On Nov. 20, industry leaders, technology partners and public sector influencers gathered at the Hyatt Regency Reston for the 10th Annual Government IT Sales Summit. It marked a decade of conversations, insights and innovations shaping the future of government technology.

This year’s theme, “Guiding Growth in a Shifting Landscape,” reflected the evolving realities facing federal, state and local agencies. With FY2026 approaching and modernization priorities accelerating, the discussions underscored how crucial it is for partners to help agencies navigate complexity with clarity, strategy and purpose.

Major themes and insights

1. Technology modernization is accelerating, but so is choice

Agencies face an expanding range of technologies to consider, from AI-driven analytics to secure multi-cloud infrastructure and next-generation endpoints. During Dell Technologies’ sponsored session, "Navigating Technology Choices in Government," panelists dug into the forces shaping these decisions—policy shifts, performance requirements, cybersecurity mandates and operational demands.

A recurring message: innovation must be paired with mission alignment. Agencies increasingly look to trusted partners who can help them evaluate emerging capabilities while ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness.

2. Balancing innovation with budget constraints

Leaders openly discussed the tension between modernizing rapidly and managing tightening budgets.

Panelists emphasized strategic planning, better forecasting and leveraging contract vehicles efficiently to maximize return on investment. Partners like Arrow and Dell become especially valuable here, helping agencies understand procurement paths, streamline technology adoption and optimize IT spend.

3. Public sector demand for simplicity and support

Whether addressing cloud strategy, cybersecurity readiness or hybrid work needs, agencies want solutions that reduce complexity. The Summit highlighted continued pressure on CIOs and CISOs to consolidate tools, secure environments and reduce operational overhead, often without adding headcount. Partners that deliver packaged, repeatable and compliant solutions will be best positioned to support agencies moving into FY2026.

Looking ahead to next year

The conversations at this year’s Summit revealed several opportunities for the year ahead:

• Deeper investment in AI-enabled efficiency tools
• Expanding modernization across SLED, where agencies seek scalable, secure solutions
• Greater reliance on partner ecosystems to navigate legal, compliance and procurement hurdles
• Continued focus on cybersecurity mandates and zero-trust progress

As agencies face a shifting technology and regulatory landscape, events like the Government IT Sales Summit will remain essential for keeping the community coordinated and forward-looking.

How Arrow and Dell are here to support the public sector

Arrow, immixGroup and Dell Technologies bring together the resources, expertise and partner ecosystem agencies need to modernize without uncertainty. From navigating contract vehicles to architecting secure modernization roadmaps, our teams help government organizations evaluate the right technologies and implement them with confidence.

As you plan for FY2026 and beyond, we stand ready to support your mission every step of the way.

For questions about this article or how Arrow and immixGroup can support your government IT initiatives, please contact your Arrow or immixGroup representative.