 

Carahsoft’s Law Enforcement Technology Team gathered a list of the best events for law enforcement and Government officials to attend. These events offer valuable insights, hands-on learning and opportunities to explore cutting-edge solutions from our trusted vendor partners.

Here are the top events to watch for in 2025 and beyond. 

We look forward to connecting with you.

National Sheriff’s Association Annual Conference 

June 23-25 | Fort Lauderdale, FL | In-Person Event 

The National Sheriff’s Association (NSA) Annual Conference is the largest of its kind. It features a tradeshow displaying products and equipment relevant to every facet of police work, jails, prisoner transport and courtroom security. This four-day event includes highly curated seminars and educational content covering cutting-edge subjects for Law Enforcement at all levels. 

Look out for NSA’s seminar schedules, estimated to have 70 different sessions covering 11 different tracks. 

Carahsoft will have a booth at this event, where several of our vendor partners—Cellebrite, Check Point and Achievelt— will be demoing their solutions and sharing their educational content. We will also be hosting a networking reception from 6:30-8:30 pm with several of our vendor partners, welcoming conference attendees for food, drinks, networking, and more! 

Florida Sheriffs Association Summer Conference 

July 27-30 | ChampionsGate, FL | In-Person Event 

The Sheriffs Summer Conference, usually held in central or south Florida, is the largest event of the year, providing participants with continuing education opportunities, networking, sharing of best practices, association news, award recognition and important updates in the field of Law Enforcement. 

Attendees should look for sessions that cover legal affairs and Law Enforcement technology. 

Carahsoft will be exhibiting at this event, and we’re excited to welcome you to join us to learn about our leading Law Enforcement technology vendor partners. 

National Homeland Security Conference 

August 25-28 | Washington, D.C | In-Person Event 

The National Homeland Security Conference brings together professionals in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement and Fire and Emergency Management. Including officials in Federal agencies, nonprofit agencies, business owners, universities and decision makers, attendees will learn about emerging trends in homeland security and see the new equipment and technology available to support their mission. 

Carahsoft maintains strategic partnerships with Mark43, Cellebrite, Magnet Forensics and AWS. These collaborations enable Carahsoft to offer a comprehensive range of law enforcement technology and services to the public sector. By leveraging the strengths of these industry giants, Carahsoft ensures that law enforcement agencies have access to cutting-edge technology for enhanced security solutions. For more information, visit Law Enforcement Technology Providers | Carahsoft. 

Major County Sheriffs of America 2025 Annual Conference  

September 22-24 | Dallas, TX | In-person Event 

As a professional association representing the largest Sheriff’s offices in the United States, the MCSA is dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of Law Enforcement strategies. Working alongside corporate partners and Public Sector agencies, the MCSA aims to advance legislation to enhance the safety of the community. 

As a proud Sergeant-level partner, Carahsoft will be attending this conference to learn, collaborate and network with the Law Enforcement community. 

IACP Annual Conference 

October 18-21 | Denver, CO | In-Person Event 

The IACP Annual Conference is a leading event for Law Enforcement executives, featuring in-depth educational sessions on critical topics such as leadership, policy development and community relations. It also includes an extensive exhibit hall showcasing advanced technologies and solutions, drawing thousands of police chiefs, commanders and public safety professionals from around the world for training, networking and collaboration on modern policing challenges. 

Carahsoft is thrilled to be exhibiting at IACP Annual Conference. Be sure to stop by our booth to see live demos from our vendor partners as they showcase how their technology is helping Law Enforcement today. 

2026 Law Enforcement Innovation Summit 

This annual event, hosted by Carahsoft, unites relevant vendors, partners and Law Enforcement customers for a day of panels, speaking sessions and networking.  Attendees learn about an array of Law Enforcement and cybersecurity related topics, including legislative updates concerning grant funding in the field, how to maximize technology in a privacy-conscious society, the modernization of Law Enforcement technology surrounding forensic investigations and the cloud, tips for collaboration and information sharing among the industry and the current cybercrime landscape.  

In 2026, the Law Enforcement Innovation Summit will convene professionals from across the law enforcement community for a day of insightful panels, expert-led sessions and valuable networking opportunities. A central focus will be the evolving role of AI in law enforcement—balancing innovation with caution as agencies address the risks, responsibilities and the pressing need to stay ahead of a rapidly changing crime landscape. Visit our Law Enforcement website in 2026 for more information on this event! 

