2025 Commonwealth of Virginia Innovative Technology Symposium (COVITS)
Sept. 16-17 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia
Hosted by Government Technology
Learn more on Government Technology's event page: https://events.govtech.com/covits.html
Overview
COVITS 2025 brings together more than 600 public sector leaders, innovators and changemakers who are shaping the future of technology in government. From digital transformation to strategic planning, this reimagined symposium delivers forward-thinking content, peer exchange and real-world insights. Whether you're leading policy, managing IT operations or supporting smarter service delivery, this is your front row seat to Virginia's tech evolution.
This year's event includes two full days of programming for all attendees. COVITS and COVITS for Leaders are being combined into a two-day experience for one flat rate of $80. Single-day attendance pricing will not be made available at a discounted rate, and registration cannot be split between two attendees. Learn more and register here.
Speakers and agenda
We are excited to welcome multiple technology leaders and experts as keynote speakers and session hosts at this year's event. Attendees will hear two keynote addresses and choose from concurrent sessions based on their interests.
Speakers include:
- Bob Osmond, Chief Information Officer of the Commonwealth
- The Honorable Lyn McDermid, Secretary of Administration of the Commonwealth
- Shawnee Delaney, Founder and CEO of Vaillance Group
- Nik Badminton, Chief Futurist and Hope Engineer
For details on keynotes and concurrent sessions, view the full agenda here.
2025 Commonwealth Technology Awards
Each year, winners of the Commonwealth Technology Awards are announced at COVITS. The deadline for award submissions is July 31. These awards recognize the top public sector information technology programs and projects completed over the last year. There are four award categories, with each recognizing state and local winners.
Award categories include:
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IT in Serving the Customer and Business - State
Recognizes the innovative use of IT to improve access to and service from governmental entities. Included are projects that improve Virginian's interaction with government, promote availability, usability and/or transparency of information, and increase public awareness and adoption of services. -
IT in Serving the Customer and Business - Local
Recognizes the innovative use of IT to promote efficiency by improving business access to and service from local governmental entities. Included are projects to improve electronic interaction of businesses with government, promote availability, usability and/or transparency of information, and increase business awareness and adoption of services. -
Innovative Use of Technology - State
Recognizes the innovative use of IT to solve a business problem at the state level. This category is open to any state agency. -
Innovative Use of Technology - Local
Recognizes the innovative use of IT to solve a business problem at the local level. This category is open to any local government entity, including social services, first responders and geographic information systems (GIS) practitioners. -
Innovative Use of Data, Analytics & AI - State
Recognizes the innovative use of technology in collecting, storing, retrieving, and analyzing a variety of structured and unstructured data sources at the state level. -
Innovative Use of Data, Analytics & AI - Local
Recognizes the innovative use of technology in collecting, storing, retrieving, and analyzing a variety of structured and unstructured data sources in local government. -
Cybersecurity and Privacy Initiatives - State
Recognizes the effective use of cybersecurity and/or privacy initiatives to protect Virginians at the state level. -
Cybersecurity and Privacy Initiatives - Local
Recognizes the effective use of cybersecurity and/or privacy initiatives to protect Virginians at the local level.
View past Commonwealth Technology Award winners from 2023 and 2024.