#MACoCon Solutions Showcase Features Leaders in Cloud Computing, Digital Connectivity, and Health

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 topics like AI in cloud computing, digital connectivity, food as medicine, and more!

The Solutions Showcase schedule is listed below…

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Effective Cybersecurity Remediation: A Practical Guide for Local and State Governments
Hosted by NXT LLC
Join NXT for an engaging discussion and fireside chat with leaders from both the public and private sectors. NXT’s panel of seasoned cybersecurity and technology experts will share hands-on experience and strategies for safeguarding counties against the ever-evolving cybersecurity vulnerabilities and threat landscape with practical insights on prioritizing vulnerabilities, optimizing resource allocation, and workforce upskilling. NXT experts will demonstrate how to develop a realistic, repeatable, and scalable remediation plan, based on a tailored cybersecurity assessment and remediation roadmap. Participants will explore tools, technology, and modernization options in the market to enable automation and minimize cost with looming budget cuts. Don’t miss this chance to benefit from NXT’s insight and enhance your county’s security posture again future threats.

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 14, 2024 | 10:00 AM−10:30 AM

The New Cloud Landscape in the Age of AI
Hosted by Nutanix
It’s now been over a year since Chat GPT went mainstream, and Broadcom disrupted every Maryland county’s cloud and security strategy with the purchase of VMware. Join this session to hear presenters discuss how those changes impacted every county official – whether working in the IT department or not – and what to do about it. Experts will also discuss the opportunities, challenges, alternatives, and results of county peers.

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 14, 2024 | 10:45 AM−11:15 AM

Local Government and Digital Connectivity: Digital Solutions with Comcast Business and Government Affairs
Hosted by Comcast
As local governments are working to address issues around the digital divide, public safety, and economic development, Comcast is ready to develop solutions that support these efforts. Join us for a discussion with Comcast Business and Government Affairs to learn about their work toward digital equity as well as their products and services that are uniquely designed to support local governments.

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 14, 2024 | 12:30 PM−1:00 PM

IT and OT Convergence – Securing Them Does Not Need to be Mutually Exclusive
Hosted by Skyline Technology Solutions
Why is there a misalignment in securing traditional information technology and operational technology infrastructure in local governments and critical infrastructure? Securing county IT and OT infrastructure does not need to be at odds. By understanding and addressing the fundamental differences between IT and OT, organizations can develop a more cohesive and effective security strategy that protects both their digital and physical assets. To bridge the gap between IT and OT security, Skyline Technology Solutions will present proven strategies organizations can adopt including integrated security governance, risk-based approach, security by design, continuous monitoring and response, and regular audits and assessments.

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 14, 2024 | 1:15 PM−1:45 PM

Food Is Medicine – Helping Marylanders Live Longer, Healthier Lives
Hosted by Kaiser Permanente
Diet-related diseases are a leading cause of death in the US, cost trillions in treatment from both the public and private sectors, and are predominantly preventable when individuals and communities have the tools, environments, and support to access healthy and nutritious foods. “Food Is Medicine” is the national movement that integrates food access with healthcare through evidence-based initiatives such as medically tailored meals, produce prescription programs, and enrollment in state
and federal food access programs, including WIC, SNAP, and School meals. This session will explore the emerging trends and programs locally and nationally around “Food Is Medicine,” including the newly launched Kaiser Permanente Food Is Medicine Center for Excellence.

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 14, 2024 | 2:00 PM−2:30 PM

LIFT Program – Investment in Disadvantaged Minority/ Women’s Business Enterprise Program by the Laborers Union
Hosted by LiUNA
The Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA), representing thousands of construction workers in Maryland and across the Mid-Atlantic, has unveiled an innovative initiative – the Laborers Investment Fund & Team (LIFT). This strategic program is dedicated to bolstering contractors through targeted investments. By nurturing the growth of disadvantaged businesses, LiUNA ensures a robust expansion of both contractors and the union itself. Explore this dynamic opportunity further at an informative session with LiUNA leaders, where they’ll discuss how investment and support are key to empowering Maryland communities.

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 14, 2024 | 2:00 PM−2:30 PM

Better Together: Collaborative Strategies to Scale Cybersecurity
Hosted by Palo Alto Networks
State and local governments continue to face significant challenges in meeting the demands that increasingly sophisticated threat actors pose to government networks. Compounding this is a range of larger contextual issues—workforce shortages, budget cycles, financial resource constraints, and disjointed legacy systems—that make defending networks even more difficult. However, there is a growing trend of different units of government, including counties, working together in new ways to create more resilient, comprehensive, and affordable cybersecurity ecosystems. This discussion will highlight several of those initiatives, with a particular focus on shared security operations as well as the growing role of AI.

