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, benefits management, and more!
The Solutions Showcase schedule is listed below…
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Cost Control + Access: How CloseKnit Primary Care Supports Your Workforce
Hosted by CloseKnit
Maryland counties are under growing pressure to control healthcare costs while keeping employees healthy, productive, and engaged. CloseKnit Primary Care — an Advanced Primary Care practice with integrated behavioral health and a growing network of in-person locations across Maryland — will share how our care model helps public sector employers close access gaps, reduce downstream costs, and simplify navigation for a diverse workforce. Join this session to hear directly from a CloseKnit primary care provider about accessible, in-person and virtual care, including CloseKnit’s expanding physical footprint in Maryland. Attendees will leave with practical questions for evaluating primary care partners and ideas for how to integrate primary care in the overall benefits strategy.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Building What’s Next – Strengthening Recycling Infrastructure Without Increasing Your Budget
Hosted by Eastman Chemical
As recycling policy evolves, counties have an opportunity to prepare their systems for what comes next. This session will explore how producer-funded programs and cross-sector collaboration can support education as local waste and recycling programs change, while also helping communities plan for infrastructure needs. Join this session to learn how funding can generate available capital, transfer stations, and collection systems, while aligning to state level implementation, developing public-private partnerships, and introducing technology solutions to expand access and validate equity for vulnerable residents.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Prevention Matters: How Maryland’s Shock Trauma Center Is Leading the Charge Against Preventable Injuries
Hosted by University of Maryland Medical System
This session will highlight the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center’s statewide initiatives to reduce preventable injury and violence across Maryland. Learn about key prevention programs, including STOP THE BLEED®, which empowers bystanders to provide life-saving aid, and fall prevention efforts such as the Fall Recovery and Prevention Program (FRaPP), focused on identifying at-risk individuals and reducing fall-related injuries through targeted interventions. Participants will also explore efforts to reduce motor vehicle crashes and head and spinal cord injuries, along with the hospital-based Violence Intervention Program (HVIP), which addresses the root causes of interpersonal violence. Attendees will gain practical insights into building safer communities and partnering in injury prevention.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Copper Retirement Is Here: What County Leaders Need to Know About Voice Modernization
Hosted by FirstNet, Built with AT&T
As telecommunications providers continue to retire copper-based networks and legacy voice services, county governments must prepare for the future of communications. This discussion will focus on the impact of copper retirement, the risks of maintaining aging infrastructure, and the modernization options available to public sector organizations. Learn how AT&T Business Voice (ABV) helps agencies transition from traditional voice services to a flexible, cloud-based platform that improves resilience, simplifies management, and supports evolving workforce needs. Attendees will leave with actionable guidance for developing a modernization roadmap that ensures continuity of service while positioning their organizations for long-term success.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Cyber Security Strategies for County Government
Hosted by Comcast
As cyber threats grow in scale and sophistication, county governments face mounting pressure to protect sensitive data, critical infrastructure, and public trust. This session explores practical and scalable cybersecurity strategies tailored to the unique challenges of local government operations—and how trusted technology partners like Comcast Business can help. With a robust portfolio of secure connectivity solutions, advanced threat detection, and 24/7 network monitoring, Comcast Business empowers counties to strengthen their cyber defenses while maintaining operational continuity. Join this session to learn how to leverage Comcast Business’s expertise and infrastructure to build a resilient cybersecurity posture that meets today’s demands and anticipates tomorrow’s risks.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Public Surplus – More Than Auctions: Tailored Surplus Solutions
Hosted by Public Surplus
Discover how Public Surplus – a partner vetted and endorsed by MACo – goes beyond traditional online auctions to meet the unique needs of Maryland’s counties. This session highlights flexible solutions that simplify every stage of the asset disposition process, from vehicle decommissioning and surplus preparation to online sales, payment processing, and buyer support. Learn how the Public Surplus team can reduce staff workload, improve compliance, maximize returns, and customize services to fit your operations. Whether you manage a few assets each year or a large fleet, Public Surplus provides practical solutions designed around your goals, not a one-size-fits-all approach that adapts as your needs evolve over time.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Moving From AI Hype to Digital Workforces
Hosted by Workday
Everyone is talking about AI adoption, but county leaders need to look beyond the hype. While standard AI can help write an email, Agentic AI can autonomously manage workflows, streamline constituent services, and act as a force multiplier for overstretched teams. The benefits for daily operations, employees, and stakeholders are massive—but only if the organization is prepared to manage them. The Big Question: Is your jurisdiction truly ready to integrate digital agents into your workforce safely and effectively? Join former State CIO, Tracy Barnes, for some answers! Participants will walk away knowing how to identify where digital agents can solve immediate municipal bottlenecks; prepare your existing workforce to collaborate with autonomous AI; and govern and manage these new tools to ensure security, compliance, and public trust.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 1:15 PM -1:45 PM
The 5 Steps to Cyber Resilience: Maturing Your Cyber Resilience Program
Hosted by Cohesity
Cyber threats, along with the cyber insurance and audit-driven mandates resulting from today’s evolving threat landscape, continue to place growing pressure on county governments. In this session, Cohesity will present its 5 Steps to Cyber Resilience framework, a practical approach for maturing cyber resilience programs, and strengthening an organization’s ability to withstand and recover from cyber incidents. Join this session to learn how to discover and protect critical data, ensure recoverability, identify cyber risks, improve operational readiness, and align with evolving compliance, audit, and cyber insurance requirements. This will be a practical discussion focused on helping counties reduce risk, protect essential services, and build a more resilient future.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 2:00 PM -2:30 PM
Modernizing Citizen Engagement Across County Government
Hosted by Mitel
Today’s residents expect county services to be as accessible and responsive as the experiences they have with banks, retailers, and healthcare providers. This session explores how counties can improve citizen engagement by connecting phone, email, SMS, web chat, and contact center interactions into a more seamless service experience. Join this session to learn practical strategies to reduce wait times, improve routing, minimize repeat explanations, and modernize communications while balancing budget, staffing, accessibility, security, and continuity requirements across county government.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
Outpaced and Outnumbered: The Case for Autonomous Cyber Defense
Hosted by Check Point Software Technologies, Inc.
Attackers now weaponize vulnerabilities at machine speed and bury defenders in alert volume no human team can triage — this session makes the case that autonomous AI defense has shifted from convenience to necessity.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
Thursday, August 13, 2026
What Claims Are Maryland Local Governments Facing? Understanding Today’s Employment and Liability Risks
Hosted by LGIT
LGIT is there when members face litigation, but what types of claims are local governments seeing most often today? This session will provide elected officials and management staff with an overview of the employment and liability claims frequently defended by LGIT, including discrimination, harassment and hostile work environment, retaliation, wage and hour, and Fair Labor Standards Act claims. Attendees will gain insight into how everyday decisions, workplace actions, policies, and documentation can create liability exposure for their organization. The presentation will also outline the litigation and claims defense process and share claim trends and statistics impacting Maryland local governments.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Understanding the AHEAD Model and What Maryland’s New Hospital Rate Setting Model Means for the Future
Hosted by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Maryland is transitioning to a new hospital rate-setting model that could reshape how care is delivered and funded across the state. For nearly 50 years, Maryland’s unique approach helped control healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes. Following federal policy changes, the Total Cost of Care (TCOC) model ended on December 31, 2025, and has been replaced by the Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design (AHEAD) model. Join this session to learn how the AHEAD model is expected to impact care delivery and funding, across Maryland—and what these changes could mean for Maryland Counties!
