Attendees of Imagine Nation ELC 2019 will take part in a Collaborative Journey of Innovation - from Imagination to Impact. Just as an agency’s mission cannot be confined to or implemented in a single swim lane, we have designed this year’s conference to bring together, inspire and equip participants from multiple disciplines and career levels to take away the ability to achieve meaningful outcomes. Our philosophy is to ensure each participant can get something out of each session they chose to attend, and that they return to their respective organization with concrete and practical tools, techniques and concepts to quickly drive innovation and impact.

Four conference themes provide the greatest opportunities to address the most pressing challenges faced in government today (Mission Modernization, Cyber, Health Innovation, and Emerging Technology).  

Sessions supporting each theme will weave in multiple disciplines or threads of additional importance and will be beneficial to all audiences.  Threads will include workforce, acquisition, data (Federal Data Strategy), CX (Improving the Digital Experience), Supply Chain/Blockchain, Privacy, Process Automation (RPA/AI), Shared Services, Cloud (Agile, DevOps, IT Modernization), and Budget/TBM/TMF.

TechKnow Showcase is a prime, solutions-oriented collaboration zone for government agencies and a select group of Industry Partners to showcase innovative technologies, platforms, and solutions together.

• An open collaboration environment organized around four (4) topic-driven Innovation Hubs:  Mission Modernization, Cybersecurity, Health Innovation, and Emerging Technology
• Attendees will collaborate with TechKnow Showcase Sponsors to solve problems, develop new strategies, and take away immediate actions for 'driving impact'
• An ideal location, at the entrance of the conference venue, where communities of interest gather to showcase new initiatives, share technical knowledge, and work together as partners
• Discovery, learning and “aha-ing” with peers, innovators and government leaders who are focused on improving business processes and implementing modernized, integrated solutions
• Government ‘Executive Champions’ and diverse companies all of whom are experts in their respective fields

Submission requests for TechKnow Showcase can be sent directly to Carol Miller.

TechKnow Hub Descriptions

Innovation Hub 1: Mission Modernization
The future of government IT is one in which agencies take advantage of advances in technology to improve security and service delivery. Driving momentum toward the future state of IT, this Hub will host a variety of companies that are leaders and innovators in solution platforms, technologies and services that:

• Establishes modern architecture as a foundation for digital transformation
• Reduces network complexity through automation and reusable solutions
• Utilizes innovative platforms to speed delivery of new or re-plat formed business capabilities
• Speeds service delivery while simplifying network complexity
• Leverages Shared Services
• Improves technology business management
   

Innovation Hub 2: Cybersecurity
The future of Government IT is one in which agencies take advantage of advances in technology to allow government improvement in service delivery and security. Driving momentum toward the future state of IT, this Hub will host a variety of companies that are leaders in providing world class security technology and service.  This hub will host companies that can execute in at least one of the following areas:

• Delivers next generation asset management
• Facilitates technology rationalization and orchestration
• Establishes meaningful risk analysis and scoring
• Improves threat detection, intelligence, and management
• Deploys innovative, interoperable, and scalable authentication solutions

Innovation Hub 3: Health Innovation
The future of Government health IT, services and solutions include an array of web and mobile applications that change the ways patients interact in the health ecosystem and other technologies like AI, IA, RPA, Machine Learning, and IoT which lend themselves to more sophisticated diagnostic decision making.  Future investment requires an understanding of technology trends. In driving momentum toward the future state of IT, this Hub will host a variety of companies that are leaders and contributors in innovative technologies, platforms, or solutions in government today, specifically addressing:

• Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Automation solutions
• Data and analytic tools that drive decision-making
• Emerging technology and cutting edge medical practices tools, technologies, and procedures
• Transformational healthcare initiatives that advance patient care
   

Innovation Hub 4: Emerging Technology
The future of Government IT is one in which agencies take advantage of advances in technology to improve government services delivery. Future investment requires an understanding of technology trends. In driving momentum toward the future state of IT, this Hub will host a variety of companies that are leaders and contributors in innovative technologies, platforms, or solutions in government today, specifically addressing:

• Explores the latest in 5^th Generation Mobile Networks (5G)
• Spreads knowledge of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI/ML) technologies​
• Gives examples of government and industry best practices in the Internet of Things (IoT)​
• Shares technologies and latest information with demos in Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)​​ 

WHAT IS IMAGINE NATION - ELC?

