5 Key Takeaways About AI from the GOVIT Leadership Summit and Symposium

The topic of AI was front and center during this year’s GOVIT Leadership Summit and Symposium. Before we go any further, we get it. Our brands may not be involved in the government IT space, but this conference has already delivered insights that can help all of us navigate the AI landscape. Across discussions with state, county, and local government leaders, one thing became clear: AI is a game-changer, and one that’s here to stay.

With that in mind, here are some things we picked up so far…

1. From Guardrails to “Guide”rails
   Dr. Alan Shark introduced a powerful mindset shift. Instead of treating AI as a force to be constrained by guardrails—as if it’s trying to pull us over a cliff—think of implementing “guide”rails. These enable innovation, helping us use AI intelligently and proactively. It’s about working with the technology, not just against its risks.
2. Open vs. Closed Systems
   When using AI, the distinction between open and closed systems is crucial. Open systems allow for collaboration and customization, but they’re publicly accessible—raising security concerns. Closed systems prioritize control and privacy, keeping data proprietary. The bottom line? Don’t share sensitive information in open systems where it could be exposed.
3. Create Policies to Define Boundaries
   To use AI safely and effectively, clear policies are a must. Define how, when, and where AI will be used within your organization. Without these boundaries, the risks can outweigh the rewards. Policies act as a roadmap, ensuring that everyone understands AI’s role and operates from the same playbook.
4. Use AI to Find Your Needles in the Haystacks
   AI excels at cutting through massive amounts of data to uncover insights. This ability can challenge or confirm assumptions, identify patterns, and speed up processes. Whether you’re sifting through data or making predictions, AI can make your organization faster, smarter, and more efficient.
5. Embrace It—Hiding Is Not an Option
   The biggest takeaway? AI isn’t going away—it’s only getting smarter. While its rapid evolution can feel intimidating, it also brings incredible opportunities. Instead of hiding from the technology, lean into its potential a little at a time, with some of those “guide”rails in place. The future of AI holds untapped possibilities for innovation and impact.

Call-to-Action

While speaking with another attendee about their biggest takeaways from the Summit and Symposium, one comment stood out: “It just feels good to know we’re not alone as we navigate how to use AI in our organization.” This sentiment captures why conversations like these are so important. By sharing insights, we can support one another in unlocking AI’s full potential.