MACo’s Summer Conference Solutions Showcase will feature innovative and effective ways to address county governance challenges. Join us to hear from industry experts and thought leaders on how your county and organization might be able to streamline, save money, and achieve your goals!
The Solutions Showcase schedule is listed below…
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2022
Ransomware Survival in New Places: Prepare Now and Do NOT Pay
Hosted by Veeam
There is no bigger threat to the technology landscape than ransomware. In this session, Veeam will overview some key tips and tricks to survive your next ransomware incident. The reality is, there are 2 types of people in this world: those who have fought ransomware and those who don’t yet fully understand the horrors of fighting modern ransomware. Whether the data sits on-premises in a data center, in Microsoft 365, or on an endpoint device, the ransomware threat landscape constantly expands to new places. Attend this session to learn more about ransomware behaviors and techniques to prepare and respond to a ransomware incident.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 17, 2022 | 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Location: Room 209
Connected When It Counts: How FirstNet Provides Critical Communications When and Where It’s Needed
Hosted by FirstNet/AT&T
No connection is more important than the one that can save a life. FirstNet, Built by AT&T, is working with the public sector to transform the business of government by bringing together solutions that help protect, serve, and connect. We’re helping government customers across federal, state, and local markets modernize the way they operate. And we’re helping advance K-12 and higher education institutions. As public safety’s partner, AT&T is the only carrier providing end-to-end emergency communication to help public safety stay mission ready. Attend this session to learn how your county can stay connected when it counts!
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 17, 2022 | 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Location: Room 207
Digital Equity and the Affordable Connectivity Program
Hosted by Comcast
Comcast is proud to participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal government program which provides low-income households a credit of up to $30/month towards their Internet and/or Xfinity mobile services. Learn how we can partner to empower even more individuals in your community with the life-changing tools and resources they need to succeed in a digital world.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 17, 2022 | 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Room 207
Skipjack Wind: Bringing Decades of Opportunity to Maryland
Hosted by Ørsted
Skipjack Wind, a 966-megawatt offshore wind project, is being developed off the coast of Maryland and Delaware. This project, which will be developed, constructed, owned, and operated by Ørsted, the US leader in offshore wind energy, will deliver clean power to nearly 300,000 homes in the Delmarva region. In addition, it will create significant economic development opportunities and thousands of jobs throughout the state, making Maryland a leader in this exciting new industry for decades to come. Join this session to find out what this means for your county!
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 17, 2022 | 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Room 209
Partnering to Power the Future – IIJA Opportunities
Hosted by BGE
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) offers local governments and other stakeholders an opportunity to partner with utilities on energy infrastructure investments, fleet electrification, facility resiliency, and high-speed internet. This session focuses on projects currently under development, proposed grants, and future opportunities for infrastructure investment
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 17, 2022 | 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Room 207
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022
Enhanced Law Enforcement Liability Services
Hosted by LGIT
In the continuing effort to reduce law enforcement liability for county and municipal governments, Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) is excited to be able to offer the outstanding loss control resources of the Legal & Liability Risk Management Institute (LLRMI). LLRMI is the premier law enforcement risk management service provider in the U.S. They are utilized by the majority of governmental risk pools for law enforcement consultation and services. LLRMI services include but are not limited to: Agency Model Policy development; review and updating member agencies current policies and general orders; access to LLRMI risk management consultants; and other law enforcement training and related services. In these challenging times for our law enforcement communities, learn more about the uniquely tailored service LLRMI provides.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 18, 2022 | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Room 207
You Asked for It: How to Deliver the Digital Experiences Your Constituents Really Want
Hosted by gcom
Learn how implementing the Salesforce Platform will simplify digital service delivery and create a better experience for your constituents. By leveraging this scalable platform, you’ll deliver better outcomes for Marylanders – not just more buttons and features. We’ll share success stories of how other Maryland agencies have improved efficiency and turnaround times by modernizing legacy applications. Presented by Chad Alojipan, Salesforce Practice Lead, GCOM and Dan Quickenton, Lead Consultant, Salesforce Practice, GCOM
Date/Time: Thursday, August 18, 2022 | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Room 209
State Leaders and Industry Experts Discuss the Cybersecurity Landscape Across Public Safety
Hosted by Motorola Solutions
