Meet the Team
Florida Government Innovation Workshop
Exploring AI and Digital Transformation with Microsoft Technologies
When
July 15
Time
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM EDT
Location
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Russell Park Building CR132 | 1875 East Orange Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32301
A Practical Workshop for Florida State Departments and Agencies
Join colleagues from across Florida’s state government for a full-day workshop focused on how Microsoft technologies can be applied to solve real-world challenges, modernize operations, and explore the practical use of AI in government.
Designed specifically for public sector leaders and technologists, this event blends live demonstrations, expert-led sessions, and interactive training to deliver both strategic insight and technical depth.
Please note: In-person attendance is limited to 30 participants to encourage collaboration and interaction. If you prefer or are unable to attend in person, the morning session will also be available virtually.
Workshop Agenda
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Arrival and Check-In
Use this time to get settled, connect with peers, and prepare for the day ahead.
Morning Sessions: Modernizing Public Sector Workloads with Microsoft Business Applications
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT | Offered in person and virtually
Start the day with real-world sessions showing how Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Power Platform can help government organizations modernize operations and improve service delivery.
- 9:00 – 9:15 AM | Welcome & Introduction - Dawn Miller, Strategic Director, Florida at Microsoft
A brief welcome and overview of the day’s agenda, highlighting both the morning’s business solutions and the afternoon’s AI-focused exploration. - 9:15 – 10:10 AM | IT Service Management (ITSM) – Derek Renton, Account Executive at Provance Technologies
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how AI-powered ServiceTeam ITSM can take your IT services to the next level. This session will guide you through several essential user scenarios, showcasing Intelligent ITSM built specifically for Microsoft customers. - 10:10 – 11:05 AM | Legal Case and Matter Management – Presented by Tony Zhang, Enterprise Architect at HSO
Learn how Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Power Platform can support more efficient, collaborative legal operations in the public sector. This session will walk through examples of how legal teams can streamline case intake, automate manual processes, and improve transparency. - 11:05 – 12:00 PM | Licensing and Permitting for State Government
An overview of how departments and agencies can modernize licensing and permitting with Microsoft tools, enabling greater efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.
Lunch Break: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Afternoon Session: Maximizing AI Performance for Government with Low-Code/No-Code Tools
1:00 PM – 3:45 PM | In-person only | Presented by Al Smith, Chief Business Applications Architect at Microsoft and Tony Zhang, Enterprise Architect at HSO
This training-oriented session will guide participants through how Microsoft’s low-code and AI tools can be applied to public sector use cases. The structure will follow a progressive format—building from foundational concepts to applied use cases—with attendees working in small groups. Hands-on exploration will be enabled through shared Microsoft environments, so no individual logins or pre-configured tools are required. However, participants must bring a device (laptop or tablet) to follow along and participate in the exercises. Topics will include:
- AI in Government
- AI in Microsoft Business Applications
- A Brief Tutorial for Effective Prompting
- Microsoft AI Builder Overview
- Introduction to Microsoft Copilot Studio
- AI-Powered Solutions: Bringing it All Together
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM | Wrap-Up
Final remarks and takeaways.
Who Should Attend
This full-day event is designed for Florida state agencies and departments involved in modernization and digital transformation initiatives.
Morning Session (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Best suited for executive and strategic decision-makers, including:
- CIOs and Deputy CIOs
- IT Directors and Program Managers
- Operations Leaders and Senior Business Analysts
- Management-level Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
Afternoon Session (1:00 PM – 3:45 PM)
Tailored for a more technical audience interested in hands-on exploration of Microsoft AI tools, including:
- Developers and Solution Architects
- Technical Program Managers
- IT Administrators and Staff
- Business Analysts focused on implementation or automation
Save Your Seat
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Al Smith | Chief Business Applications Architect | Microsoft
Al Smith is the Chief Business Applications Architect, where he helps public sector organizations modernize operations through Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform. With over a decade of experience in business applications, Al specializes in AI-driven service delivery, citizen engagement, and low-code automation strategies tailored to state and local government. He partners closely with agencies to design scalable, secure solutions that drive efficiency, transparency, and innovation.
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Conrad Salazar | Business Applications Solutions Specialist | Microsoft
Conrad Salazar is a Business Applications Solutions Specialist at Microsoft, focused on empowering state and local government agencies with innovative solutions across the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform suite. With deep expertise in CRM modernization and citizen service transformation, Conrad helps public sector organizations streamline operations and deliver impactful, data-driven outcomes. He brings a consultative approach to every engagement, aligning Microsoft’s cloud technologies to each agency’s mission and priorities.
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Dawn Miller | Client Director for the State of Florida | Microsoft
Dawn Miller is Microsoft’s Client Director for the State of Florida, bringing over 25 years of experience within and partnering with the U.S. public sector. A trusted advisor to government leaders, Dawn oversees Microsoft’s business across more than 30 Florida state departments and agencies, helping them leverage technology to drive innovation, efficiency, and citizen impact. Known for her strategic insight, unwavering commitment, and authentic relationships, Dawn is a highly respected account executive and a deeply trusted resource to her customers and Microsoft coworkers.
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Derek Renton | Account Executive | Provance Technologies
For over 12 years, Derek Renton has been an Account Executive with Provance Technologies. An independent vendor of IT service and IT asset management products since 1997, Provance has a long history and a solid reputation for building the most Microsoft-centric ITSM & ITAM solutions on the market.
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Tony Zhang | Enterprise Architect | HSO
Tony Zhang is an Atlanta-based Enterprise Architect with a strong focus on state and local government, specializing in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and the Microsoft Power Platform. With over a decade of experience, he is dedicated to delivering business value and fostering long-term client relationships. Tony holds several Microsoft Dynamics 365 Certifications and advanced degrees in Business Management and International Business, bringing extensive expertise in people and process-focused software solutions.
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Alexander Bartnesky | Senior Client Account Executive | HSO
Alexander Bartnesky brings over 20 years of experience in Microsoft cloud technology and enterprise transformation. As an accomplished Executive Program Leader, he has driven strategic growth and built high-performing teams across commercial, Public Sector, Non-Profit, and Federal/DoD organizations. He’s known for a business-centric approach to planning and orchestrating global engagements, aligning strategy to deliver measurable outcomes. His track record includes consistent sales attainment, contract renewals, and cloud revenue growth, all while helping clients unify, automate, and modernize their operations.
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