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 14, 2024 | 2:45 PM−3:15 PM

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Mitigating Risks: LGIT’s Support for Law Enforcement Agencies in Maryland Communities
Hosted by LGIT
Law enforcement agencies play an important role in Maryland communities. Providing those services, however, creates unique risks for local governments. During this session, speakers will discuss some of those risks and the resources that LGIT offers to their members to try and limit them. Explore the in-house law enforcement loss control services that LGIT offers, as well as the partnerships they have developed to better serve the men and women who serve and protect county residents.

Date/Time: Thursday, August 15, 2024 | 10:00 AM−10:30 AM

Leveraging Labor: Your Key to Successful Federal Infrastructure Grant Requests
Hosted by Ironworkers Local 5
Join the Ironworkers Local 5 to learn how county agencies can benefit in winning federal grants by leveraging strong labor standards as part of grant requests. Expert speakers will demonstratre how top labor standards apply to federal programs and bills such as the Infrastructure Reduction Act, CHIPS Act, or other federal bills. Join this session to learn more about acquiring federal funds for counties and explore potential partnerships with labor experts.

Date/Time: Thursday, August 15, 2024 | 10:00 AM−10:30 AM

Rave Mobile Safety’s Approach to Solving for a Safer MD
Hosted by Motorola Solutions
Rave Mobile Safety, a Motorola Solutions company, believes everyone has the right to work, go to school, congregate, and live in a safe environment. They also believe technology plays a vital role in achieving this mission. Rave’s solution portfolio has been uniquely designed to improve numerous facets in the public safety sector, strengthening resident engagement and enhancing community/agency operations. Join this session for a conversation about how RAVE currently serves various communities and agencies within the state and how technology assists in solving for a safer Maryland.

Date/Time: Thursday, August 15, 2024 | 10:45 AM−11:15 AM

A Responsible Approach to Using Generative AI to Support Navigating Complex Policies and Enrolling in Public Benefits
Hosted by Nava
Nava PBC will share their approach and results from prototyping and testing generative-AI-enabled tools for various use cases to help families navigate and enroll in benefits. Tools include an assistive chatbot for providing plain language about policy rules and tools for supporting document processing, referral generation, and providing next steps. Speakers will highlight NAVA PBC’s principles for responsible AI product development, insights on what problems generative AI is most appropriate to solve, how to ensure accurate information retrieval in large language models, how to test and adapt solutions to mitigate risk and bias, and their evaluation standards.

Date/Time: Thursday, August 15, 2024 | 10:45 AM−11:15 AM

Behavioral Health Innovation
Hosted by Cigna Healthcare
Mental health is so important in today’s world, and Cigna Healthcare wants to ensure local governments have the right tools to successfully navigate behavioral health benefits. In this presentation, speakers will discuss Cigna Healthcare’s approach to behavioral health support – digital navigation, provider network, crisis support, and many other items critical to the mental health support for government employees.

Date/Time: Thursday, August 15, 2024 | 11:30 AM−12:00 PM

Utilizing Virtual Advanced Care to Improve Primary Care
Hosted by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
As Maryland counties face the challenges of access to care, attend this session to see how county employees can get the most of their benefits, improve outcomes, and ultimately reduce cost of care. Learn how innovations allow care providers to meet members where they are when it comes to offering a full package of virtual benefits such as Primary Care, Urgent Care, Short & Long Term Therapy, as well as Lactation and Nutrition Counseling. Join this session to hear more about what CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is doing to address gaps in care for county employees.

Date/Time: Thursday, August 15, 2024 | 12:15 PM−12:45 PM

Maryland National Guard 101
Hosted by the Maryland Army National Guard
From responding to weather events such as hurricanes and blizzards, to providing support to civil authorities during the protests, the Maryland National Guard’s citizen Soldiers and Airmen stand ready and able to serve when called to action by the Governor. The Maryland National Guard 101 presentation gives an insight into the domestic operations tasks the National Guard fulfills in counties across the state of Maryland, including the Maryland National Guard Counterdrug program, the Maryland Honor Guard, and the Freestate ChalleNGe program. This presentation will discuss how the Maryland National Guard can support county communities in a time of need!

Date/Time: Thursday, August 15, 2024 | 12:15 PM−12:45 PM

Ride the EV Wave – The Time is Now to Electrify Your County
Hosted by ezVOLTz
Counties may perceive EV charging as overly complex, costly, or contentious, delaying action or shifting responsibility to the private sector. Yet, Maryland is amidst a unique opportunity to deploy EV charging cost-effectively. Leveraging public and fleet charging grants, alongside State procurement contracts and our ezVOLTz model, streamlines the process. Their customizable navigation app provides valuable insights, boosting local tourism and economic growth. The revenue share model further bolsters economies. Offering end-to-end services in EV charger installation, planning, and maintenance, ezVOLTz empowers counties to advance sustainability, stimulate local economies, and enhance resident mobility. Join this session to discover how to drive a future where e-mobility benefits everyone.

