Ready, Set, Respond: Tech Tools for County Emergency Preparedness at #MACoCon

At this year’s MACo Summer Conference, emergency management experts and tech leaders will dig into how Maryland counties can strengthen their preparedness with the right tools — and the right plans — before disaster strikes.

From cyberattacks to hurricanes, local governments face mounting threats that don’t come with a warning.

As counties work to protect residents, services, and infrastructure, innovative technology is becoming an essential part of the emergency response toolkit.

This session brings together GIS and continuity planning pros, cybersecurity strategists, and legal experts to share practical ways counties can use data, systems, and modern tech to boost readiness, safeguard operations, and respond swiftly to whatever comes next.

MACo Summer Conference Session — Ready, Set, Respond: Tech Tools for County Emergency Preparedness

Disasters don’t wait, and countries can’t afford to be caught off guard. From cyber threats to extreme storms, local governments face complex risks that can disrupt essential services and threaten public safety. This session highlights how counties can deploy innovative technology to respond swiftly, safeguard critical infrastructure, and ensure continuous operations. Hear firsthand from experts about practical tools like cloud-based continuity plans, proactive cybersecurity defenses, and real-time, data-driven response systems. Panelists will also discuss leveraging state and federal resources to strengthen resilience and preparedness. Don’t just react — stay ready.

Speakers:

  • Joanie Appell, GIS Program Manager, Anne Arundel County Fire Department
  • Brian Glazer, Co-Founder and CEO, Hohonu
  • Ben Yelin, Program Director, Public Policy & External Affairs, University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security

Moderator: The Honorable Jason Buckel, Minority Leader, Maryland House of Delegates

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm

MACo’s Summer Conference is August 13–16, 2025, at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. This year’s theme is “Funding the Future: The Evolving Role of Local Government.” For more information, visit the conference website.

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: