This morning’s Welcoming Session and Keynote, “The Future Is Now: The Transformation of Local Government” kicked off Thursday of MACo’s Summer Conference with excitement, enthusiasm and tales of innovations to come.

MACo President and Washington County Commissioner John Barr welcomed attendees and set the tone for the conference’s theme, “Cyber Solutions: Counties in the Digital Age.” The Ocean City Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors as MACo First Vice President and Cecil County Executive Tari Moore led attendees through the Pledge of Allegiance. Worchester County Commission President Jim Bunting and Ocean City Mayor Richard Meehan greeted guests to their jurisdictions, and Debra Davis, Charles County Commissioner and Chair of the Board of Trustees for Gold Corporate Partner and Summer Conference Sponsor  Local Government Insurance Trust introduced Keynote Speaker Futurist Simon Anderson.

Anderson discussed fascinating trends and technologies changing the world around us, and led attendees in discovering how to think about change and the future differently. In this thought-provoking and engaging presentation, Anderson covered topics including generational trends, attracting and retaining Millennial talent, workplace and workforce trends, emerging technologies to be aware of, and next steps and actions that you can take right away to be better prepared for the future. He illustrated current technological trends such as automated transportation systems and artificial intelligence.

The Welcoming Session and Keynote took place on Thursday, August 18, 2016 from 9 am-10 am in the Ocean City Convention Center’s Bayfront Ballroom.