Date/Time: Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Cafeteria to Classroom: How School Meals Improve Student Outcomes
Hosted by American Heart Association
When students have consistent access to healthy meals, everything changes. Attendance improves. Test scores rise. Behavioral challenges drop. The data is clear, and educators see it every day. School meals are one of the most proven, cost-effective ways to close achievement gaps and support working families — but only if every child can access them. Yet too many Maryland children still arrive at school undernourished, putting their learning and long-term health at risk before the day even begins. By expanding and strengthening school meal programs across Maryland, a daily necessity can be turned into a driver of better outcomes for students, schools, and entire communities. Counties can directly influence student success while reducing future healthcare and social costs by investing in expanded access to healthy meals. Join this session and learn how building the path to stronger schools starts with making sure no child learns on an empty stomach.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
The Price They Pay: The Mental Health Toll on Working Moms
Hosted by Cigna Healthcare
By expanding and strengthening school meal programs across Maryland, we can turn a daily necessity into a driver of better outcomes for students, schools, and entire communities. Counties can directly influence student success while reducing future healthcare and social costs by investing in expanded access to healthy meals. Join this session and learn how building the path to stronger schools starts with making sure no child learns on an empty stomach.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Digital Tools to Connect Families with the Safety Net
Hosted by Nava
Staff at county departments of social services often need to spend significant time and energy on paperwork and administrative tasks. Advances in AI provide an opportunity to use technology to handle some of these tasks – empowering staff to focus on the human aspect of their jobs. Nava Labs uses philanthropic funding to prototype safety-net innovations that counties can’t fund directly. Nava builds and tests new approaches to delivering public services, evaluates what works, and advocates for scaling proven solutions. Join this session where experts will showcase pilot results from a suite of open source AI-powered tools helping caseworkers and families navigate and enroll in public benefits.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
The MD National Guard – Critical Infrastructure Cyber Resilience Workshop: Building Stronger Partnerships for Maryland
Hosted by the Maryland Army National
The Maryland National Guard will highlight lessons learned from its Critical Infrastructure Cyber Workshops (CICWs), which bring together federal, state, local, private-sector, and academic partners to strengthen Maryland’s critical infrastructure. Previous workshops examined cybersecurity risks to water and wastewater systems and the electric power grid, while the next will focus on Maryland’s transportation network, including aviation, highways, rail, and ports. This session will discuss key findings, emerging cyber threats, and opportunities for greater county participation to improve coordination, enhance resilience, and better protect the critical services Maryland’s citizens rely upon every day.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
How Do You Build Your Own Supply Stack?
Hosted by WGL Energy Services
As Maryland’s 2026 energy legislation accelerates local solar deployment, energy storage, and grid modernization initiatives, counties and municipalities have new opportunities to take greater control of their energy future. This session explores how local governments can build their own “supply stack” through strategic procurement, on-site solar, battery storage, community energy programs, and renewable integration strategies that improve resiliency, stabilize long-term energy costs, and advance sustainability goals. Attendees will gain practical insights into leveraging Maryland’s evolving policy landscape to create a more independent and reliable energy portfolio.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Chesapeake Employers’ 2026 Summer Report
Hosted by Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company
Attend this session for information about how Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company – Maryland’s largest writer of workers’ compensation insurance – can serve your county! Learn about 2026, including new rates, corporate dividends, and best practices.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
The Future of Energy, The Affordable Bill
Hosted by BGE
Maryland is in the midst of an energy crisis created by a rapidly increasing demand for electricity with limited capacity on existing utility systems and limited electricity supply. The imbalance between supply and demand has resulted in higher electric bills during a time when the state is moving toward more electrification. Join these panelists in a discussion about the changes required to address this crisis while managing customer affordability and the solutions for the future with an eye on energy policy, utility investments, regulatory programs, and customer choice.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
The Money Behind the Money: How Payment Modernization Frees Up County Budgets
Hosted by Verity Pay
County budgets are being squeezed from every direction, but one powerful lever is hiding in plain sight: how money moves. In this interactive session, presenters will work with Maryland county leaders to map the biggest pain points in disbursements and collections, quantify what inefficiency puts at risk, and uncover dollars that can be redirected to vulnerable programs. Using real examples from counties, utilities, and housing organizations, experts will show how patented modern payment technology can speed up payment, improve collections, and reduce costs. Join this session to gain a practical pilot roadmap that does not require an overhaul of systems or additional development work.
