Pre-Conference Workshops
Kick off your NAGW conference experience with one of our dynamic, hands-on Pre-Conference workshops – registration is open! These in-depth sessions offer a unique opportunity to explore specialized topics before the main event, led by seasoned professionals who understand the unique challenges of government web and digital experiences.
Whether you're looking to strengthen your accessibility strategy, build a WordPress site from the ground up, master data analytics, or explore real-world AI applications in government, there's a Pre-Conference session designed to meet your needs.
Each 4-hour workshop is $115 for NAGW members ($145 for non-members), and space is limited.
Pre-Conference Schedule:
- Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 | Hilton Garden Inn Denver Union Station
- 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.: AI Innovation in Government: Practical Applications for IT & Communications Professionals
- 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Analytics for the Weary: From Setup to Storytelling with Google Tools
- 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.: Lunch (included in Pre-Conference registration cost)
- 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Just Tell Me What To Do: Merging Policy, Brand, and Guidance to Facilitate Employee Success in Digital Accessibility
- 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.: WordPress “Build A Site” Workshop
Pre-Conference Session Details:
Topic: AI
Title: AI Innovation in Government: Practical Applications for IT & Communications Professionals (8 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Presenter: Marcus Townsend, Solutions Architect, City of Fayetteville, NC
Pre-Conference Session Description: Join Marcus Townsend, Solutions Architect for the City of Fayetteville, for an immersive 4-hour workshop exploring practical applications of artificial intelligence in government settings. This hands-on session introduces "Vibe Coding" - a revolutionary approach that combines AI assistance with human creativity to transform how government applications are developed. Drawing from his extensive 15+ years of experience, Marcus will demonstrate how AI assistants, Vibe Coding, and AI-powered programming in Visual Studio are creating unprecedented efficiencies in government IT agencies. Participants will explore real-world applications of these techniques, learning how to leverage AI assistants to build better, efficient, and more accessible government services. This workshop is specifically designed for government IT and communications professionals looking to modernize their practices and optimize AI tools within their organizations. Whether you're just starting your AI journey or looking to advance your existing knowledge, you'll walk away with actionable strategies and techniques to enhance development productivity and innovation in your agency.
Cost: $115 NAGW members / $145 Non-NAGW member
Topic: Analytics & Data
Title: Analytics for the Weary: From Setup to Storytelling with Google Tools (8 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Presenters: Chris Coleman & Dave Seabeck
Pre-Conference Session Description: Join Chris Coleman (Chesterfield County, VA) and Dave Seabeck (Larimer County, CO) for a deep-dive into the Google suite of tools essential for robust website data collection, reporting, and insights. This workshop focuses on the critical configuration, setup, customization, and tracking within Google Analytics (GA4), supported by Google Tag Manager, Search Console, and Looker Studio. You'll gain a holistic understanding of how these tools integrate to capture comprehensive data. More importantly, you'll learn to compile and visualize your data through real-world examples, empowering your content editors with compelling, actionable insights and easy wins for data-driven decisions.
Cost: $115 NAGW members / $145 Non-NAGW members
Topic: Accessibility
Title: Just Tell Me What To Do: Building a Blueprint for Digital Accessibility Success Through Policy, Brand, and Clear Guidance (1 p.m. - 5 p.m.)
Presenter: Abi O’Neal, IT Accessibility Program Manager, State of Colorado Department of Personnel & Administration
Pre-Conference Session Description: Join us to discover how a unified, cross-functional approach can drive sustainable digital accessibility compliance and foster a culture of inclusion throughout your agency. Whether you’re just starting your accessibility journey or looking to enhance your current practices, this session will provide insights to help you succeed. Using real-world examples, we’ll explore a comprehensive strategy that combines policy creation, brand initiatives, and the creation of clear, actionable guidance. Participants should expect to come away with ideas for creating an integrated digital accessibility strategy, useful references, and tools to help them on their path.
Cost: $115 NAGW members / $145 Non-NAGW members
Topic: Web Design
Title: WordPress “Build A Site” Workshop (1 p.m. - 5 p.m.)
Presenter: Ken Smith, Web Content Administrator, Brazos County, TX
