Top 5 Reasons GovCons Must Attend the 2026 Digital Transformation Summit

Digital transformation is no longer a forward-looking initiative, it is an immediate mandate shaping how federal agencies operate, compete and deliver mission outcomes. From artificial intelligence adoption to zero trust implementation, government leaders are accelerating modernization efforts at scale.

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22 at the Hilton McLean in northern Virginia, will convene top federal decision-makers and industry executives to explore these priorities and what they mean for the GovCon community. Registration is now open; reserve your spot before seats sell out.

Why Should I Attend the 2026 Digital Transformation Summit?

Here are the top five reasons why GovCon leaders can’t miss this essential summit for GovCon technology professionals:

1. Hear Directly From Top Federal Technology Decision-Makers

The summit will feature keynote remarks from Kirsten Davies, chief information officer at the Department of War and one of the most influential technology leaders in the federal government.

Davies oversees enterprise IT, cybersecurity and digital modernization across a vast defense ecosystem and will provide insight into how agencies are prioritizing technology investments, from AI to zero trust architectures.

Pavan Pidugu, chief data and information officer of the Department of Transportation, will also offer a keynote address—sharing the top priorities in digital modernization from the civilian perspective.

These sessions provide clarity on budget priorities, procurement timelines and evolving compliance requirements shaping federal technology adoption in the coming years. For GovCon executives, this is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand how federal leaders are shaping modernization strategies, and how industry can align.

Additional government speakers lined-up, with more to come, include:

• Daniel Hettema, director of digital engineering, modeling & simulation for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
• Col. Jonathan McCall, deputy director for space, ABMS CFT at U.S. Space Force
• Christopher Dearie, deputy executive director of OIT’s Border Enforcement Management Directorate at Customs and Border Protection
• Col. Scott Klempner, deputy program executive officer for the Space Systems Command
• Anil Chaudhry, senior advisor, HASS COE, Department of Transportation
• Andrea Brandon, deputy assistant secretary for Budget, Finance, Grants and Acquisition at the Department of the Interior
• David Hinchman, federal senior executive of cybersecurity and IT modernization for the U.S. Government Accountability Office

2. Gain Insight Into Emerging Technology Priorities

The 2026 Digital Transformation Summit will spotlight the technologies driving mission innovation, including AI, advanced analytics, cloud migration and cybersecurity frameworks. Agencies are increasingly deploying AI-powered tools to automate threat detection and intelligence analysis, while advanced analytics platforms are helping organizations process large datasets to improve decision-making in real time.

At the same time, cloud migration efforts—such as the DOW’s  enterprise cloud initiatives—are enabling greater scalability and data sharing across mission environments. Alongside these efforts, agencies are implementing zero trust architectures to strengthen cybersecurity, ensuring continuous verification of users and devices to better protect sensitive federal systems.

Attendees will walk away with a clearer understanding of where agencies are investing, and which capabilities will define the next wave of federal IT modernization.

3. Understand the Challenges Behind Federal Modernization

Digital transformation is not just about adopting new tools. It requires agencies to fundamentally rethink how they manage data, modernize legacy infrastructure and defend against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Understanding these systemic challenges is critical to delivering scalable, secure and interoperable solutions that align with mission needs and accelerate long-term modernization outcomes.

At the summit, government and industry leaders will discuss the real-world barriers agencies face as they modernize systems and implement emerging technologies.

These insights can help contractors refine their offerings to address agency pain points, positioning their solutions as mission-critical rather than optional.

4. Explore Opportunities for Public-Private Collaboration

The government increasingly relies on partnerships with industry to accelerate innovation and deploy new capabilities at scale. As agencies work to modernize legacy systems and integrate advanced technologies like AI, cloud and zero trust architectures, they are turning to GovCon leaders for the agility needed to execute these initiatives effectively.

However, successful public-private collaboration needs more than contract awards—it requires alignment. Industry must understand agency priorities, acquisition strategies and mission challenges to deliver solutions that drive measurable outcomes.

The 2026 Digital Transformation Summit is designed to strengthen this alignment by bringing together senior government officials and industry executives in a collaborative setting where attendees will gain insight into how agencies are approaching partnerships, what they expect from contractors and where opportunities for collaboration are emerging.

For GovCon leaders, this creates a valuable opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers, refine their value propositions and position their organizations as trusted partners in advancing federal digital transformation efforts. Get your pressing questions answered following our keynotes and during our insightful panel discussions.

5. Network With the GovCon Community’s Most Influential Leaders

The 2026 Digital Transformation Summit offers extensive networking opportunities with top government technology practitioners and industry executives.

Potomac Officers Club events convene decision-makers across defense, civilian and intelligence sectors, creating a space where partnerships form and new business opportunities emerge.

In a competitive and rapidly evolving market, these connections are just as valuable as the insights shared on stage.

What Takeaways Will GovCons Have From the Event?

As federal agencies push forward with digital transformation initiatives, it’s essential for GovCon leaders to stay informed.

The 2026 Digital Transformation Summit provides a front-row seat to the strategies, technologies and decision-makers shaping the future of government IT. Attendees will benefit from practical, implementation-focused discussions that go beyond strategy to execution. Speakers will highlight case studies, lessons learned and proven approaches for scaling innovation across complex environments.

This added perspective ensures participants leave not only informed, but equipped with actionable ideas they can bring back to their organizations and apply immediately. From understanding agency priorities to building meaningful partnerships, the event offers actionable value for organizations looking to lead in the digital era.

With modernization efforts accelerating across the federal landscape, this summit is a must-attend for executives seeking to stay ahead of the curve — save your seat today!