Imagine Nation ELC 2019 is the premier event for government and industry executives who are interested in using technology to improve government.   Imagine Nation is a “safe haven” where government and industry can work together as true partners to shape programs, policies, and strategies that will create a more effective, efficient and innovative government.  The issues addressed and solutions forged at Imagine Nation will have value for all government levels – Federal, state, local and tribal.

HOW MANY WILL ATTEND IMAGINE NATION?

Attendance is expected to be approximately 1,100 individuals from government and industry. The attendees will span functional and organizational lines and bring together those responsible for IT management, acquisition, financial management, cybersecurity, customer experience, human capital and mission/program management. 

Also in attendance will be several hundred companies providing technology and management support to government.  In addition to the corporate attendees, over 50 companies will be on hand to display innovative products and services in the TechKnow Showcase and Pavilion.  Exhibitors will range from enterprise organizations to small entrepreneurial start-ups.

WHAT IS THE THEME OF IMAGINE NATION?

This year’s conference theme is, ‘Driving Impact!  Innovation through Government and Industry Collaboration’. 

Imagine Nation will provide a forum for government-industry collaboration and bring forward new innovations that will drive further advances in IT modernization, design the blueprint for tomorrow’s workforce, create new business models that take advantage of emerging technologies and fortify our nation’s data networks to achieve enterprise resilience.  Three days in Philadelphia will change how government and industry work together.

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR TOPICS TO BE ADDRESSED AT IMAGINE NATION?

Four conference themes provide the greatest opportunities to address the most pressing challenges faced in government today (Mission Modernization, Cyber, Health Innovation, and Emerging Technology).  

Sessions supporting each theme will weave in multiple disciplines or threads of additional importance and will be beneficial to all audiences.  Threads will include workforce, acquisition, data (Federal Data Strategy), CX (Improving the Digital Experience), Supply Chain/Blockchain, Privacy, Process Automation (RPA/AI), Shared Services, Cloud (Agile, DevOps, IT Modernization), and Budget/TBM/TMF.

ACT-IAC HAS A NUMBER OF COMMUNITIES OF INTEREST ADDRESSING HOT TOPICS.  WILL THESE BE FEATURED AT IMAGINE NATION?

Yes, ACT-IAC has eight (8) communities of interest (COIs) that address a range of issues from acquisition and cybersecurity to shared services and workforce.  Several of the COIs will be featured during the program, either on panels or as parts of TechKnow Showcase.

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT IMAGINE NATION?  WHY IS IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER TECH CONFERENCES?

Imagine Nation is unique for several reasons:

• The agenda is designed to address the most critical issues facing government and provide opportunities for industry to help government address those issues.
• The entire event has been planned and put together by a planning committee of government and industry executives who have worked shoulder to shoulder to address the most important issues.
• The program is not just talking heads.  The entire environment is designed to promote discussions and conversation.
• The event is intended to be outcome oriented.  Through a diversity of formats (panels, case studies, brief talks, etc.) the focus is on collecting and producing content and ideas that can be used by attendees in their day jobs. 
• The emphasis of the conference is on communication, collaboration, and learning.  Attendees are urged to focus on working together to share challenges and solutions, rather than business development and marketing.  The emphasis is on building relationships that will have long-term value.

WHY SHOULD I ATTEND?

Imagine Nation will be of value to any person – in government or industry – who is interested in or responsible for the acquisition, management, use and protection of technology in the government environment. As an attendee at Imagine Nation, you will acquire the latest information, have an opportunity to share your challenges with your peers and work with them to create new strategies, learn, and expand your professional network. Some of the highlights include:

