DIR will be presenting optional pre-conference sessions on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Attendees may choose to attend one (1) session in the morning or one (1) session in the afternoon, or both. There is no charge to attend but space is limited and pre-registration is required. Lunch is NOT provided and will be on your own. 

Attendees may opt to attend the pre-conference sessions and not the main DIR Discover event if desired.

The Texas Quality Assurance Team (QAT) is responsible for providing oversight and guidance for state agencies’ Major Information Resources Projects (MIRP), in addition to reporting trends and project statuses to Legislature. This workshop offers attendees an understanding of MIRP criteria, DIR’s Texas Project Delivery Framework for MIRPs, and supporting tools, along with the discussion of the role and responsibilities of QAT members from the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA), State Auditor’s Office (SAO), and Department of Information Resources (DIR).

Learning objectives for this session include understanding the funding process for information technology (IT) projects, reviewing key legislation impacting major IT projects, gaining insight on the QAT’s role, and reviewing best practices to support agencies’ major IT project implementation. The session also covers the agile methodology specific to QAT processes. Additionally, the session includes a demonstration of SPAR 2.0, DIR’s web application for documentation and reporting, to illustrate MIRP dashboards and project overviews. A roundtable activity with audience members will conclude the session.

Digital accessibility is about more than meeting legal requirements—it’s about making sure everyone can access and benefit from your digital services. With updates to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on the horizon, agencies need both a plan and practical tools to ensure their digital content is accessible and compliant. This interactive workshop will guide you through the essential steps to build a strong foundation in digital accessibility.

This two-part session offers both strategic and hands-on guidance to help you prepare for compliance and create more inclusive digital content.

Part 1: Evaluating Digital Content for Accessibility
Title II compliance scope includes PDF documents. State and local governments have countless PDF documents to evaluate and remediate. Participants will learn how to identify digital document elements, what measurements to use to evaluate element accessibility, and strategies on how to remediate document elements for accessibility.

Part 2: Managing a Title II Compliance Project
With Title II compliance around the corner, you will need a roadmap for compliance and guidelines on managing your project to get there. Participants will get tips and tools to support their Title II project.

Join DIR’s Chief Procurement Office for a preconference workshop featuring two engaging sessions, including one that explores how procurement can become a strategic partner in IT planning. A second session will be announced soon, bringing additional insights and practical ideas to enhance your approach to IT procurement.

Part 1: From Tactical to Transformational: Reimagining Procurement in IT Planning

This presentation challenges IT professionals to rethink how they engage with procurement — not as a last-mile hurdle, but as a strategic partner in delivering technology solutions. By shifting procurement from a tactical, compliance-driven role to a collaborative, transformational one, IT teams can gain faster access to the tools they need, avoid project delays, and unlock more innovative vendor solutions. We’ll explore how early collaboration, shared planning, and a mutual understanding of goals can help IT and procurement work together to drive smarter, more agile technology outcomes.

Part 2: Topic TBA

Customer experience (CX) starts with a mindset shift—seeing services through the eyes of your customers. When organizations truly listen and act on feedback, they improve service delivery, strengthen relationships, and create better outcomes for the people they serve. This interactive workshop equips agencies with practical tools to better understand and respond to the needs of both internal and external customers.

In this two-part session, you’ll explore foundational concepts and hands-on strategies to elevate CX with effective listening tools.

Part 1 – What is CX?
We’ll begin with an introduction to DIR’s Customer Experience program, highlighting the importance of thinking like your customers—not just about them. Participants will explore key CX principles and discuss methods to build empathy and shift perspective.

Part 2 – From Customer Feedback to Continuous Improvement
We’ll clarify the differences between customer experience, customer satisfaction, and customer service, and explain why each plays a distinct role. You’ll learn how DIR gathers the Voice of the Customer through structured methodologies, and we’ll examine what it means to close the feedback loop—ensuring insights lead to real improvements.

This session is designed to help you move from awareness to action by turning customer insights into measurable service enhancements that last.

Growing in Government is a dedicated meetup for early career state employees to build confidence and community with one another. Join us for a low pressure and free flowing experience that offers self-guided, skill building, and knowledge sharing activities to help attendees grow professionally.

In state service career spaces, it is rare for young professionals to meet peers who share their age group and experience level. This changes that by filling a crucial gap in government culture. Through intentional, self-guided activities, participants strengthen professional skills and connect with a network of public servants who are growing together. 

This event is designed for professionals in the early stages of their career with less than 5 years of experience.

• Ask an Expert Corner: Get real-time guidance from seasoned DIR professionals. From navigating workplace challenges, to gaining confidence as the new voice in the room. This is your chance to get insights that matter. 
• Table Topics: Join meaningful dialogue around shared experiences, professional development, and the future of public sector tech.
• Group Think Board: Throughout the event, collaborate with fellow attendees by contributing ideas and solutions to a real-world challenge. 
• Elevate Your Profile: Stop by for a free professional headshot! Perfect for leveling up your LinkedIn profile.