2026
ShipSummit

2026

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

  • LEARN with JOHN CUTLER.
    Sharpen the practices that have defined your career and see how they’re evolving in an AI-accelerated world. The tools have changed, the goals haven't. Outcomes over optics.
  • BUILD with GENE KIM.
    Put those ideas to the test. Work shoulder-to-shoulder with peers and top practitioners. Get feedback from the people who literally wrote the book on shipping.
  • CONNECT with YOUR PEERS.
    Hone your craft alongside practitioners who are shaping the future of mission-centric software. Learn how others are making SHIP happen.
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Speakers
Agenda
Who is this event for
Impact Lab
What you'll learn
What to expect
Venue
Pricing
FAQs

Speakers & Coaches

Jeff Patton
Author, User Story Mapping

Jeff Patton is the author of User Story Mapping and founder of Jeff Patton & Associates. With decades of experience in product leadership, he has influenced Agile, UX, and product management through teaching, speaking, and hands-on practice.

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.

Adam Furtado
Vice President 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
Vice President 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.

Sharon Hamilton
Senior Customer Success Manager, Rise8

Sharon Hamilton is a Senior Customer Success Manager at Rise8, partnering with government leaders to deliver mission outcomes. She previously held leadership roles at Northrop Grumman and served as a program manager in the U.S. Air Force.

Purvi Desai
Delivery Lead, Rise8

Purvi Desai is a Delivery Lead at Rise8 with deep experience driving digital transformation across the federal government. She previously served in leadership roles at Kessel Run and the United States Digital Service, delivering mission-critical software at scale.

Agenda | March 31, 2026 - April 2, 2026

March 31
March 31
Day 1
Inspiring keynotes led by top practitioners in technology and government.
April 1
April 1
Day 2
Work with your team in Impact Lab, tackling real-world challenges using AI-native tools.
April 2
April 2
Day 3
Share what you built, reflect on what you learned, and learn from each other as a community.
Explore Agenda

Who is this event for?

Product managers
Learn to plan and prioritize under pressure. Validate assumptions fast. Use AI-friendly frameworks to guide decisions, align teams, and accelerate delivery of outcomes that matter.

Designers
Get a practical design playbook for rapid prototyping. Use AI to accelerate research, iteration, and decision-making.

Software engineers
Shorten feedback loops and delivery cycles. Learn how teams ship continuously—even in complex government environments.

Platform engineers
Go hands-on with fast, secure platform delivery. Infrastructure automation, security by default, Kubernetes orchestration, and more.

Impact Lab

Apply What You Learn.
Build Real Software. 

After Day One sessions, it’s time to apply what you’ve learned.

Impact Lab is a hands-on challenge designed to turn insight into impact—fast.

  • Skills-Based Cohorts
    You’ll join a skills-based cohort so everyone builds at the edge of their capability.
  • Real-World Challenge
    Operation Avalanche is a mission-inspired challenge developed with regional avalanche forecasting experts. It’s a real-world data and coordination problem where faster, clearer information can save lives.
  • AI-Native Tools
    Work with today’s leading AI-native software delivery platforms, with hands-on support to accelerate your learning.
  • Embedded Coaching
    Speakers from Day 1 return as coaches to guide product decisions, design direction, and engineering moves.
  • Deep Dive Learning Opportunities
    Follow up sessions with our experts to dive deeper into practices in real time.
  • Compressed Delivery
    You’ll have a day and a half to go from problem to prototype- or beyond!
  • Final Presentations
    On Day 3, top teams take the main stage to present their solution.

The goal: compress months of learning into hands-on-keys, collaborative, and AI-native delivery so you leave with real experience, new skills, and the confidence to deliver mission impact faster than ever.

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Impact Lab Partners

What you'll learn

Rapid Delivery
How high-performing teams ship mission-critical software fast, even in complex government environments.

Human–AI Collaboration
Practical methods for harnessing AI to improve workflows without losing the craft.

Evaluating AI Output
Close the feedback loop on non-deterministic systems to ship with measured confidence.

Lean Execution
Reducing friction, aligning quickly, and keeping momentum with small, focused teams.

Fast Experimentation
Running tight learning loops with the right metrics to validate direction and drive mission impact.

Vibe Coding
Turning plain-English intent into real software, across both technical and non-technical work.

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What to expect

  • Skill building workshops & talks tailored to product managers, designers, and engineers.
  • Interactive breakouts. Deep dives into AI-assisted research, rapid prototyping, vibe coding, and more.
  • Impact lab. Hands-on practice for rapid planning, development, and shipping a real prototype.
  • Keynotes & panels. Hard-won lessons from government and industry leaders. Case studies, workflows, and best practices.
  • Open sessions. 1:1 conversations with expert practitioners, peers, and vendors. Get concrete guidance on shipping software faster.
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Venue

ShipSummit takes place at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Park City, Utah. A slope-side lodge with mountain views, easy access to skiing and snowboarding, standout dining, and plenty of space to connect once the workday winds down.

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View Exclusive Rates

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It also functions as the Air Force Base’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Facility.

Pricing

Government

Government

Industry

Groups of 4+
(Industry)

Builder pass
‍‍(2/28 - 3/29)

$695
$1,495
$1,195

Pass includes access to all sessions, Impact Labs, breakfast, lunch, and daily snacks.

**If you were working for the government in 2025 and impacted by RIFs, please email shipsummit@rise8.us to inquire about reduced or waived registration fees.

Need approval to attend ShipSummit?

Download our justification templates below.

Public Sector Justification Letter
DoW Military/Civilian Justification Letter

Frequently asked questions

Who is the ShipSummit for?
Who is the 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 Credits for participation in the core, two-day 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.

What if I have a conflict and I have to cancel?
What if I have a conflict and I 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 is there to do in Park City, UT?
What is there to do in Park City, UT?

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. A comprehensive list of nearby activities can be found here.

Is there a dress code for ShipSummit?
Is there a dress code for ShipSummit?

The dress code is smart casual. There is an outdoor heated pool and hot tub at the hotel if you'd like to pack a swimsuit.

What are transportation options to the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley?
What are transportation options to the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley?

There are rideshares like Uber or Lyft available from the airport to the hotel. Deer Valley also has a shuttle to Park City and nearby ski resorts, you can see the schedule here.

Can you accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?
Can you accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Absolutely. Just send us a note at shipsummit@rise8.us before the event and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

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