Since 2017, FWD50’s global community has brought together a global community of public servants, technologists, and civic innovators. Our annual conference returns November 6-8, both in-person in Ottawa and online around the world.
Use technology to make
society better for all
Nov 6-8, 2023
Where the people building tomorrow’s government go to learn, connect, and recharge.
The annual gathering of public sector innovation.
FWD50 at a glance
Latest updates
Throughout the year, we interview authors, public servants, and digital innovators from around the world. We also publish thought-provoking essays on our core themes, and survey government employees on public sector transformation.
Here are some of our most recent updates; you can check out past updates as well.
Sep 20, 2023
Sep 14, 2023
Sep 7, 2023
What’s in store for 2023
We’ve added plenty of new content and activations to this November’s conference. In addition to an expanded in-person venue, we’re running a three-week Executive Cohort exclusively for digital executives. In addition to hands-on workshops at Lansdowne Park, we’re adding virtual workshops. And we’re using a new online platform for improved networking and impromptu discussions.
We’re also working with some of the Canadian Federal Government’s largest departments on department-wide passes, allowing every employee to participate in the world’s largest gathering of public sector innovators.
Want a taste of what’s in store? Check out this 2022 recap reel:
You can also watch sessions from last year’s event, including keynotes from bestselling authors and leading public service executives, absolutely free of charge. We translate, caption, and publish these talks on our community platform.
Our 2023 speakers
We’ve welcomed over a thousand speakers to our stage. While we’ll be announcing the complete lineup once we’ve reviewed and confirmed the overwhelming response we received to this year’s Call for Proposals, here are just a few of the speakers we’ve already announced.
Jennifer Pahlka
Author of "Recoding America: How Government Fails in the Digital Age and How We Can Do Better"
Nele Leosk
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador at Large for Digital Affairs, Department of Digital and Cyber Diplomacy, Estonia
His Excellency Saeed Al Mulla
Executive Director of the Customer Experience Sector, Abu Dhabi Executive Office
Dr. Alexis Wichowski
Professor of Professional Practice & Program Director, MS in Technologies, Columbia University School of Professional Studies
Dr. Wafa Snaineh
President, Gov. Design Academy
Board Member, The International Foundation for Customer Experience in Government
What people are saying
“Once again, FWD50 sets a new standard.”
“This was one of the best-run conferences I have ever attended or spoken at.”
“It’s my first year attending FWD50. I am kicking myself for not attending in the past.”
“Every single session that I attended was mind blowing.”
“I attended FWD50 virtually for 3 days and wish it didn’t end.”
“The FWD50 conference was a blessing, it re-energized me and made me realize we do make a difference working in IT.”
“Every time I attend FWD50 they raise the bar and the benchmark for conferences.”
Something for everyone
Technologists
Government runs on information, and it’s your job to keep it running smoothly while upgrading old systems and incorporating new approaches.
FWD50 has the kind of workshops, case studies, and expert voices to help you shape the platforms on which tomorrow’s governments will run.
Industry
Modern society is a partnership between the public and private sector. To keep up with rapid, pervasive change, governments need the help of disruptors in industry.
Whether you want to attend, speak, or help support the event, FWD50 is the best way to connect with your public service counterparts and chart the course of digital government together.
Government executives
Digital-first services are better for citizens, cheaper to maintain, and more cost-efficient. But building and leading teams remains a challenge.
Through bestselling authors, peer-led learning, and our new Executive Cohort, FWD50 gives leaders the tools they need to rethink government in a digital age.
Academics
Each year, our conference links academic theory with practical deployment. We bridge research on procurement, cultural change, technology ethics, and other vital topics with the day-to-day challenges of service delivery, compliance, and budgets.
Civic tech
In the liminal space between public service and private enterprise lives, a thriving “third estate” of civic technologists. This “digital peace corps” gives innovators a chance to contribute to society, challenging norms and accelerating tech adoption.
Each year, we partner with leading civic tech organizations around the world on stage takeovers, research, and vibrant discussions.
Policymakers
Gone are the days of “fire-and-forget” lawmaking that has no regard for the implementation of legislation. Today, policy and implementation go hand-in-hand, with digital possibilities informing outdated laws.
Navigating this new, iterative world means connecting policymakers with those responsible for building and operating the resulting services, which is a core element of the FWD50 curriculum.
Get involved
There are plenty of ways to participate in the world’s leading digital government gathering:
- Buy an individual or bulk ticket, or find out if your department has already purchased one for you.
- Claim a Regional Access Pass, free to the first two public servants from any regional government.
- Help us put on the conference by becoming a sponsor, or suggest other ways to collaborate.
- Cover the conference as a member of the media.
- Volunteer, and attend the event while seeing how things run behind the scenes.
Our partners
FWD50 wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors and content partners. Most of the world’s leading technology firms have helped us put on FWD50; here’s who’s supporting us this year:
Presenting
Leadership
Innovation
Collaboration
Content
