Ship Summit

Join Rise8 practitioners as we open our playbook, sharpen our practice, and build mission-ready software, together.

MARCH 31 — APRIL 2, 2026 | PARK CITY, UT

LEARN.
Build.
Ship Outcomes.
Who It's For

ShipSummit isn’t open to everyone — 
and that’s by design.

It’s for the doers—product managers, designers, and engineers who are serious about outcomes in production. If that’s you, apply now and let’s get to work.

I AM A
PRODUCT MANAGER

Prioritize the Right Value.
Ship It. Learn the Fastest.

You set direction and navigate tradeoffs to translate mission intent into mission impact. At ShipSummit, you'll sharpen your ability to align strategy with execution, validate assumptions faster, and prioritize what moves the needle. You’ll leave with better tools to map value streams, run higher-fidelity experiments, and lead with clarity in high-stakes environments.

I AM A
DESIGNER

Research Fast. Prototype Smarter. Design for Impact.

You turn mission challenges into intuitive experiences with impact. At ShipSummit, you’ll deepen your ability to translate research into rapid prototypes, blending human insight with AI to move from idea to validation, fast. You’ll leave with sharper instincts, stronger cross-discipline fluency, and a better playbook to design and ship solutions that meet mission needs.

I AM A
SOFTWARE ENGINEER

Engineer Mission-Critical Outcomes. Deploy Production Solutions.

You connect ideas to fast, secure, mission-ready solutions. At ShipSummit, you’ll apply AI-accelerated XP practices to build resilient software and shorten delivery cycles through hands-on practice. You’ll leave with stronger systems thinking, AI-accelerated practices, and the confidence to ship secure, production-ready code, faster.

I AM A
PLATFORM ENGINEER

Set the Foundation. 
Empower the Mission.

You establish the foundation for fast, secure delivery. At ShipSummit, you’ll practice hands-on infrastructure automation, security-first configuration, and resilient architecture patterns built for mission-scale systems. From Kubernetes orchestration to secure data pipeline design, you’ll sharpen your ability to support teams and ship outcomes—without friction, without delay.

Speakers

Gene Kim
Author & Founder, IT Revolution

Gene Kim, bestselling author and DevOps thought leader, has studied high-performing tech organizations since 1999 and founded IT Revolution and Tripwire. His acclaimed works include Vibe Coding, The Phoenix Project, and The DevOps Handbook.

Bryon Kroger
Founder & CEO, Rise8

Bryon Kroger, Founder and CEO of Rise8, previously co-founded Kessel Run, where he led enterprise-scale DoD DevSecOps transformation. A former Air Force targeteer turned digital innovator, he launched Rise8 in 2019 to help change agents deliver mission outcomes faster.

John Cutler
Head of Product, Dotwork

John Cutler, Head of Product at Dotwork, explores the complex systems behind great products. Formerly with Toast and Amplitude, he combines experience in UX, product management, and coaching, sharing insights through his newsletters and blogs.

Jason Fraser
Author, Advisor & Leader at Tanzu Labs

Jason is an impact strategy consultant with years of experience leading software product and design teams in the public sector space. Jason applies his product strategy approach to help teams drive successful mission outcomes. His work spans a wide range of mission-driven clients, from the US Dept of Defense, to small nonprofits, and even the White House Presidential Personnel Office.

Adam Furtado
Director of Enablement, Rise8

Adam Furtado, Director of Enablement at Rise8, drives employee growth and mission success for federal and defense customers. With over 17 years of experience, he previously founded Sagely and served as Chief Product Officer at Kessel Run.

Max Reele
Director of Delivery, Rise8

Max Reele, Director of Delivery at Rise8, leads cross-practice teams to accelerate mission-critical outcomes. A retired Air Force officer with 20+ years in government tech, he’s held leadership roles at DIU, Kessel Run, and BESPIN.

Why SUMMIT?

When lives, missions, and public services are on the line, good enough isn’t.

ShipSummit is real practice with real teams solving real problems—alongside Rise8’s Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers. No fluff. No filler. Just the work that makes software and teams better.

Day 1: Sharpen Your Practice
Dive into focused learning tracks for Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers—each built around AI, continuous delivery, and DevOps best practices. Learn directly from leading voices in tech and industry who are shaping the future of mission-centric software delivery.

Days 2-3: Build Mission-Critical Solutions
Join a balanced, cross-functional team to tackle real-world challenges during the Impact Lab. Together, you’ll design and build a solution using cutting-edge AI tools, with guidance from our best-in-class speakers. On Day Three, teams will showcase their work on stage to a panel of judges. It’s hands-on, high-impact learning you can take straight back to your mission.

Whether you’re sharpening your practice or adding new tools, ShipSummit is built for fast learning, deep collaboration, and hands-on practice that sticks.

The Venue

ShipSummit takes place at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Park City, UT

This quiet, cold-climate setting clears the noise for deep thinking and meaningful work.

  • A focused space built for hands-on sessions, live impact lab, and real collaboration
  • Time and headspace to sharpen your skills without the daily churn
  • Connection with skilled practitioners who take their craft as seriously as you do
See the Gallery
Attend SHIPSUMMIT

ShipSummit is designed for those ready to apply their craft in practice.

March 31 - April 2, 2026 | Park City, Utah

Join us for three days with one mission: build better software, better teams, and better outcomes.

Pass includes access to all sessions, impact labs, breakfast, lunch and daily snacks.

Costs:

Seats are limited. Founders Pass pricing ends December 19

Get Your Pass

GREAT builders ASK GREAT QUESTIONS

FAQs

Who is SHIPSUMMIT for?
Who is SHIPSUMMIT for?

ShipSummit is designed for Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers from Rise8, public service, and private industry, who want to elevate their practice and deepen their understanding of modern software delivery.

What can I expect to learn?
What can I expect to learn?

You’ll gain practical skills focused on your discipline - Product Management, Design and Engineering, through a lens of continuous delivery, balanced teams and outcomes. Expect immersive workshops, build camps, and sessions led by experienced practitioners.

Will I be eligible for continuing education credits?
Will I be eligible for continuing education credits?

Yes. Attendees from government agencies will receive CPE or CLP Credits for participation in ShipSummit. The final agenda will determine the total number of awardable credits.

Are there opportunities to participate as a speaker or sponsor?
Are there opportunities to participate as a speaker or sponsor?

Absolutely. Sponsors can run workshops, participate in build camps, and demonstrate their tools in real use cases. Select speakers will be invited to share practitioner-level insights with aligned values and relevant experience.

Email us at shipsummit@rise8.us to learn more.

What if I have a conflict and have to cancel?
What if I have a conflict and have to cancel?

We understand—when the mission calls, you answer. Cancel by March 1 for a full refund, or by March 15 for a 50% refund. After March 16, all registrations are non-refundable.

What's there to do in Park City?
What's there to do in Park City?

Park City delivers big mountain energy with small-town charm. Known for it’s historic downtown and lively cultural scene, it offers great food, local breweries, stunning views, and plenty of ways to unwind after a day of learning and building with fellow practitioners.

Do you offer a Justification Letter for attendance?
Do you offer a Justification Letter for attendance?
Pattern

Seats are limited.

Founders Pass pricing ends 12/19.