With continued cyber attacks on state and local governments, the need for cyber threat intelligence sharing and collaboration has never been more paramount. Learn from state and industry leaders as they discuss how agencies can become better equipped to combat the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 18, 2022 | 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Location: Room 207
How to Spend It: Best Practices for Capital Improvement Planning and Managing Federal Funds
Hosted by OpenGov
Managing capital improvement planning has taken center stage with ARPA and Infrastructure funding and a renewed focus on growth and development for many cities and counties. Capital improvement planning is work often done on separate spreadsheets and off the side of desks, but it’s becoming fundamental to the long-term growth and strategies of cities and counties. In response, leading finance teams are building more efficient, compliant, and transparent workflows. From documentation to determination, to contract management, reporting, and transparency, these cities and counties are creating new, efficient processes to ensure that funds are properly allocated, spent, managed, and reported. Join this session to learn how to document and determine uses for funds transparently, ensure better bids and more efficient and equitable procurement processes, effectively manage contracts across hundreds of projects, and report uses of funds compliantly and transparently.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 18, 2022 | 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Location: Room 209
A Path to Health Equity: Overcoming Employee Barriers to Good Health
Hosted by Cigna
Understanding the challenges your employees face is key to offering them the support they need to be healthy and successful while leading your organization to prosperity. The communities where employees live and work play an influential role in absenteeism, productivity, and even job satisfaction – all impacting your organization. Acknowledging and addressing challenges that may impact an employee’s daily life are among the best ways an organization can show employees how much they are valued. Consider the real-life social and environmental challenges people face every day that create obstacles to good health. By committing to this perspective, your organization will be empowered to take action to remove obstacles and help everyone achieve their best health.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 18, 2022 | 11:30 AM – NOON
Location: Room 207
Improving Resilience in the Workplace
Hosted by Aetna
The COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to have an enduring effect on mental well-being, with two years of stress now leading to burnout. In fact, when asked how often they were experiencing a variety of emotions over the last three months, more than 4 in 10 Americans (44%) reported experiencing burnout or mental exhaustion ‘at least somewhat often.’ On a positive note, a majority of adults also agree they could benefit from learning how to improve resilience. But how can leaders play an active role in improving the mental health of their teams? Where do they even begin? In this presentation, learn from Aetna’s latest research on how burnout is impacting the workplace and strategies to improve resilience.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 18, 2022 | 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
Location: Room 207
The Negative Impacts of Construction Industry Tax Fraud to Maryland’s Residents
Hosted by EAS Carpenters
The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters has been leaders in educating the public about the detrimental effects of wage theft, worker misclassification, and construction industry tax fraud on working families and local government tax revenue. It was estimated in a 2020 study that $8.4B in federal and state income was lost because of these practices. That is money that could have funded local Maryland schools, infrastructure, and more. There are steps that local officials can take to recoup these lost revenues. EAS Carpenters Director of Industry Labor & Compliance Ron Meischker will go over the laws in place and how enforcement can help ensure local and state governments are receiving the tax revenue they are entitled to while also protecting worker wages.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 18, 2022 | 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
Location: Room 209
The Rapidly Changing Landscape of the Pharmacy Benefit Marketplace
Hosted by MABE Rx Collaborative
Attendees will learn specific information about the rapidly rising costs associated with specialty drugs, with some now surpassing $1M. In addition, the overall complexities of the pharmacy benefit marketplace and what options should be considered to help control these costs will be discussed.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 18, 2022 | 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Location: Room 207
Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company’s Commitment to Communities Throughout Maryland
Hosted by Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company
Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company, Maryland’s largest provider of workers’ compensation insurance, would like to invite you to a discussion of its commitment to Maryland’s communities. Please join Chesapeake Employers CEO, Tom Phelan, as he shares how Chesapeake Employers charitable corporate sponsorship has continued to support Marylanders throughout the pandemic, and the importance of our continued commitment to corporate giving to help strengthen Maryland’s communities.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 18, 2022 | 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Location: Room 209
Decisions, Decisions: Healthcare for Every Stage of Life
Hosted by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Being the decision-maker is hard, especially when everyone’s healthcare needs are different. Structuring benefit plans not only impacts the bottom line, but also the way your employees manage their health. Join CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield to discuss why data-driven decision making is an essential resource for your health management strategy. Attendees will learn more about: using statistics to mitigate high-cost health episodes, leveraging data to support programs addressing social determinants of health, and why Medicare Advantage Plans continue to reign supreme.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 18, 2022 | 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Room 209
Road to a Lower Carbon Future is Partly Paved with Innovative Fuels and Offsets
Hosted by WGL Energy
WGL Energy will share firsthand perspective on the industry trend of governments, corporations, and organizations in Maryland and beyond being committed to meeting or exceeding carbon neutrality goals. Now more than ever, they are on the hook to behave like environmental stewards and address climate change all while demonstrating progress. WGL Energy brings 25-years serving the Mid-Atlantic competitive electricity and gas, including renewable options like certified natural gas, plus carbon offsets. In this session, the Senior Director of Commercial and Green Initiatives will explore the importance of a lower carbon fuels ecosystem, and the impact on suppliers of the pressure to achieve sustainability targets among customers.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 18, 2022 | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Room 207
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022
Reaching Your Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Goals with Solar + Storage
Hosted by Standard Solar
This presentation will explore why solar + storage presents such a unique and timely opportunity for county leaders seeking to have their operational and business practices align with their goals around equity, sustainability, and responsible leadership. Local communities confronting climate events and seeking economic growth need tools that will help them deliver. Presenters will discuss how solar + storage — with its ability to bring energy innovation, stabilization for energy costs, grid modernization, and revenue generation and savings — is such a tool. Plus, learn how some local and state government officials are using this approach to help Maryland meet its ambitious clean energy goals.
Date/Time: Friday, August 19, 2022 | 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Location: Room 207
Recycling: Markets, MRFs, Moving Forward
Hosted by MD-DE-DC Beverage Association
As policymakers and public policy influencers seek to improve recycling rates, fund recycling programs, and reduce the use of single-use plastics, it is critical to understand the current state of affairs and economy within Maryland’s existing recycling infrastructure and across the country. Attendees will learn about the recycling supply chain and market pressures, Maryland’s current recycling infrastructure, and the policies being discussed across the country to help fund and increase recycling rates.
Date/Time: Friday, August 19, 2022 | 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Location: Room 209
Joining the Data Revolution: Maximize Your Cash in the Rising Cost Battle
Hosted by three+one
Is your county ready to join the Data Revolution? Counties across the nation are using new technology to generate additional income on the cash they already have. New liquidity tools are simplifying the ways public entities make their investment and borrowing decisions by leveraging banking data and identifying how much and how long cash is available. On average, these innovative tools have helped entities earn and save approximately 30% more than those who were not using them. Are you ready to maximize your taxpayers’ cash to fund new projects and fight ever-rising costs?
Date/Time: Friday, August 19, 2022 | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Room 207
Accelerating Broadband Access Across Maryland
Hosted by Crown Castle
Reliable broadband access is key to unlocking economic opportunity, accessing essential services, sparking innovation, and realizing the benefits of smart cities technologies. To support increased demand for connectivity, both wired and wireless networks are being built across the state. Newly available state and federal funding represents an unparalleled opportunity to ensure increased access for those that need it most. Attendees will learn more about the benefits of connectivity and what leaders can do to maximize public and private funds to upgrade broadband in their communities.
Date/Time: Friday, August 19, 2022 | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Room 209
Now You Can Make Even More Informed Retirement Savings Decisions
Hosted by Nationwide Retirement Solutions
Planning for retirement is essential. Nationwide has just enhanced the My Interactive Retirement Planner so that it illustrates not just preparing for, but also living in retirement. Attendees will learn how to make more informed retirement decisions and discover what resources are available.
Date/Time: Friday, August 19, 2022 | 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Location: Room 207
Balancing Outreach Between Participating Contractors and C&I Customers
Hosted by Pepco and Delmarva Power
Pepco and Delmarva Power offer incentive programs through EmPOWER Maryland that enable customers to meet their energy efficiency goals. The Business Instant Discounts (BID) program provides point-of-sale discounts on energy-efficient equipment through participating distributors. Orders often consist of small purchases of lamps for maintenance needs; however, this program is also ideal for more comprehensive projects for public entities. A utility representative will present a case study of a BID-participating school district. Attend this session to learn how public entities can use the program to help lower their utility bills through purchasing discounted energy-efficient products.