Homeland Security Week 

Leading experts from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Law Enforcement industry will join at Institute Defense Government Advancement’s 19th Homeland Security Week Summit in 2026 addressing pressing security challenges. The event highlights advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, biometrics, border security, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, infrastructure resilience and local Law Enforcement strategies. Featuring keynote sessions, expert panels and networking opportunities, this summit enables attendees to connect with leaders shaping the future of homeland security. 

 Homeland Security Week provides a valuable opportunity to highlight leading law enforcement technology solutions and the innovative work of top industry partners. Visit our website to learn more about our law enforcement technology partners and Carahsoft’s 2026 involvement.  

ISC West 

March 23-27, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV | In-Person Event 

The International Security Conference and Exposition (ISC West) is a security industry event focused on the latest advancements in physical security and cybersecurity technologies. The conference provides a platform for public safety and security professionals and industry leaders to network. With four days full of comprehensive sessions and product demonstrations, ISC West highlights emerging trends in drones and robotics, smart homes, cybersecurity and connected Internet of Things (IoT) and more in the fields of access control, video surveillance and integrated security solutions. 

Carahsoft looks forward to engaging and meeting with our law enforcement customers at ISC West in 2026. This event will feature a range of exhibitors showcasing innovative solutions and educational content from leading technology providers supporting the law enforcement community.  

Border Security Expo 2026 

May 5-6 , 2026| Phoenix, AZ | In-Person Event 

This annual event unites Government officials, Law Enforcement and industry experts to explore cutting-edge technologies, policies and solutions for securing national borders and ensuring public safety. Designed specifically around the border community, this expo enables attendees to engage in critical discussions and address the challenges and advancements in border protection and security.  

 The event will feature leading technology providers demonstrating their solutions and sharing educational content. For more information on how to get involved in Carahsoft Law Enforcement events, please visit our website. 

IACP Tech 2026 

May 14-21, 2026 | Fort Worth, TX | In-Person Event 

The International Association of Chiefs of Police Technology Conference (IACP Tech) focuses on the integration and advancement of technology in Law Enforcement, offering specialized training and discussions on topics such as data management, cybersecurity and digital policing tools. This event brings together Law Enforcement leaders, IT professionals and technology experts, providing a platform for exploring the latest innovations and solutions that enhance police operations and public safety. 

The event will feature a range of exhibitors, including leading technology providers showcasing their solutions and presenting informative content to attendees. Carahsoft intends to exhibit at IACP Tech in 2026.  

Check out one more event: 

AFCEA LEAPS 

TBD | Washington, D.C | In-Person Event 

The AFCEA LEAPS Technology Forum is an event focused on advancing technology solutions for Law Enforcement, public safety and homeland security agencies. It brings together industry leaders, Government officials and technology experts to discuss emerging trends, innovative tools and strategies to enhance public safety operations. 

 The event offers a valuable opportunity for connection between industry and Government, including dedicated networking sessions such as the Evening Reception. 

By collaborating with other Public Sector agencies, thought leaders and industry and vendor partners to share the best practices and the latest safety solutions, Law Enforcement can improve its capabilities to combat cyberattacks, protect civilians and maintain national security. 

Explore our vendor partners delivering innovative technology solutions for Law Enforcement: 

To learn more or get involved in any of the above events please contact us at  LawEnforcementMarketing@Carahsoft.com. For more information on Carahsoft and our industry leading Law Enforcement technology partners’ events, visit our  Law Enforcement solutions portfolio. 

The Top Zero Trust Events for Government in 2025 

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Zero Trust stands out within the cybersecurity market because of its transformative approach to the immensely secure framework of “never trust, always verify.” Zero Trust cybersecurity technology industry experts are driven to safeguard Government networks and offer solutions that align with protecting critical information and reducing risk to national security. Carahsoft supports vendors that help Government organizations understand Zero Trust frameworks, develop a Zero Trust strategy and implement a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). Throughout this year, Carahsoft and our partners are participating in several events focused on strengthening Zero Trust throughout the Public Sector. Join us to learn how the industry and Government can collaborate to stay ahead of cybersecurity challenges and build a strong foundation for proactive security. 

