FWD50’s content isn’t like that of other conferences, and we like it that way.
For one thing, we focus on practical case studies that reveal successes—and mistakes—from around the world. We emphasize implementation over inspiration, concentrating on the skills public servants need to modernize government: Product management, analytics, design, digital literacy, and applied AI.
We’re also not vendor-focused. We’ve had fascinating conversations with executives at many of the world’s leading technology companies, but those sessions have always been a level playing field for frank discussions, rather than paid pitches.
Creating a community, online and in person, that puts practitioners front and center is always challenging, whether it’s online or in person.
From the event’s early days, we’ve been fortunate to have the team at Public Digital by our side. If you’re not familiar with them, they’re a global consultancy founded by some of the people behind the pioneering UK Government Digital Services (GDS.) They’ve delivered incredible keynotes, taught workshops, and even launched books at FWD50.
Saying we’re now partners seems inaccurate, since we’ve been partners for nearly a decade. But we’re saying it anyway: Public Digital is now our producing partner. We’re thrilled to be collaborating even more closely with some of the smartest digital government folks in the world. After all this time, it feels like a natural next step.
We’re producing FWD50 together, bringing their global network of expertise to our content and stages. For our attendees, this means an extra day of content to our already-packed lineup, available at no extra cost to thousands of government employees who benefit from annual passes. And it further expands the reach of our global community.