
Jesse Bounds
Director of Mayor's Office of Innovation
City of Houston

Heather Bishop
Smart Mobility
City of Austin

Brian Dillard
Chief Innovation Officer
City of San Antonio

Ryan Kennedy
Professor
University of Houston

Jason Cooley
Chief Innovation Officer
City of Frisco

Kristie Chin
Director of Civic Innovation, Texas Innovation Alliance, Center for Transportation Research
University of Texas

Tomika Monterville
Director of Transportation
City of San Antonio

Veronica Davis
Deputy Director of Houston Public Works – Transportation and Drainage Operations Division
City of Houston

Jack Hanagriff
Executive Director
Managing Consultant - Houston Smart City Program
City of Houston

Preston James
CEO
Divinc.

Matthew Espinoza
Director of Programs
Geekdom

Christine Galib
Sr. Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation
ION Houston

Joyce Deuley
Director of Research & Innovation
Zpryme

Kylie Jackson
Assistant Innovation Director
City of Sugarland

Ricky Murray
Sr. Director of Marketing & Podcast Host
Zpryme

Jigyasa Sharma
Program Manager
US Ignite

Jason Rodriguez
CEO
Zpryme

Lee Davenport
Director of Community Development
US Ignite

Kendal Prosack
Local Policy and Community Affairs Manager
Wing

Anthony Abuta
Director and Technologist for the Smart Cities & Intelligent Transportation
Intel

Maurice Singleton
Founder & Sr. Technology Consultant
Managed Global Solutions

John Speirs
Broadband Manager
Harris County

Hamid Djam
CTO of Analytics for Dell EMC’s Unstructured Data Solution
Dell
Spring 2023 Agenda
7:45am - 6:00pm |
Registration & Demo Booths Open |
8:00am - 9:00am |
Light fare and refreshments |
9:00am - 9:10am |
Opening Remarks (HTX Mayor) |
9:15am - 9:35am |
Keynote |
9:35am - 10:20am |
A People-Centered Smart City Truly smart cities are responsive to the needs of their residents. How do the largest cities in the state understand those unique needs, ensure representative solutions are enacted, and build feedback loops with the community to build trust? Join us as we discuss innovative approaches to community engagement and equitable planning. |
10:20am - 10:50am |
State of the Industry It’s easy to get too focused on the projects happening within your own city, but technology and world events are constantly changing the direction of smart city developments. Join us as we do a pulse check on the state of the industry and what’s happening on a global and national scale. |
10:50am - 11:05am |
Networking Break |
11:05am - 11:20am |
Railroad Project Highlihgt |
11:20am - 12:00pm |
Future of Transportation As we look towards the future, what will transportation look like in the next ten, twenty, thirty, or even fifty years? What are the emerging trends and technologies that are beginning to shape our communities and how will we responsibly adopt and adapt? |
12:00pm - 1:10pm |
Lunch Lunch will not be provided, but there are over 20 food installations on side at The Post. Please use this link to preview the many options and get an idea on each menu! |
1:10pm - 1:40pm |
Innovation & Disruption Fireside Chat Emerging technologies and unique models of business or engagement are critical to driving innovation within cities, while engaging with disruptive companies, like startups, can set that innovation in motion. Tune in as we dive deeper into startup ecosystems in Texas and how cities–and citizens, can benefit. |
1:40pm - 2:35pm |
Resiliency & Equity Panel From the growing threat of climate change to on-going issues like traffic, crime and social inequities, smart cities technology provides cities across the globe with solutions to be more resilient, equitable and sustainable. Come learn how Texas cities are embracing technology to build resilience and solve our most pressing challenges in the 21st century. |
2:35pm - 2:50pm |
Networking Break |
2:50pm - 3:05pm |
Froliq VR Highlight |
3:05pm - 3:50pm |
Institutionalizing the Smart City Panel It’s easy to focus on moonshot projects within the smart city space, but how do cities identify/launch impactful projects that can actually be accomplished? Given limited budgets, funding, and complex procurement, learn how cities of all sizes are institutionalizing their work by finding success that resonates with both City Hall and residents. |
3:50pm - 4:20pm |
AI / Social Responsibility Fireside Chat “The Robots are Coming!” Artificial Intelligence is playing an increasing role in smart cities, turning big data into actionable insights, replacing mundane tasks and augmenting limited city resources. Soon, many of our cities’ most critical functions from traffic signal timing to citizen engagement will be supported by artificial intelligence. This panel will discuss the future of AI for cities and the various ethical and legal issues City officials must take into consideration when deciding to use AI. |
4:20pm - 5:05pm |
Future of Tech Panel New technologies, like AI and drones, are opening up a host of opportunities for cities to expand their abilities to better serve communities. But, how can they take full advantage? Join us as Google, Wing, and the City of Frisco, TX explore the future of technology, policy, and procurement in smart cities. |
5:05pm - 5:10pm |
MC Closing |
5:10pm - 6:30pm |
Networking Reception |
Hotel Options |
![]() Magnolia Hotel Houston, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Effortlessly merging rich history with contemporary flourishes, Magnolia Hotel Houston, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel is a boutique escape in the heart of downtown. Enjoy spacious work areas, complimentary WiFi and marble bathrooms in our newly renovated rooms and suites. Join us for local fare at The Dispatch, our signature dining experience showcasing an award-winning bar and a billiards room. Walk to Minute Maid Park and the Toyota Center, or take our local area shuttle service to downtown Houston attractions. Booking link here pricing approx. $262 BUT call directly to+1 713-221-0011 they offer government rates |
![]() Hyatt Place Houston / Downtown
Walk to the Theater District or Minute Maid Park when you stay at Hyatt Place Houston / Downtown. Located in the historic, 16-story Southwestern Bell building, our hotel puts you in the center of Bayou City’s bustling downtown with a variety of shops, restaurants, and venues like the House of Blues. Booking link here pricing approx $179 (+taxes, fees and parking if needed) |
Partners |
Host: City of Houston, Mayor's Office of Innovation
The Mayor's Office of Innovation is leading the City's efforts to provide insight to the public and City leaders, improve the way government operates and innovate so that Houston continues to grow as a world-class city. The City of Houston is using data and emerging tech to improve the quality of life for citizens, share information with the public, drive economic growth, and build a more inclusive society. |
Venue: The Post (Outpost)
Expansive footprint capped by a verdant rooftop park and farm in one of Houston’s newest architectural landmark. Ideal for one of a kind wedding receptions, corporate events, galas and occasions of any kind. Flexible rooftop event space and adjacent to our rooftop farm. Outpost features panoramic views of the Houston skyline and is catered by award winning chefs. |


Venue & Guest Site Map |