Winter #MACoCon Registration Isn’t Open Yet – But Here’s How You Can Prepare

MACo's Winter Conference is in high demand, especially as we lead into the first legislative session of a new four-year term. Registration isn't open yet, but here's everything you can do to prepare to register as soon as it's ready. Conference Details: Date: January 6-8, 2027 - with a special pre-conference Newly Elected Officials Orientation for new county officials only (County Executives, County Commissioners, and County Council Members) Location: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel, Cambridge,…

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MACo County Champion Awards – Nominate Extraordinary Public Servants and Innovative Programs by Oct 23

MACo’s County Champion Award series celebrates innovative county programs and county leaders who demonstrate extraordinary public service. Nominations are due October 23, 2026. Every year, MACo – in partnership with the University of Maryland School of Public Policy and the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance – seeks to celebrate those county leaders and programs making exceptional contributions to Maryland counties. MACo will announce award winners in November and make award presentations at our Winter Conference Awards…

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MACo’s Oct 22 Information Technology Conference To Focus on AI, Modernization, and Federal Policy Updates

In addition to MACo’s Summer and Winter Conferences, the Association holds several annual events focusing on specific topics within county service areas. The County Information Technology Conference is scheduled for October 22 and will feature deep-dive content revolving around county tech challenges and priorities. All county and state elected officials and professionals are invited to register for this annual conference hosted by MACo's IT Affiliate, focusing on technology issues and challenges unique to county government.…

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MACo’s Fall Symposium Explores AI Opportunities and Responsibilities for Counties

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday government operations, creating new opportunities for counties while also raising important questions about responsible implementation. At the 2026 MACo Fall Symposium on September 14, county leaders, technology professionals, legal experts, and more gathered at the Crowne Plaza Annapolis to explore how local governments can harness AI while protecting residents and public trust. The one-day symposium, “Harnessing AI: Opportunities and Responsibilities for Counties,” focused on the practical realities…

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Interested in Speaking at Winter #MACoCon? Submissions Due Sept 24

MACo's Winter Conference, "Full Steam Ahead," is scheduled for January 6-8, 2027 (with a special pre-conference Newly Elected Officials Orientation on January 5), at the Hyatt in Cambridge, MD. Proposals for topics and sessions are being accepted through September 24, 2026. VIEW THE CALL FOR PROPOSALS Full Steam Ahead With a new four-year term on the horizon, Maryland's county leaders have a unique opportunity to set the course for the years ahead. This conference will…

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MACo Fall Symposium – Harnessing AI: Opportunities and Responsibilities for Counties

Every year, MACo hosts a one-day symposium for county officials and professionals to dive deeply into a hot topic. The 2026 Fall Symposium will be held on September 14 and will focus on artificial intelligence responsibilities and opportunities for counties. MACo Fall Symposium September 14, 2026 9:30 am – 3:00 pm Crowne Plaza Annapolis Harnessing AI: Opportunities and Responsibilities for Counties  Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way governments serve residents, support employees, and make…

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MACo Communications Affiliate Welcomes New Leadership, Plans First In-Person Conference

MACo’s PIOs and Communications Professionals Affiliate Group welcomed a new leadership team during the 2026 MACo Summer Conference and is already looking ahead to a major first: an in-person conference dedicated to Maryland’s county communicators. Sarah Kilmon of Talbot County will serve as President, Sarah Campbell of Frederick County as Vice President, and Victoria Zelefsky of the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation as Secretary. The Communications Affiliate brings together public information officers, communications professionals, and…

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Summer MACoCon Is Over but the Conversations Continue

The 2026 Summer MACoCon might be over, but many of the conversations that filled the convention center's halls are ongoing. In this episode of the Conduit Street Podcast, Shantelle Malcolm-Lym is joined by Karrington Anderson and Dominic Butchko to look back at what stood out at MACoCon and, more importantly, what comes next. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in…

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Picture Perfect: Looking Back at Summer #MACoCon 2026

MACo’s 2026 Summer Conference, “Build What’s Next,” brought more than 3,000 county leaders, state officials, policymakers, partners, and professionals to Ocean City from August 12-15 for four packed days of learning, collaboration, and connection. #MACoCon once again brought together voices from across Maryland and beyond to tackle today’s challenges while looking ahead at what’s next for local government.This year’s program took on some of the biggest issues shaping Maryland’s counties, from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity…

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Beyond the Deadline: Counties Make Digital Accessibility an Everyday Practice

Digital accessibility is not a box counties can check once and move on. As websites, social media, videos, documents, forms, and other digital services continue to evolve, maintaining accessibility means making it part of how local governments create and publish content every day. At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, communications and multimedia professionals explored what comes after understanding the requirements: building sustainable processes that help counties make their digital content accessible from the start. Delegate…

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