Skip to main content
Inaugural Annual Summit · 2026

Where Leaders Converse.
Where Ideas Become Action.

AI in Action — Leadership, Trust & Opportunity

Connecting Leaders. Inspiring Innovation. Empowering the Next Generation.

November 14, 2026
2:00 – 8:00 PM PT
Rancho Cordova City Hall, CA
Register Now
Partner With Us
Countdown to Converse Summit
--Days
--Hours
--Minutes
--Seconds

Saturday, November 14, 2026 · Doors & program begin 2:00 PM PT

Reserve Your Seat
Add to Calendar
Participants
0 +
Special Guests
0 +
Startup Presentations
0
Expert Panels
0
About the Summit

An afternoon of practical insight, real connection and recognition

Converse brings together government and industry leaders, technology professionals, startup founders, investors, educators and students (NextGens) for an afternoon of practical insights, meaningful connections and recognition.

Designed as an annual signature gathering, it connects executive experience with startup innovation and emerging talent. The inaugural edition explores AI adoption, public-sector transformation and cybersecurity while opening doors to mentorship, career growth and collaboration.

Summit at a glance

Date
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time
2:00 – 8:00 PM Pacific · Formal program concludes by 7:30 PM
Venue
Rancho Cordova City Hall, California
Theme
AI in Action — Leadership, Trust & Opportunity
Audience
100+ leaders, innovators and students from the Sacramento region and Bay Area
Our Vision

Build a connected technology ecosystem where leaders, innovators and the next generation work together to create lasting economic and community value.

Our Mission

Connect government, industry, academia and startups through knowledge sharing, responsible innovation, entrepreneurship and opportunities that turn conversations into action.

2026 Theme

AI in Action

Leadership, Trust & Opportunity — three ideas that frame every session, panel and conversation at the summit.

Leadership

Executive perspectives on technology leadership — how today’s CIOs and public-sector leaders guide AI adoption and workforce readiness.

Trust

Responsible implementation, security and privacy built into technology adoption — earning the confidence of citizens, customers and teams.

Opportunity

Pilot projects, academic partnerships, startup collaboration and career pathways that turn conversations into action.

Who Will Attend

100+ leaders, builders and future leaders

One room connecting the people who set direction, build solutions and will carry the work forward.
CIOs & Technology Executives

Enterprise and public-sector leaders

Government & Private-Sector IT

Practitioners shaping public services

Software Engineers

Builders turning AI into products

AI, Data & Cybersecurity

Specialists in trust and resilience

Startup Founders & Investors

Innovators and the capital behind them

College Faculty

Academic partners and mentors

Students & Youth

Next-generation science and tech talent

Sacramento & Bay Area

Regional outreach across Northern California

Program Highlights

The afternoon at a glance

From executive keynote to awards dinner — a focused program built for learning, connecting and recognition.
1

Welcome & Executive Keynote

Opening remarks, an introduction to the summit’s vision and executive perspectives on technology leadership.

2

Startup Showcase

Approximately 7 startups present their solutions, receive feedback and connect with leaders, investors and potential collaborators.

3

Panel Discussions

Two expert panels: From AI Ambition to Public Value and Trusted Identity in the AI Era.

4

Awards Dinner & Networking

Recognition followed by opportunities for introductions and continued conversations.

5

SIT-Club Launch

The launch of an ongoing community with monthly meetups. Register to join these continuing discussions.

Program begins 2:00 PM PT
Formal program concludes by 7:30 PM
Event closes 8:00 PM
Panel Discussions

Voices shaping what comes next

Two expert panels bring public-sector and industry leaders together on the questions that matter most.
Panel 1 · Government AI

From AI Ambition to Public Value

Leaders share how government moves from AI ambition to measurable public value through practical adoption, better public services, workforce readiness and responsible implementation.

Discussion themes

Practical AI adoption
Better public services
Workforce readiness
Responsible implementation

Moderator & panelists

Moderator
Amar Hariharan

Chief Information Officer
State of California

Panelist
Suresh Kotha

Chief Information Officer
SMUD

Panelist
Stephenson Loveson

Chief Information Officer
CalPERS

Portrait of Genevieve
Panelist
Genevieve

Details coming soon

Additional panelists to be announced. Portraits and full details for confirmed speakers will be added as they are finalized.

Panel 2 · Identity & Access Security

Trusted Identity in the AI Era: Who & What Gets Access?

As AI agents and automation join the workforce, identity becomes the new security perimeter. Leaders explore how AI strengthens Identity & Access Management — and how to govern it responsibly.

Discussion themes

AI-driven identity verification
Adaptive, risk-based access
Zero Trust & least privilege
People, machines & AI agents
Deepfakes & credential theft
Privacy & accountability

Moderator & panelists

Placeholder portrait – speaker to be announced
Moderator
To be announced

Moderator

Placeholder portrait – speaker to be announced
Panelist
To be announced

Panelist

Placeholder portrait – speaker to be announced
Panelist
To be announced

Panelist

Placeholder portrait – speaker to be announced
Panelist
To be announced

Panelist

Moderator and panel members to be announced.

Startup Showcase

Pitch to the people who can open doors

Approximately 7 startups are expected to present their solutions to government leaders, executives and investors — with outreach targeting about 10 participating startups.

  • Receive direct feedback from experienced technology leaders
  • Connect with investors and potential collaborators
  • Open partnership discussions and pilot-project conversations
  • Join a regional ecosystem spanning Sacramento and the Bay Area
Apply to Showcase
7
Startup presentations
~10
Startups targeted for outreach

Pilot projects, academic partnerships and practical technology adoption begin with a conversation.

Recognition

Award categories

Honoring meaningful contributions across technology, leadership and community.
Women in Technology
Women in Leadership
Teen Entrepreneur
Civic Engagement
Strategic Partnership in Government
Technology Entrepreneur
Innovation & Impact
Submit a Nomination

Award categories are subject to final confirmation.

Beyond the Summit

A community that keeps conversing

SIT-Club

SIT-Club launches at Converse Summit and will host monthly meetups. Register to join these ongoing discussions and keep the momentum going all year.

Join SIT-Club

NextGen Pathways

Students and youth aspiring to careers in science and technology gain access to mentorship, professional development and career exploration alongside industry and government leaders.

Students: Register
Sponsors & Partners

Partner with us

Help turn conversations into action. Align your organization with a summit that connects leaders, innovators and the next generation.
Presenting

Presenting Sponsor

  • Top-billing brand placement
  • Keynote or opening remarks opportunity
  • Priority startup & leader introductions
Gold

Gold Sponsor

  • Prominent logo placement
  • Panel or showcase recognition
  • Networking priority
Silver

Silver Sponsor

  • Logo on site and event materials
  • Awards dinner recognition
  • Attendee access
Community

Community Partner

  • Outreach & referral partners
  • Education & mentorship support
  • Listed as a supporting partner

Sponsorship benefits are tailored with each partner. Contact the organizers for details.

Become a Sponsor

Ways to support

Sponsorship
Speaker introductions
College outreach
Startup referrals
Award nominations
Mentorship participation

Our sponsors & partners

Your logo here
Your logo here
Your logo here
Your logo here
Registration

Join us on November 14

Reserve your place among 100+ government, industry, startup and academic leaders for an afternoon of insight, connection and recognition.

Executive keynote
Startup showcase
Two expert panels
Awards dinner & networking
SIT-Club launch
Register Now

Online registration opens soon — contact the organizers below to reserve your place.

Venue

Rancho Cordova City Hall

Hosted in the heart of Rancho Cordova, California — easily reached from the Sacramento region and the Bay Area.

Address

2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA

Date

Saturday, November 14, 2026

Time

2:00 – 8:00 PM Pacific · formal program concludes by 7:30 PM

Parking and arrival details will be shared with registered guests.

Rancho Cordova City Hall

2729 Prospect Park Drive
Rancho Cordova, California

Get Directions
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Government and industry leaders, CIOs and technology executives, IT professionals, engineers, AI, data and cybersecurity practitioners, startup founders, investors, educators and students. Outreach spans the Sacramento region and the Bay Area.

Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 2:00 to 8:00 PM Pacific at Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, California. The formal program is planned to conclude by 7:30 PM, with event closure at 8:00 PM.

Use any “Register” button on this page. Registration details, including any ticketing information, are provided on the registration page.

Approximately 7 startups are expected to present, with outreach targeting about 10. Presenters receive feedback from leaders and investors and meet potential collaborators. Use the “Apply to Showcase” button to get in touch.

We welcome sponsorship, speaker introductions, college outreach, startup referrals, award nominations and mentorship participation. Use the “Become a Sponsor” button or contact the organizers below.

SIT-Club is the ongoing community launching at Converse Summit. It will host monthly meetups so the conversations continue throughout the year.

Confirmed speakers are listed on this page, and remaining moderators and panelists will be announced. The program and award categories may be updated as plans are finalized.

Contact

Get in touch with the organizers

For sponsorship, speaking, startup showcase, award nominations or mentorship, reach out to our organizing contacts.
Raj Yakkali
Raj Yakkali
Summit Contact
Amar Hariharan
Amar Hariharan
Summit Contact · CIO, State of California
Email the Organizers