#MACoCon Tech Expo – Sessions Expanded & Expo Exhibits Almost Sold Out!

MACo is proud to present the Summer Conference Tech Expo on Wednesday of Summer Conference for intense hands-on training in new and developing technologies. Expanded exhibit hall features 60 technology-focused vendors.

MACo’s 2019 Summer Conference will focus the changes being seen in all levels of government service – how tech is affecting the way we work and what that means for service delivery. As always, the conference will feature 4 days of educational sessions along with meetings, briefings, and a 2-day tradeshow of 250+ exhibiting companies. View the registration brochure.

robotThe Tech Expo, a one-day opportunity to showcase tech vendors and tech-intensive content, is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14, from 11 am – 4 pm. Due to the massive popularity of the Expo and its content, MACo is thrilled to expand from three sessions to five, offering Deep Dive sessions focusing on data security, NG911, small cells, and a 2-part focus on drones. Participants will learn what’s next for county governments on the technology frontier. The sessions will take an in-depth look at the policy challenges and solutions presented by these evolutions in technology.

Technology vendors will be highlighted through a special 60-booth one-day table-top exhibit show on Wednesday. ONLY 7 exhibit spaces left! View the Exhibitor Brochure and register today for your Tech Expo booth!

More information will be available soon, but the Deep Dive sessions are developing quickly:

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM  |  TECH EXPO TRADESHOW
Lead Sponsor: Google Cloud
Co-Sponsor: Fortinet
Interested in sponsoring the Tech Expo?
Don’t miss this chance to chat with technology vendors! See live demonstrations of tech that can save you time and money. We’re talking everything from GIS to 3-D printing, body cameras and speed cameras, virtual reality, and MORE! This is a ONE-DAY ONLY tradeshow – so be sure you get here Wednesday to check it out!

11:00 AM – Noon  |  DEEP DIVE SESSION
New Look 9-1-1: Everything Will Change…Except the Numbers
Hosted by MACo’s Emergency Managers Affiliate
Maryland’s legislators heard the call of county governments and other stakeholders and voted this year to modernize Maryland’s 9-1-1 system. This landmark legislation will update state laws—and the 9-1-1 financing system—to provide the flexibility and resources needed for the deployment of statewide Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911). But the legislation is only the first step in ensuring a timely, well-coordinated, consistent, and secure rollout of a statewide NG911 network. Cybersecurity, emerging technologies, interconnectivity, and records retention are just some of the issues on the 2019 agenda for the Commission to Advance Next Generation 9-1-1 Across Maryland. Attend this session to learn how Maryland is accelerating its move toward NG911, harnessing public safety industry leadership and expertise, and focusing on effective coordination with communications providers to deliver these essential services equitably across the state.

11:45 AM – 1:15 PM  |  BUFFET LUNCH (ticket required)

1:15 PM – 2:15 PM  |  DEEP DIVE SESSIONS
Drone Dilemma: Flying Under the Radar
A statewide report recently documented incidents of drones flying too near to persons or property, flying into restricted or prohibited airspace, flying too near airports or aircraft, being used for voyeurism or spying, and hindering public safety operations. These activities fly in the face of county governments, whose public duties and responsibilities include shielding county critical infrastructure from illegal surveillance, preventing drone interference with police, fire, and emergency response missions, and protecting the privacy of their residents. This session will describe federal drone regulations that can help county governments protect residents’ rights and shield public interests. Panelists will also share opportunities for law enforcement education and collaboration with other state and federal partners.

Maryland’s Small Cell Rollout: Making 5G a Reality
Hosted by MACo’s Information Technology Affiliate
5G wireless technology is on the horizon and small cell infrastructure is the path forward. Don’t get caught flat-footed. It’s time to act now – the Maryland way. Make sure your county is deploying this infrastructure and preparing for this technology on the best terms for your communities. In this session hear from experts in the field who will help you sort fact from fiction and properly deploy 5G small cells in accordance with federal law and local authority.

2:15 PM – 2:30 PM  |  NETWORKING & COFFEE BREAK
Sponsored by AmWINS Group, Inc.

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM  |  DEEP DIVE SESSIONS
The Underappreciated Upside of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (commonly known as “drones”) offer exciting possibilities for local government. Drones can assist county governments in a wide array of areas, including public safety surveillance, natural disaster and environmental assessments, planning reviews, and transportation information, among others. Panelists will discuss the current state of drone technology, discussing the potential benefits of local government applications, and sharing insight into appropriate program parameters and expectations, adherence to FAA regulations, start-up and training costs, and proper assessment of vendor and contractor qualifications.

Held Hostage: Protecting Your Data From Cyberattacks
Hosted by MACo’s Information Technology Affiliate
Ransomware, a malicious malware of cryptovirology, threatens to publish secure and sensitive data or perpetually block access to computer systems unless a ransom is paid. Cyber threats are commonplace now, and governments – including counties – are prized prey for these cyber criminals. As elections, public safety, and healthcare systems employ more sophisticated technology, they become even more attractive targets – the more interconnected these systems are, the greater the potential fallout. In this session, state and county IT experts will share best practices in data protection and data handling, and share next steps in protecting vulnerabilities.

MACo-2017-SUMMERCONFERENCE-DAY 1 (1A)
You don’t want to miss this exciting offering – be sure you register for either a Wednesday-only or a Full Conference registration through our registration website.

There is no additional fee to participate in the Expo – it comes with your Wednesday or Full registration!

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: