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FWD50 is the annual gathering of the world’s leading public sector innovators. Since 2017, thousands of public servants, technologists, and civic innovators from around the world gather at FWD50 to answer one vital question: How do we use technology to make society better for all?

In 2020, we delivered a groundbreaking virtual event, and in 2021 we expanded to year-round workshops and welcomed over 30 countries to the annual conference. In 2022, we’re bringing what we’ve learned online to a safe in-person hybrid conference.

FWD50 at a glance

Year-round online content culminating in a 3-day conference.

654 speakers from government, academia, and technology since inception.

Thousands of participants from more than 40 countries.

Bi-weekly online content, monthly workshops, occasional book clubs.

What’s coming in 2022?

While COVID has changed nearly every facet of work and learning, it’s also forced us to innovate. We have new ways of connecting and interacting, and we want to bring those to a hybrid community throughout the year. So we’re blending virtual learning, online workshops, and live events in our community platform with meetups and an in-person conference.

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A look back at last year

3000+ attendees descend on Canada’s Capital City every fall to talk about the future of digital and open government. Watch the 2021 recap, and join us for 2022 as we gather thousands in person and virtually from around the globe.

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What people are saying

“This is the conference for any leaders who are skeptical about ‘digital’.“

“I really value being able to bounce ideas off so many intelligent and motivated people, at so many different levels.”

“The diversity of thought and its power is clear at FWD50.“

“There are SO many people who care about making our communities, our country, our world a better place. I’m in ‘awe’.”

“You know when you experience those special moments that change the trajectory in your life… it happened this morning at the #FWD50 session.”

“Every other event sucks in comparison.”

“Best event and conference community in the world!“

“Mind is blown already and before I’ve finished my 3rd coffee.”

“Always top on my learning plan…”

“I have come to look forward to the FWD50 conference each year as a way to reconnect, recharge and make new partnerships.”

“One of the most responsive and relevant learning events.”

Speakers

We've welcomed hundreds of the world's leading digital government experts to our stage. See who’s taking the stage this fall!

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Something for everyone

Government executives

For modern leaders, technology is no longer an option. It’s the key to better services, more inclusive design, lower costs, and increased transparency.

But while tech can help government, it’s also fundamentally reshaping society. Technology isn’t just in service of policy—it is policy. Since 2020, we’ve delivered leadership content tailored to the unique challenges that government executives face.

Technologists

AI. The Internet of Things. Big Data. Cloud Computing. Government is Big Tech for public good, and it’s your job to keep it running smoothly while replacing outdated infrastructure, listening at scale, and anticipating changes.

FWD50 has the deep-dive workshops, hard-won lessons, and diverse expert voices you need to shape the platforms on which governments will run in the future. Join our community to get involved year-round.

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.

FWD50 creates meaningful conversations between government and industry. Whether you want to attend, speak, or help support the event, this is the best way to connect with your public service counterparts and chart the course of digital government together.

Our partners

We believe that a rising tide lifts all boats—and the conference wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partners. Some of the world’s leading tech companies help us put on FWD50.

Become a sponsor