In 2023, we expanded the event to a second building, added workshops and networking exclusively for online participants, and introduced a library, an executive cohort, and programs that welcomed nearly every Federal department.
Where the people building tomorrow’s government go to learn, connect, and recharge.
Every year, FWD50’s global community of public servants, technologists, and civic innovators gather to tackle one vital question: How do we use technology to make society better for all?
“An invaluable experience that significantly reshaped my perspective on Digital Transformation.”
“There are very few safe places for those in the public service to talk honestly about the problems we face. FWD50 is that place.”
“An incredible opportunity to dive into the future of technology, government, and beyond.”
“This conference should be mandatory for all in government.”
“This was my first time attending the conference and I truly enjoyed all 3 days. Congratulations on an amazing conference.... I'm hooked!”
“It was a fantastic opportunity to be in with the 'in crowd' in digital government. A chance to reinvigorate the work we do on a daily basis.”
“A melting pot of innovative ideas and forward-thinking individuals.”
“It's pretty cool to be here at FWD50. It's the most un-government government conference I've got to attend this year, which is amazing.”
“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.”
“I highly recommend it to anyone in public service, digital services, or IT! It’s invigorating to be surrounded, even virtually, by passionate, techy public servants.”
What happened in 2023?
FWD50 at a glance
Latest updates
We interview authors, public servants, and digital innovators, and publish thought-provoking essays on our core themes. Here are our most recent posts; you can also check out past updates as well.
Jan 29, 2024
Oct 18, 2023
Oct 6, 2023
Oct 5, 2023
Our speakers
We’ve welcomed hundreds of the world’s leading digital government experts to our stage. Want to join them, or suggest someone? Here's how to get in touch. You can check out all our past faculty on our speaker page.
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.
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Our partners
We couldn't run FWD50 without our collaborators in civic tech and consultancies around the world, as well as dozens of industry partners who see FWD50 as the best way to connect with their public service counterparts and chart a path towards better digital government together. We'll be announcing our 2024 supporters, and many more collaborators, in the coming months.
Collaboration
