8:00–9:00 am — Breakfast, Registration & Networking

9:00–9:10 am — Welcome & Housekeeping Items

9:15–10:00 am — Session 1: Exploring VMware Alternatives Together

Presented by Jesse Everett, Principal Architect – Heartland Business Systems (HBS)

With VMware's evolving licensing, pricing, and product strategy, many organizations are rethinking their virtualization approach. Join HBS for a practical look at alternatives, including Nutanix, Hyper-V, Azure Local, Proxmox, and more. Explore the pros and cons of each platform, key considerations for staying or migrating, and strategies to balance cost, performance, and operational needs while planning your organization's next steps.

10:00–10:10 am — Networking Break

10:10–10:40 am — Session 2: To Cloud or Not to Cloud: Navigating the Private and Public Cloud Landscape

Presented by Everpure

Does everything really belong in the cloud? Not necessarily! Join Everpure for a discussion on when public cloud makes sense, when private cloud delivers greater value, and how combining both can create a smarter IT strategy. Explore practical considerations for balancing cost, control, security, and scalability.

10:40–10:50 am — Networking Break

10:50 am–11:20 pm — Session 3: The End of the Line: Navigating Copper Retirement in Illinois

Presented by Constellation Telecom

The march toward copper line retirement is rapidly approaching its first major milestone - AT&T and Frontier will be decommissioning over 100 Central Offices in Illinois in Q1 2027.  Prices are also rocketing upward, and buying programs have been eliminated.  Constellation Telecom will explore the available product options and deployment strategies to ensure an orderly transition from traditional analog services. 

11:20–11:30 am — Networking Break

11:30 am–12:00 pm — Session 4: Building IT Resilience: Maintaining Network & Security Operations Through Transition

Presented by Scientel Solutions

This session discusses practical strategies for maintaining a secure, reliable, and well-managed IT environment while navigating changes in staff. We will discuss how organizations can reduce dependency on individual team members, maintain visibility into existing network and security systems, and ensure critical responsibilities don’t fall through the cracks during periods of transition.

12:00–1:15 pm — Lunch

1:15–3:30 pm — WORKSHOP: Modern Day threats require Zero Day Resilience

Join Veeam for Zero Day Resilience, an exclusive in-person workshop designed to equip participants with vital knowledge and actionable strategies to tackle zero-day vulnerabilities.  Participants will explore methods derived from extensive research and best practices informed by cyber incidents handled by Coveware and Veeam, including the simulation of a real-life ransomware event and the strategic management of its response.

Purpose: To develop the next generation of local government leaders and prepare current leaders for the Administrator/Manager position.

Who is the Target Audience: Lower and middle level management professionals

What: Leadership Institute in cooperation with public service-related associations (ILCMA, IGFOA, APA-IL, APWA, IPC, IFC, GMIS Illinois)

Where: NIU Naperville or other location determined by sponsoring organization

When: Once per month - day-long – currently have 10 sessions planned so take off July and Dec.

How: Each association is responsible for a day providing a basic 101 in their area of expertise.

9:00–9:10 am — Welcome & Housekeeping Items

9:15–10:00 am — Session 1: Content TBD

10:00–10:15 am — Break

10:15–11:00 am — Session 2: Content TBD

11:00–11:15 am — Break

11:15 am–12:00 pm — Session 3: Content TBD

12:00–1:15 pm — Lunch

1:15–2:45 pm — Training TBD

GIANTS is a two and a half day conference full of opportunities to network with your peers, learn about new and exciting trends in local government technology, meet with industry leading vendors and enjoy some light entertainment.

As a government member, you get the opportunity to talk to others that fill a similar role for other organizations.  You can compare notes, share war stories, and learn how IT happens in their organization.

As a corporate member, you get face-to-face time with key technology decision makers.  Government members are the ones who drive innovation for their organizations.

GIANTS is a two and a half day conference full of opportunities to network with your peers, learn about new and exciting trends in local government technology, meet with industry leading vendors and enjoy some light entertainment.

As a government member, you get the opportunity to talk to others that fill a similar role for other organizations.  You can compare notes, share war stories, and learn how IT happens in their organization.

As a corporate member, you get face-to-face time with key technology decision makers.  Government members are the ones who drive innovation for their organizations.