Public Sector Network Government Cybersecurity Showcase Series 

Multiple Dates | In-Person Events 

Join PSN’s Government Cybersecurity Showcases, a series of events making multiple stops where attendees can explore how Public Sector leaders can embrace innovation while strengthening cybersecurity. As agencies adopt AI, data analytics and smart technologies, the need for resilient Zero Trust frameworks has never been greater. This event will highlight strategies for securing digital transformation, protecting critical infrastructure and fostering cross-sector collaboration—ensuring that innovation enhances, rather than compromises, security and trust. Don’t miss the teaser for our upcoming cybersecurity series to get a sneak peek at the experts, insights and innovations shaping the future of cyber defense. 

Events to look out for: 

  • Tallahassee, FL – August 27: Agenda 
  • Columbus, OH – September 2025: Agenda Coming Soon! 
  • Austin, TX – November 12: Agenda coming soon! 

Carahsoft has partnered with Public Sector Network to host the 2025 Government Cybersecurity Showcase Series, a multi-city event series focused on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity in the Public Sector. These in-person events will bring together Government decision-makers and industry leaders to explore how innovative technologies—from AI to Zero Trust—are reshaping agency security strategies. Carahsoft is offering sponsorship opportunities to our partners. If you are a partner interested in further details on how to participate, please contact your Carahsoft Team. 

SANS Government Security Solutions Forum 

July 22 | Virtual Event 

The SANS Institute stands on a mission of empowering cybersecurity professionals and honoring the highest standard in cybersecurity education to make the world a safer place. The Government Security Solutions Forum will delve into the latest trends in network protection, AI and cyber defense, supply chain, workforce development and more to help attendees understand how to combat modern threats effectively. In previous years, participants engaged with technology experts and listened to unique panel discussions with audience Q&As surrounding invaluable security initiatives across the Public Sector in areas such as Zero Trust implementation, achieving CMMC compliance and harnessing AI. Join us at this year’s event for all this and more! 

Stay tuned for the official 2025 agenda. Here are some of the topics you can expect at this year’s event: 

  • AI-Augmented Cyber Defense 
  • Zero Trust Architecture 
  • Cyber Defense Best Practices 
  • Securing Government’s Expanding Attack Surface 
  • Navigating Compliance Challenges 
  • Emerging Cyber Threats and Future Trends 

Carahsoft looks forward to partnering with the SANS Institute for the 5th year in a row to bring this event to life. Carahsoft has over 800 employees focused on cybersecurity and partnerships with over 150 vendors. To learn more about the topics discussed at the forum and what to expect in July, read our highlights from last year’s event. 

930gov Conference 

 July 31 | Washington, D.C. | In-Person Event 

The 930gov Conference is the annual multi-track conference that brings together Government IT professionals, thought leaders and solution providers for a full day of education and networking. Hosted by the Digital Government Institute, this one-day event covers a range of critical topics including Cybersecurity/Zero Trust, AI, Cloud, Data and Records Management and Enterprise Architecture. With its turnkey format, 930gov offers Government attendees and sponsors alike a streamlined, high-impact experience—making it one of the most accessible and valuable events of the year. 

Sessions to look out for:  

  • Cyber/Zero Trust Track: Intersection of Cyber, AI and Privacy – This track will feature Zero Trust implementation lessons learned, advancements in continuous monitoring and the evolving threat landscape, including the rise of AI-driven phishing. 

Carahsoft is partnering with DGI to support this event. 2025 sponsors included Carahsoft partners such as Microsoft and Armis. Carahsoft and DGI are offering Turn-key Booth sponsorships that feature premium exhibitor booth space, lead retrieval and overall access to the event. If you would like to get involved, please contact your Carahsoft Team. 

Billington Cybersecurity Summit 

September 9-12 | Washington, D.C. | In-Person Event 

A long standing and experienced event, the Billington Cybersecurity Summit features an extensive array of cyber topics, speakers, sessions and interactive breakouts for attendees to truly immerse in the world of today’s emerging cybersecurity solutions and trends. In its 16th year running, this leading Government cybersecurity summit promises an exceptional lineup of Government presenters, an invaluable leadership luncheon, an all-attendee networking reception and over 100 vendor booths featuring strategy development and technology demos. 

