Connect 2025: Gathered to Learn and Celebrate Together

May 12, 2025 by Craig Patton

There was no corralling the enthusiasm as attendees poured into the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, for the start of Connect 2025. After months of anticipation and planning, 5,300 public sector leaders from around the country were ready for three days of training, inspirational speakers, and networking.

Gavin Harvey, Heather Holzem, and Amy Thompson from Columbus, Indiana, were among those who had gathered in one of America’s most picturesque cities and the Culinary Capital of Texas^®. They were looking forward to pursuing multiple goals during the conference. “I want to learn tips and tricks to get our whole billing system tightened up,” Holzem said. “Ways to make it faster and more efficient.” Thompson said she was, “looking to get some specific answers to things we've come across in the year since we’ve been live.” Harvey added that their team would also be, “Trying to figure out best practices using different modules within the software as well as learn about future updates.”

Elias Eades of Palm Springs, Florida, cited a similar goal. “We're trying to make Tyler our one-stop shop for anything where we see a need to implement technology to make something more efficient.” He also noted the value of networking at Connect. “It’s great being able to come in person and talk to so many other people that use the products as well as Tyler employees themselves. You get so many tidbits you wouldn’t get otherwise.”

Tyler’s Priorities: Transformative Value Through Technology and Client Experience

Lynn Moore on stage

Tyler CEO and President Lynn Moore onstage during the Opening Session

The conference formally launched on Monday with an opening session featuring Tyler Technologies executives. Tyler CEO and President Lynn Moore took the stage and welcomed attendees to Connect, noting that everyone gathered plays a pivotal role, “in shaping the world we’re building together through technology.” He added that, “This week, you’ll learn more about Tyler’s focus on your experience. How you experience our products, how you experience our services, how you experience our partnership.”

Moore went on to highlight three key investment areas:

Artificial intelligence (AI) - Tyler continues to take a deliberate approach to AI, with real-world client success to celebrate today and use-cases for every flagship product.
Cloud - All of Tyler’s flagship products have a roadmap to the cloud and future development efforts and product enhancements will prioritize current versions of our cloud-based software.
Client experience - As part of our continued commitment to improving the client experience, Tyler has its first-ever chief client officer, Andrew Kahl.

Moore then introduced Kahl who shared his thoughts on how trust is earned, strengthened, and maintained over time. “If we’re doing client experience right,” Kahl said, “you’ll continue to trust us for your technology needs well into the future – ultimately leading to what I like to call the client experience continuum.”

Kahl also expressed his admiration and respect for the work government technology professionals do. He cited their passion for improving outcomes that matter for residents’ lives and transforming their communities while leveraging technology to create meaningful change.

How to Move With Confidence in an Unpredictable World

Elatia Abate on stage

Elatia Abate delivered the keynote address during the Opening Session

Entrepreneur, futurist, and educator Elatia Abate delivered the keynote address, “Regenerative Resilience: Leading in a Future Deﬁned by Disruption.” In a world where the velocity of change has moved from incremental to exponential to instantaneous, Abate sought to arm listeners to thrive in today’s unpredictable world, sculpting disruption into transformative power.

Cecilia Casanova-Valdez and Paul Cantu of Brownsville Texas were in the audience and felt inspired. Casanova-Valdez said, “She empowered me to be the architect of my life, to be better. What are you going to leave behind? I want to challenge myself to be a better person and grow!” Cantu agreed and said he particularly appreciated the breathing exercises that Abate wove into her keynote and her suggestion to use them in meetings. “I think I'm going to introduce that as a starter to just help everyone relax before we get going on business. It was really impactful.”

Deep in the Hub of Connect

Attendees speaking with Tyler staff

Attendees speaking with Tyler staff in the Solutions Hub

The Solutions Hub was once again one of the hottest sites at Connect, providing a one-stop shop for attendees. Located in sprawling Exhibit Hall 4, the Hub was abuzz with activity. Clients with specific questions about their existing products talked directly with Tyler experts at the Product Help Desks. At the Tyler Store, attendees purchased Tyler brand items ranging from travel mugs to socks to pickleball paddles. On Mother’s Day, Kendra Scott opened a pop-up shop with 20% of sales donated to the San Antonio Food Bank. In the Sponsors Pavilion, Amazon Web Services (AWS) — a Connect 2025 Platinum Sponsor — was among the thirty sponsors that helped bring this year’s event to life.

Honoring Excellence

Dani congratulating all TEA winners

Dani McArthur of Tyler (far right) congratulated the winners at a reception

This year’s Tyler Excellence Award winners were honored at a reception on Sunday evening. The 28 honorees were selected from nominations spanning local governments, courts, schools, and other departments from around the country.

Learn more about the Tyler Excellence Awards and read about current and past winners on tylertech.com.

(Re)Connect Tomorrow

Join us tomorrow for another blog updating all things Connect as the full slate of workshops ramps up. We'll also cover this year's Giving Back Event and more of what’s happening in the Solutions Hub.