• A program on the hottest topics we deal with every day – acquisition, modernization, workforce, emerging technologies like blockchain, improving the customer experience, cyber security (including zero trust networks), health innovation and more – and a focus on information, ideas and outcomes we can use to drive impact when we return to the office
• A diversity of formats - presentations, use case discussions, innovative zones, working groups, and much more -- to educate, engage and challenge.
• Government leaders such as U.S. Chief Information Officer Suzette Kent will be on hand to discuss the President’s Management Agenda and other policy initiatives that affect us
• Thought leaders will challenge us to think outside the box
• A dedicated collaboration day with training courses and other opportunities for ACT-IAC Communities of Interest
• A TechKnow showcase and Pavilion with demonstrations and best practices from industry and government organizations.  More than just a trade show, the TechKnow showcase is an interactive collaborative environment with hubs devoted to modernization, cyber security, health innovation, and emerging technology
• Exceptional networking opportunities to strengthen old relationships and forge new ones
• There’s also an opportunity to obtain up to 17 Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) if you take advantage of everything

CAN I GET TRAINING CREDITS?

Yes, if you attend the entire conference you can earn 17 Continuous Learning Points (CLPs). 

WILL MEDIA BE IN ATTENDANCE?

Yes, a number of media outlets have confirmed their attendance. 

• Federal News Radio
• Government Matters
• FedTech Magazine
• 1105 Media (FCW/GCN)
• Government Executive (NextGov)
• Federal Times
• Technical.ly (Philly)
• GovLoop
• DorobekInsider

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN FULL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION?

Full conference registration includes all the events and meals from the opening Sunday evening reception to closing on Wednesday. This includes sit down dinners, lunches, and full breakfasts. It also includes access to the TechKnow Showcase and the Partner Pavilion.

The only things not included in the full conference registration are the optional Sunday excursions and golf outing. There are additional fees for each.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TECHKNOW AND THE PAVILION WITHOUT REGISTERING FOR THE CONFERENCE?

No. Unlike traditional trade shows, TechKnow Showcase and the Partner Pavilion are integrated into the fabric and content of the entire event. They are not separate activities. In order to visit TechKnow and the Pavilion, you must register for the conference.

WHAT ARE THE REGISTRATION FEES?

There are a number of different registration fees depending upon whether you are government or industry. Go to the web site to see the fees available to you. For additional information, you can contact ACT-IAC at 703.208.4800 or actiac@actiac.org.

WHAT IS THE PRESS POLICY FOR IMAGINE NATION?

The ACT-IAC policy is that all sessions (plenaries, tracks, Center Stage, etc.) are on the record, unless explicitly requested by a speaker.

WHEN AND WHERE IS IMAGINE NATION?

October 20-23, 2019.The Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO THE CONFERENCE?

There are a number of ways to travel to Philadelphia, PA.  The distance from the Washington, DC area is 140 miles and should take about 3 hours driving.  Amtrak offers a great alternative via rail travel to 30th Street Station in downtown Philadelphia.

HOTEL INFORMATION

Upon successful conference registration, a confirmation email will be sent to your email address with hotel information.

Please be aware that hotel reservations for Imagine Nation ELC 2019 are the sole responsibility of the registrant and are therefore an agreement between the registrant and the hotel. ACT-IAC and its staff are not responsible for errors made by either party during the reservation process. 
 

WHAT’S THE PARKING SITUATION AT THE HOTEL?

Overnight parking is available at the Philadelphia area hotels but may be as high as $55 per night. There are a number of other public parking facilities in the area.

WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE:

The dress code for Imagine Nation is business casual.

IS ON-SITE REGISTRATION AVAILABLE?

Yes, it will be possible to register on-site.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION FEE?

Registration cancellations made before September 14, 2019, will receive a full refund.  No refunds are available after that date.  Substitutions may be made at any time but must be provided to ACT-IAC in writing at ELCReg@actiac.org.   No shows will be charged the full registration fee. 

Please be aware that hotel reservations for ELC are the sole responsibility of the registrant and are therefore an agreement between the registrant and the hotel. You will be asked to secure your hotel reservations in the ELC room block through an online reservation system when you complete your conference registration - please do not call the hotel directly. ACT-IAC or its staff is not responsible for errors made by either party during the room reservation process. Please check with your hotel for their respective cancellation policies.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information on this year’s conference can be found at https://www.actiac.org/events/imagine-nation-elc-2019.   Please send all questions to actiac@actiac.org or call the ACT-IAC office at 703-208-4800.