By James O’Brien
Another unforgettable TAGITM conference is in the books, and we’re still riding high from the energy, collaboration, and innovation that filled the air in San Antonio! From tech trends, deep-dive technical sessions to unforgettable networking moments, TAGITM 2025 delivered something for everyone.
This year’s GIS track brought new insights and cutting-edge applications to the forefront, showcasing how data visualization is driving smarter decisions across Texas communities. The efforts of bringing GIS to the forefront also put TAGITM in a place to be awarded the SCAUG Founder’s award. We are making big moves forward due to the collective efforts of all those involved, and I thank you for that. Let’s not forget about the first GIS regional event held this year and how remarkable the event was for the GIS community. If you are in GIS, I extend the offer to join the GIS listserv to connect further. I challenge you to get involved and serve in the TAGITM community.
Sessions like “Evolution of GIS Utilization during an Emergency Situation” and “GIS/IT Powering KPI Dashboards: Smart Decisions, Smarter Cities” spotlighted the incredible work being done across Texas to turn maps into mission-critical tools.
Meanwhile, the Operational Technology (OT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) sessions brought timely and forward-thinking discussions to the forefront. Attendees dug into practical ways to improve resilience and leverage emerging technologies. Sessions like “Navigating the Perfect Storm: Strengthening Cyber Resilience in Critical Infrastructure”, “AI – Adopt or Adapt”, “Developing Your Department/Agency’s Internal AI Capability” and “Leveraging Generative AI: Transforming Data Mesh into Intelligent Insights” pushed the boundaries with discussions on real-world implementations, smart infrastructure, and the future of automation in government services.
I look forward to seeing more discussions and sessions in these important areas of IT.
Throughout the conference, Women in Technology took center stage, both figuratively and literally. The WIT Breakfast was a standout moment, featuring Anh Selissen, CIO of TxDOT, whose discussion inspired a packed room with her journey and perspective on leadership, innovation, and resilience in the public sector. It was an empowering reminder of the critical role women play in shaping the future of technology.
And yes, we went out with a showstopper, the Spazmatics brought down the house with a high-energy set that had everyone on their feet and singing along. It was the perfect way to celebrate the end of an amazing week and say farewell to our longtime home at La Cantera.
As we close this chapter, we’re already looking ahead. We’re thrilled to announce the TAGITM 2026 Conference will be held April 7–10, 2026 in an exciting new location! So go ahead, block your calendars now. You won’t want to miss what’s coming next.
Thank you to every attendee, speaker, sponsor, and volunteer who helped make TAGITM 2025 such a success. Let’s keep the momentum going, Don’t Stop Believin’ IT and see you in 2026!