Looking ahead to GOVIT

As Fusion Learning Partners celebrates its 50th anniversary, this milestone is more than a reflection on the past. It is a testament to an organization that has continually evolved, embraced change, and positioned itself for even greater impact in the years ahead. While many organizations spend their anniversary year looking backward, Fusion’s story is one of looking forward, proving that growth and innovation remain at the heart of its mission.

For five decades, Fusion Learning Partners has brought people together through education, collaboration, and shared purpose. Throughout its history, the organization has helped public and civic sector leaders navigate change, foster innovation, and strengthen the communities they serve. Yet one of Fusion’s most remarkable chapters has unfolded in recent years.

More than just a conference

Like many organizations, Fusion faced significant challenges during the pandemic years. But when those difficult times subsided, there was no “return to normal.” Instead, Fusion recognized that the world had changed, and with it came the opportunity to rethink how it could best serve its audiences.

Rather than relying solely on traditional programs and geographic boundaries, Fusion embraced a new vision centered on greater reach, deeper engagement, and year-round learning opportunities.

For nearly 40 years, Fusion served government technology professionals through its flagship annual conference, now known as the GOVIT Leadership Summit & Symposium. As audiences became more selective about in-person gatherings following the pandemic, Fusion saw an opportunity to do more.

The organization began expanding beyond a once-a-year event model, developing training programs, educational content, and professional development opportunities that could support government technology leaders throughout the year. This evolution required new thinking, additional expertise, and strategic partnerships that could enhance both capacity and impact.

A strong partnership

One partnership, in particular, would become transformational. The Public Technology Institute (PTI) shared much in common with Fusion. Founded in the 1970s, PTI was established to advance the public sector through learning, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices. Both organizations were driven by a common belief: when public servants have access to quality education and strong professional networks, communities benefit.

Following a successful initial collaboration, PTI approached Fusion in late 2022 about becoming its new administrative and operational home. The opportunity aligned perfectly with Fusion’s strategic direction. PTI’s expertise in credentialing and certificate-based training programs complemented Fusion’s goal of expanding year-round learning opportunities for government technology leaders.

In June 2023, Fusion Learning Partners officially acquired the Public Technology Institute, creating a powerful combination of strengths.

Fusion brought organizational stability, nonprofit operational expertise, and a respected reputation built over four decades in the Upper Midwest. PTI contributed a national footprint, established training programs, and a longstanding reputation as a trusted resource for public sector technology leaders across the country.

The result was a true win-win partnership that expanded opportunities for both organizations and the audiences they serve.

Investment and innovation

The success of PTI under Fusion’s leadership demonstrates what can happen when mission-driven organizations invest thoughtfully in growth. Since becoming a division of Fusion, PTI has experienced remarkable momentum. Membership has more than doubled, participation in its signature Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO) credential program has reached record levels, and the organization has expanded its consulting services to municipalities nationwide.

This success did not happen by accident. Fusion made the growth of PTI a strategic priority, investing in additional staff and contractor support, engaging external marketing expertise, expanding partnerships, and dedicating resources to strengthen programs and services. The result has been increased reach, greater engagement, and a broader impact on public sector technology leadership across the country.

Fusion’s adaptability extends beyond its Public Technology division. As part of a comprehensive brand restructuring in 2025, Fusion reimagined and expanded its service offerings by creating Catalyst Solutions Group. This new division brought together Fusion’s longstanding conference management expertise with newly developed association management services under a single, unified brand.

Today, Catalyst Solutions Group serves six clients and continues to pursue new opportunities with government technology associations and other mission-driven organizations. The division represents another example of Fusion’s willingness to innovate, diversify, and respond to emerging needs in the marketplace.

Looking ahead to GOVIT

Fusion and PTI are excited to host this year’s GOVIT Leadership Summit & Symposium. Join us November 8 to 10 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, a newly renovated venue that is easily accessible by car or air travel.

Participating in the GOVIT Leadership Summit & Symposium extends your organization’s opportunity to build knowledge, gain insights, share solutions and create invaluable relationships with colleagues across sectors, localities and function areas.

At the 2026 GOVIT Leadership Summit & Symposium, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You will be with local government IT leaders and professionals who help one another, sharing solutions and experiences.

Register now! The GOVIT Leadership Summit & Symposium is the can’t-miss conference for government and public sector.

• Schedule of events
• Featured speakers
• Breakout speakers
• Session information

This article was previously published as 50 Years of Growth: Expanding, Adapting, and Ready for What’s Next and is republished with permission.