For a sneak peek into what you can expect at the summit, topics covered during last year’s event included:   

  • Zero Trust 
  • Ransomware 
  • Advancing cyber diplomacy 
  • Protecting critical infrastructure 
  • Learning how to use proactive defenses 
  • Engineering AI into cybersecurity platforms 
  • Implementing an effective risk management approach 

Carahsoft is looking forward to sponsoring this year’s event and will feature a booth to engage with attendees throughout the week. We will also be hosting a large partner pavilion and encourage attendees to stop by and learn more about our partners and their technology solutions. Check out the events tab on our website for more details closer to the event!  

Carahsoft Cyber Leaders Exchange 

October 1-2 | Virtual Event 

Presented by Carahsoft in collaboration with Federal News Network, The Cyber Leaders Exchange will dive into how the Government is building cyber resilience, including showcasing tips, tactics and tools to support your organization’s mission-critical cybersecurity efforts. Look forward to sessions about cybersecurity strategy-building, workforce challenges, AI within cybersecurity, Zero Trust and informative speakers from trusted technology vendors as well as Government experts. 

Join Federal News Network for Carahsoft’s 4th Annual Cyber Leaders Exchange, taking place virtually on October 1st and 2nd. This dynamic two-day event will spotlight top voices in Government and industry talking about Cybersecurity. Additional details coming soon. Carahsoft is offering sponsorship opportunities to our partners. If you are a partner interested in further details on how to participate, please contact your Carahsoft Team. 

ATARC Public Sector Zero Trust Summit 

October 23 | Reston, VA – Carahsoft Conference and Collaboration Center | In-Person Event 

This in-person event will feature expert discussions, networking opportunities and insights into the strategies and technologies driving secure, resilient Government operations. 

Sessions to look out for: 

  • Building and Measuring Success in Public Sector Security – This session explores practical approaches to adopting ZTA aligned with current Executive Orders focusing on challenges such as identity management, secure access and legacy system integration. 
  • Zero Trust Beyond Compliance – This session will explore how to leverage modern tools, enhance data protection and integrate Zero Trust into existing infrastructures without disrupting mission-critical operations. 
  • Zero Trust and the Cloud: Strategies for Federal Hybrid Environments – This session will focus on strategies for implementing Zero Trust in federal operations that span both cloud and on-premises systems. 
  • Enhancing Efficiency: Trends, Innovations and the Future of Zero Trust – Explore emerging trends and innovations shaping the future of cybersecurity, including advancements in automation, AI-enhanced threat detection and quantum-resilient encryption. 

Carahsoft is proud to serve as the event partner and host for the ATARC Public Sector Zero Trust Summit for the 7th year. Carahsoft is offering sponsorship opportunities to our partners. If you are a partner interested in further details on how to participate, please contact your Carahsoft Team. Attendees will also have the opportunity to earn up to 6 CPE Credits. 

RSA Public Sector Day 2026 

March 23-26 | San Francisco, CA | In-Person Event 

 The 13th Annual RSA Public Sector Day at the RSA Conference examines key areas such as developing a strong cybersecurity workforce, understanding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on both offensive and defensive cyber operations and improving the exchange of information among Government entities.  

Attendees will hear directly from top Government leaders and industry professionals as they discuss their perspectives and strategies for enhancing cybersecurity across all levels of Government and healthcare. Check out our website for more information about our involvement in 2026. 

AFCEA TechNet Cyber  

June 2-4 | Baltimore, MD | In-Person Event 

This flagship event serves as the center of gravity for a whole-of-government effort to bring together the policy, strategic architecture, operations and Command and Control (C2) leaders—along with the joint capabilities—needed to meet the global security challenges and successfully operate in a digital environment. 

Carahsoft’s and more than 50 partners will attend to showcase a full range of cybersecurity, AI, DevSecOps and cloud solutions.  

As Government agencies are implementing Zero Trust strategies to meet sophisticated threats, it is imperative that the tech industry provides the most up-to-date information and solutions surrounding cybersecurity. Join Carahsoft and our partners at this year’s events to be a part of the innovative path forward. 

To learn more or get involved in any of the above events please contact us at ZeroTrustMarketing@Carahsoft.com. For more information on Carahsoft and our industry leading OSINT technology partners’ events, visit our Zero Trust solutions portfolio.