Seattle IT continues a tradition of knowledge sharing with its fifth annual Learning Conference

Now in its fifth year, the internal Seattle IT Learning Conference has become a bit of a tradition. The 2024 iteration, themed "Revitalize: Designing Our Future," brought together thought leaders, innovators, and public service professionals to share insights and strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of technology. It was held over two half-days at Seattle City Hall's Bertha Knight Landes Room on September 9 and 10, and the conference offered a unique blend of enlightening sessions, engaging panels, and inspiring keynote speeches. Here's a rundown of the sessions offered to Seattle IT employees this year.

[Link]A group shot of the crowd at the 2024 Seattle IT Learning Conference.

Day One

Opening Remarks by Jonathan Reichental

Jonathan Reichental, PH. D., kicked off the conference with a warm welcome and an overview of the event's goals. His opening remarks set the tone for the day, emphasizing the importance of innovation, collaboration, and resilience in today's fast-paced world. As a professor and founder of Human Future, a tech advisory and education firm, Reichental was well-equipped to get the crowd of IT professionals into the mood for learning.

Keynote by Saby Waraich - Leading Beyond Our Limits

Clackamas County College CIO Saby Waraich delivered the keynote address for day one of the conference. In "Leading Beyond Our Limits," he discussed how stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to extraordinary growth and innovation. By sharing his real-life experiences, Saby inspired attendees to embrace challenges and drive transformation within their organizations. His message resonated deeply, encouraging attendees to expand their impact and build a legacy of resilient leadership.

Panel Discussion - AI and Public Good

The panel on "AI and Public Good" featured City of Seattle Deputy CTO Jim Loter, City of Seattle CISO Greg Smith, City of Seattle Chief Privacy Officer Ginger, Microsoft Data & AI Specialist Michael Cruz, Seattle IT Change Management Lead Ana Lanasa-Selvidge, and Seattle IT Race and Social Justice Lead Ed Odom. Moderated by Loter, the conversation explored the ethical responsibilities associated with AI in public service. The panelists provided practical strategies for leveraging AI to enhance government operations while maintaining data privacy and public trust.

Special Guest Surprise - Sir Mix-a-Lot

A surprise guest added an extra layer of excitement to the first day of the conference. Sir Mix-a-Lot, a Grammy winner and Seattle legend, regaled the crowd with stories about his love of technology and how he made it work for him in the music business.

Remarks by Mayor Bruce Harrell

Mayor Bruce Harrell's remarks underscored the city's commitment to innovation and responsible technology use. He also highlighted the critical role of public service professionals in shaping an inclusive, ethical, and technologically advanced future.

Session by Saby Waraich - Leading Complex Transformations

Saby Waraich returned for another session titled "Leading Complex Transformations." He introduced the concept of evolving from a "SCARE" leadership approach (fear and control) to a "CARES" leadership style (empathy, trust, and collaboration). Through engaging discussions, Saby guided attendees on how to foster a culture of care, manage change effectively, and build resilient teams.

Closing Remarks by Chief of Staff William Smith

Chief of Staff William Smith concluded the first day with remarks that recapped the day's key takeaways and set the stage for the second day of the conference. His words left attendees motivated and eager for more.

[Link]Mayor Bruce Harrell addresses the crowd at the 2024 Seattle IT Learning Conference.

Day Two

Opening Remarks by Chief of Staff William Smith

Smith welcomed attendees back for the second day, building on the momentum from the previous sessions. His opening remarks highlighted the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the face of rapid technological change.

Keynote by Lindsey Pollak - Navigating Uncertainty

The best-selling author Lindsey Pollak delivered the keynote for the second day. "Navigating Uncertainty" explored the concept of a "recalculation" mindset. Drawing on insights from her latest book, she provided practical strategies for adapting to evolving work environments and driving innovation. Her emphasis on agility, continuous learning, and resilience resonated with participants, equipping them with the tools to turn challenges into opportunities.

Session by Ginger Armbruster - Building Trust in the Digital Age

Chief Privacy Officer Ginger Armbruster led a session on "Building Trust in the Digital Age." She discussed the importance of integrating robust privacy practices into technology-driven organizations. Attendees gained valuable insights into safeguarding sensitive information, complying with regulations, and embedding a culture of privacy within their organizations.

Session by Lindsey Pollak - Leading a Multigenerational Workplace

Lindsey Pollak returned for a session on "How to Lead and Succeed in a Multigenerational Workplace." She explored the challenges and opportunities of bringing together diverse age groups in tech-centric work environments. Lindsey provided actionable strategies for fostering collaboration between tech-savvy digital natives and experienced professionals. Attendees learned how to leverage the unique strengths of each generation to create a cohesive, productive, and innovative workplace.

Panel Discussion - Ethical, Humane, Inclusive, Transparent Technology

The panel on "Ethical, Humane, Inclusive, Transparent Technology" featured City of Seattle staff from multiple departments: Citywide Web Development Team Manager Jeff Beckstrom, Office of Arts and Culture Communications Manager Otts Bolisay, Seattle IT Associate Director of Applications Harvey Arnone, and Office of the Mayor Digital Strategy Lead Ben Dalgetty. Moderated by Seattle IT Senior Manager of Digital Engagement Michal Perlstein, the discussion focused on applying ethical technology practices to ensure inclusivity. Panelists shared stories about geospatial mapping, human-centered design, balancing First Amendment rights on social media, and accessible web development. Their insights emphasized the importance of responsible technology in serving the public good.

Closing Remarks by Chief Technology Officer Rob Lloyd

Chief Technology Officer Rob Lloyd delivered the closing remarks, summarizing the key points from both days of the conference. He highlighted the significance of the discussions and encouraged attendees to apply the insights gained to their work. Rob's words inspired everyone to continue the journey of learning and innovation.

[Link]Sir Mix-a-Lot in conversation with Chief of Staff Will Smith at the 2024 Learning Conference.

What attendees said about the 2024 Seattle IT Learning Conference

"Watching people connect-with each other and with the content-was a powerful reminder of our capacity to create, care, and lead. These qualities form the foundation that allows our department to tackle complex challenges, design innovative solutions, and always strive to do the right thing. - City of Seattle Chief Technology Officer Rob Lloyd

"I was delighted to hear such stimulating conversation on Accessibility and AI from our own City Staff. I feel proud to have these individuals on our team and encouraged to know that we have great minds working on cutting edge challenges. I felt energized being in the room with my coworkers." - GISCADD Programs & Initiatives Analyst Catherine Wendland

"The Seattle IT Learning Conference is a special event that our staff looks forward to each year. It's been our goal since the first year to have our employees feel inspired, know how much the organization appreciates and values their growth, and recognize their importance to IT and the City as a whole." - Seattle IT Chief of Staff William Smith

"Kudos to my IT colleagues for their ongoing commitment to provide an annual learning conference! I thought it was a good mix (speaking of mix…Sir Mix-a-Lot!!) of both internal and external speakers. I really enjoyed the variety of perspectives around digital accessibility, Lindsey Pollak's lens on the value of a multi-generational workplace, and Ginger giving Bertha Benz some long-overdue props!" - Client Service Advisor Hillary Harding

Gratitude to Organizers and Participants

The 2024 Learning Conference's success would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the event organizers. A special thank you to Nichole Kloepfer, Sabrina Johnson, Naomi Recania, Leah Shelton, Robby Pennington, Roz Brazel, Robert Clark, Kristeena Garcia, Kristen Glundberg-Prossor, Fran Green, Will Smith, Emily White, Shannon Gee, Ed Escalona, and the colleagues from FAS who oversee BKL.

We also extend our gratitude to the presenters and panelists who shared their expertise and insights, including Ginger Armbruster, Harvey Arnone, Jeff Beckstrom, Ana LaNasa Selvidge, Ed Odom, Michal Perlstein, Jim Loter, Greg Smith, Otts Bolisay, and Ben Dalgetty. Their contributions made this conference an invaluable experience for all attendees.

Here's to continuous learning, innovation, and a brighter future for all.

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