DIR will be presenting optional post-conference sessions on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. 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 an essential part of how public sector organizations manage risk, modernize services, adopt new technologies, and build trust with the people they serve. This two-part post-conference workshop will include practical lessons that agencies can apply to strengthen their programs.

Part 1: The DOJ Deadline Moved—but Not the Risk

This session will explore how agencies can manage digital accessibility as an ongoing operational and enterprise risk rather than a one-time compliance project. Attendees will learn practical ways to establish ownership, prioritize accessibility risks, strengthen procurement and publishing controls, improve monitoring and remediation, and build accessibility into broader modernization and service delivery efforts.

Part 2: Microsoft Copilot Adoption with Accessibility as a Core Principle

This session will share practical lessons from developing an accessibility-centered approach to Microsoft Copilot adoption. Attendees will learn how to incorporate accessibility into AI adoption strategies, use participant feedback to improve implementation, and identify accessibility considerations earlier in the technology lifecycle.

Part 3: Accessible eLearning in Practice: Uniting Texas State Accessibility Standards with Rapid Online Course Development
In this interactive session, we'll discuss and apply strategies to enable online training to comply with Texas state accessibility standards while ensuring learner engagement and effective training outcomes. Attendees will leave with a roadmap for making the decisions necessary to create training that is both accessible and engaging, hands-on experience transforming informative content into an accessible learner experience, and strategies for incorporating accessibility throughout the training course development process, from inception and deployment through ongoing maintenance.

Join DIR's Chief Procurement Office for a post-conference workshop to explore how procurement can be a strategic partner in IT planning, while gaining additional insights and practical ideas you can apply to your own IT purchases.
 
Technology changes faster than most procurement cycles run. Products get replaced, licensing models shift, and the solution that fit at kickoff may not be the one you want at award, so IT planning has to account for a market that keeps moving. This session looks at how IT and procurement handle that together. When both teams share goals early, requirements can be written so the market can respond, schedules reflect what the purchase actually takes, and vendors have room to propose approaches your team had not considered. Bringing program, finance, and legal staff into the same conversation removes the surprises that can stall projects. You will leave with practical ways to start those conversations sooner on your next IT project.

AI is here and can only be as effective as the data, governance, and processes behind it. This two-part post-conference workshop will explore how Texas government agencies can strengthen their data foundations, improve AI readiness, and make best use of emerging AI tools and resources.
 

Part 1: From Data Quality to AI Readiness
This session will examine why strong data governance and data quality are essential to successful AI adoption. Attendees will learn why data is important when implementing AI, and how weaknesses in quality, ownership, documentation, and consistency can affect AI performance. This session will also discuss how statewide efforts such as the Texas AI Data Quality Protocol are helping agencies build stronger and more mature data practices.

Part 2: From Data to Action: Using AI in Texas Government
This session will demonstrate how data quality can directly affect AI outputs and will show Texas government organizations how to prepare for using AI responsibly and effectively. Attendees will also learn about DIR resources and initiatives available to support AI learning, experimentation, and adoption across Texas government.

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, come and go experience that offers self-guided, skill building, and knowledge sharing activities to help attendees grow professionally.

In state service career spaces, there are few opportunities for professionals of this experience level to meet their peers. 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.
 

• 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.