From Chatbots to Agents

AI agents are often described as the next generation of AI, but the reality is more nuanced. Most organizations move gradually from using AI for drafting and research to using AI that remembers context, automates tasks, coordinates workflows, and eventually takes action on a user's behalf. This session explores that evolution and explains how agents differ from chatbots, copilots, workflow automation, and traditional software tools. Drawing on early government examples, participants will learn where agencies are experimenting with agentic capabilities today and how to distinguish meaningful innovation from marketing hype.