Date/Time: Thursday, August 15, 2024 | 1:00 PM−1:30 PM

Turning the Tide for Clean Energy with Grants
Hosted by Maryland Energy Administration
Join the Maryland Energy Administration for a primer on programs that offer direct incentives to county and local governments to help grow clean energy and cut climate pollution. Learn more about several new programs the agency has debuted in the past year to help move toward Governor Moore’s clean energy goals and fulfill the vision of the landmark Climate Solutions Now Act. From new technological solutions to speed solar energy permitting to new strategies to better promote equity in energy, this session will showcase the many ways MEA invests in Maryland communities to promote clean, affordable, and reliable energy.

Date/Time: Thursday, August 15, 2024 | 3:00 PM−3:30 PM

Friday, August 16, 2024

Securing Critical Infrastructure Systems Intelligently
Hosted by DMI, Inc.
Critical infrastructure is vital to public safety and health in many ways, but these essential services are often maintained with limited security attentions. Various technology platforms, such as Operational Technology (OT), Industry Control Systems (ICS), Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, Industry Internet of Things (IIOT), Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), etc. are involved in critical infrastructures. Modern security solutions are available now to provide robust protection of these systems. In this presentation, DMI will discuss innovative solutions, including intelligent continuous discovery and remediation, attack surface simulation and deception system, and generative AI powered risk management and event handling.

Date/Time: Friday, August 16, 2024 | 10:00 AM−10:30 AM

Cash or More Cash
Hosted by three+one
Introducing “Cash or More Cash” – a Jeopardy-style game to showcase the power of cashVest by three+one, counties’ premier liquidity, revenue-generating, cash management solution. During “Cash or More Cash,” contestants will embark on a journey through the realm of revenue optimization, where every decision counts and knowledge reigns supreme. From identifying untapped revenue streams to maximizing earnings potential, “Cash or More Cash” challenges players to harness the full potential of the cash the public entity is responsible for stewarding. Whether it’s pinpointing opportunities for strategic investments or ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, contestants will put their skills to the test in this exhilarating competition. Join us for “Cash or More Cash,” and let the game begin!

Date/Time: Friday, August 16, 2024 | 10:00 AM−10:30 AM

Social Security: The Choice of a Lifetime
Hosted by Nationwide Retirement Solutions
Filing for Social Security benefits is one of the biggest financial decisions employees will make. That’s why it’s called the choice of a lifetime. How and when an individual files could increase their annual benefit by as much as 80%! In this session, participants will learn many filing rules and strategies so they can make the choice that fits their overall retirement income plan.

Date/Time: Friday, August 16, 2024 | 10:45 AM−11:15 AM

Boosting Energy Efficiency and Housing Health in Maryland: Comprehensive Solutions for Limited-Income Homes
Hosted by MD Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
Attend this enlightening session on DHCD’s Energy Programs dedicated to enhancing neighborhood conditions, cutting Maryland’s energy consumption, and alleviating energy burdens. Discover how DHCD is revitalizing limited-income homes with comprehensive retrofits, crisis assistance, and NetZero housing initiatives. Learn about the Department’s impactful energy efficiency upgrades and health-focused repairs, all aimed at fostering healthy and sustainable communities with streamlined application processes for both single-family and multifamily participants. Take the opportunity to learn how DHCD is empowering Maryland residents by advancing sustainable living.

Date/Time: Friday, August 16, 2024 | 11:30 AM−12:00 PM

Making Your Mark On The Community: How To Build A Legacy Through Placemaking
Hosted by Sparks at Play
Join this session to discuss how to make your county the place to be! This will be an engaging dialogue on trends attracting residents to Maryland communities and how to provide current quality-of-life attributes that attract young tax paying families and visitors to keep localities relevant and well supported. Maryland residents deserve a place that fits the modern lifestyle and Sparks at Play can be a big part of the solution that makes people love where they live and inspire other communities to raise the bar on quality of life for the area! Hear what other communities are doing as speakers share current projects

Date/Time: Friday, August 16, 2024 | 11:30 AM−12:00 PM

Take an On-Site Energy Audit Tour
Hosted by Pepco & Delmarva Power
Join Delmarva Power, Pepco, and the Clean Energy Center at Penn College for an instructional energy analysis tour of the Roland Powell Convention Center. Throughout this tour, participants will gain valuable insights into effective strategies that can boost their facility’s energy efficiency. No matter the size or age of a building, this tour will provide participants with solutions to create more comfortable environments, all while reducing energy usage and saving costs. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot by sending an email to buildingtour@icf.com.

Date/Time: Friday, August 16, 2024 | 2:15 PM−2:45 PM

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: