Connect 2025: Powering Up and Giving Back

May 13, 2025 by Craig Patton

Following up on the excitement of the opening day, Connect 2025 in San Antonio, Texas, continued to serve up giant helpings of learning, networking, inspiration, and enjoyment for the 5,300 public sector attendees. A brimming schedule of workshops, demos, speakers, and special events kept everyone moving while the AWS Cloud Lounge provided an oasis where they could recharge.

Connect Is an All-You-Can-Learn Buffet

Participants in one of many hands-on labs

Connect 2025 included almost 700 unique training sessions geared for every experience level and ranging from “Higher Power of Purchasing in the Cloud” to “Artificial Intelligence and the Law” to hands-on labs like “Optimizing Templates, Layouts, and Dispatch Positions.” General sessions from each flagship product group provided attendees with the opportunity to hear directly from leadership about product initiatives and market trends while also celebrating Tyler Excellence Award winners.

Miguel Guardado and Jason Underwood of Manhattan Beach, California, were among hundreds who attended “Data Governance Building Blocks: Prepare for AI and Innovative Technologies.” Underwood came away impressed. “We're definitely looking at everything they covered and everything in the session was good and new to me,” he said. “We absolutely see a lot of applications for what we heard.” Guardado added, “I’m excited to see how Tyler is embracing AI and how they’re going to help cities incorporate it into their day-to-day operations. I think a lot of cities are struggling to do that and Tyler’s going to help put a big presence of AI with their products. I'm super excited for what the future holds.”

Breanna Homestead of Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, attended “Rethinking Budgeting to Strategically Solve Budgeting Challenges” and left inspired. “I think evaluating the services that my district is currently providing and then being able to reallocate where necessary by using funds that may not be used elsewhere is valuable.” She shared that priority-based budgeting is already a hot topic in her agency. “None of us want to cut services and this gives us helpful options.”

Exploring Solutions at the Hub

Attendees spoke with Tyler staff about potential technology solutions for their communities

The Solutions Hub continued to be one of the most bustling sites at Connect. Attendees could listen in to podcasts being recorded, visit event sponsor kiosks, or get in-person support on Tyler products at the Product Help Desks. Live demos of Tyler products allowed attendees to learn how they can be used to improve resident experience, cybersecurity, resilience, and more.

William Jerelds of Deltona, Florida, spoke with a Tyler staff member about Enterprise Asset Management. His agency is seeking to connect existing functionality, including GIS. “We’re currently trying to get our field techs a little more mobile,” he said. “He provided some information that I think we’ll be able to utilize right away.”

Jessica O’Connell of Incline Village, Nevada, shared that her agency is considering Tyler’s Data & Insights solution and appreciated the chance to talk directly with Tyler staff. “It was very helpful. I learned a lot about the product and what we need to consider.”

Floating in the AWS Cloud Lounge

Treats and relaxation at the AWS Cloud Lounge

Attendees looking to recharge before diving back in to learning and networking enjoyed the Cloud Lounge, sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS). Tyler’s strategic collaboration with AWS brings the expertise of the world’s most broadly adopted public cloud offering to our clients, accelerating their digital transformation goals and connecting communities.

The AWS Cloud Lounge featured giveaway treats, comfy sofa sets, and a “cloud” ball pit where attendees climbed in and took selfies. AWS team members were also on hand to answer questions.

Giving Back — A Connect Tradition

Kirsten Gappelberg presents check to representatives

Tyler vice president of corporate communications Kirsten Gappelberg (second from left) helped present a check to representatives from San Antonio Food Bank

An important part of every Connect is the Giving Back Activity, a chance for attendees and Tyler staff to support community work in the host city. This year’s benefited San Antonio Food Bank, a nonprofit that distributes millions of pounds of food to more than 500 organizations in Southwest Texas. Participants contributed to the “No Summer Hunger Campaign” to provide local children with food throughout the summer months by filling drawstring backpacks with child-friendly foods. The bags were donated by J Paul Company. Interest in the activity was so strong that attendees filled all 1,000 bags in under three hours!

(Re)Connect Tomorrow

Join us tomorrow for our final Connect blog as we report on featured speakers, the Client Appreciation Event, and what insights attendees are bringing back to their local communities.