Date/Time: Friday, August 19, 2022 | 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Location: Room 209
Small Business Funding Through Maryland’s State Small Business Credit Initiative Program
Hosted by MD Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
With $198M in federal funding, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will present the eight loan and equity funding programs available to small businesses throughout Maryland. Priority is given to fund very small businesses with less than ten employees and socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. DHCD, the Department of Commerce, and Maryland TEDCO are providing the SSBCI funds through loans and investments. Learn more about the opportunities available for the small businesses in your community.
Date/Time: Friday, August 19, 2022 | 11:30 AM – NOON
Location: Room 209
311 MPH to a Brighter Future with Maglev
Hosted by The Northeast Maglev Company
The superconducting magnetic levitation (SCMAGLEV) train is a revolutionary transportation system that will transform the Northeast Corridor. Powerful magnets levitate, guide, and propel the train through a dedicated guideway at speeds of up to 311 mph. The system offers economic and environmental benefits to Maryland. Construction and operation of the system would launch thousands of career and business opportunities throughout the region. Once constructed, the train will be crucial to diverting cars from roads, thus improving the region’s air quality. Additionally, riders would be able to travel between Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland in 15 minutes, with an intermediate stop at BWI/Thurgood Marshall Airport, connecting residents and travelers between two mid-Atlantic gems like never before. Ian Rainey, Senior Vice President for the Northeast Maglev, will share details about the technological, economic, and environmental benefits of the SCMAGLEV.
Date/Time: Friday, August 19, 2022 | 11:30 AM – NOON
Location: Room 207
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Employee Benefit Plans
Hosted by Bolton
As Maryland counties seek to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, it is essential to evaluate their employee benefit programs through a DEI lens. Rather than taking a “one-size-fits-all” approach to employee benefits, it is important to understand how different employees have distinct needs, expectations, and opportunities when it comes to health and retirement benefits, paid leave, flexible work arrangements, training and development opportunities, and other perks. Speakers will outline practical, cost-effective strategies county governments can implement to ensure their benefit programs support their broader DEI goals and objectives.
Date/Time: Friday, August 19, 2022 | 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
Location: Room 207
Gearing Up for Offshore Wind: How Maryland Can Prepare for a Clean Energy Future
Hosted by US Wind
As Maryland’s leader in offshore wind development, US Wind is in a prime position to deliver clean energy and good jobs to Marylanders. Join this session to hear about US Wind’s plans for Maryland and obtain answers to these questions: What is the status of their projects? How are they working with communities in the state to be good neighbors? How will their vision support thousands of good-paying jobs, revitalize Baltimore’s industrial waterfront, and result in significant reductions in climate pollution? How can your county collaborate with US Wind for a brighter future?
Date/Time: Friday, August 19, 2022 | 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
Location: Room 209
How Montgomery County is Using Indigov to Respond to a 6X Increase in Constituent Messages
Hosted by Indigov
It’s easier than ever for people to reach their representatives. It’s harder than ever for representatives to respond. In the past decade, the Montgomery County Council saw incoming messages increase from 46,000 per year to 314,000. Sound familiar? Learn about the challenges and best practices of constituent communications. And find out how Montgomery County Council is partnering with Indigov, a constituent engagement system, to respond to high volumes of incoming messages and reach constituents with a message that matters.
Date/Time: Friday, August 19, 2022 | 2:15 PM – 2:45 PM
Location: Room 209
The Next Frontier in Maryland Clean Energy
Hosted by Constellation
Nuclear generation has long been a reliable source of clean energy in Maryland. Hear from Nuclear Powers Maryland on the present state of nuclear energy, implementation of the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, and how the existing supply of nuclear generation at Calvert Cliffs can lead the way to another carbon-free energy solution: Clean Hydrogen.
Date/Time: Friday, August 19, 2022 | 2:15 PM – 2:45 PM
Location: Room 207
Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference:
- Attendee Registration Pricing
- Attendee Online Registration
- Exhibitor Details & Pricing
- Exhibitor Registration
- Sponsorship Opportunities
- Tech Expo Details
- Golf Tournament Details
- Discounted Hotel Room Rates
- 2021 Conference Photos
- Conduit Street Blog Coverage
- #MACoCon on Twitter
- Questions? Contact Virginia White