Date/Time: Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Friday, August 14, 2026
Preparing for Paid Family and Medical Leave: Updates, Requirements, and Next Steps
Hosted by American Fidelity
This dynamic presentation equips employers with the critical insights they need to confidently navigate Maryland’s evolving Paid Family and Medical Leave requirements. This presentation highlights key updates, compliance obligations, funding structures, and implementation timelines, while clearly outlining employer options for choosing a private plan or the state plan. Attendees will gain practical guidance on preparing their organizations, avoiding costly missteps, and supporting employees effectively. Most importantly, the session showcases streamlined solutions—including guidance and innovative leave administration tools—to simplify complexity, understand compliance obligations, and reduce administrative burden, empowering employers to move forward with clarity, confidence, and a competitive advantage.
Date/Time: Friday, August 14, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Building Maryland’s Next-Generation Fiber Infrastructure Across Counties
Hosted by Maryland Broadband Cooperative
Maryland Broadband, an all-fiber network, is building for future scalability, resilience, and the ever-growing capacity needs of Maryland counties. Learn about the real-world fiber and conduit systems across Maryland and the active infrastructure development aligned with future industry growth. Explore where broadband infrastructure is headed, including increased throughput, expanded reach, and smarter deployment strategies. Attendees will gain insight into how counties can leverage modern infrastructure investments to support long-term community growth and strengthen economic development.
Date/Time: Friday, August 14, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Trivia Competition: In the Public Interest
Hosted by three+one
Your county’s cash is full of possibilities, and In the Public Interest is here to explore them. This fast-paced, high-energy trivia showdown powered by cashVest by three+one is open to all county leaders, no finance background required. Contestants go head-to-head exploring how county cash can work harder, smarter, and safer for the communities they serve. Every round uncovers real opportunities to generate more revenue, protect public dollars, and make a greater impact for your county. Fast rounds. Live competition. Prizes awarded on the spot. Come ready to play, leave inspired to do more.
Date/Time: Friday, August 14, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
The Digital Front Door to County Government: Better Services, Faster Outcomes, Lower Cost
Hosted by DMI, Inc.
Maryland counties face rising resident expectations with limited resources. This panel explores how counties are building a “digital front door” to government — centralizing service requests, improving transparency, and accelerating outcomes across departments without large-scale, multi-year transformations. County leaders, DMI, and ServiceNow will share practical, real-world insights on modernizing constituent services, internal operations, and case management. Whether your goal is faster resolution times, better visibility for leadership, or a stronger employee experience, this session delivers actionable ideas you can bring back to your county immediately.
Date/Time: Friday, August 14, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
The Critical Role of Existing Generation in Responsible Data Center Development
Hosted by Constellation
Existing power generation plays a critical role in enabling responsible data center development by providing the reliable, dispatchable power required for 24/7 operations. As data center demand accelerates—driven by AI and digital infrastructure—grid capacity expansion often lags, making existing generation assets essential for bridging near-term supply gaps and maintaining reliability. Continued operation of firm power sources, including nuclear, natural gas, and other dispatchable resources, is essential for counties to maintain grid stability while new infrastructure is developed. Join this session to learn how leveraging existing generation helps avoid delays tied to interconnection and transmission buildout and how, ultimately, integrating current assets with future clean energy investments is key to counties’ goals of balancing growth, reliability, cost, and sustainability in data center deployment.
Date/Time: Friday, August 14, 2026 | 10:45 AM – 11:15 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 14, 2026 | 10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
NACo EDGE: The County Advantage
Hosted by the National Association of Counties (NACo) Public Promise Procurement Program
NACo EDGE turns the collective strength of America’s 3,069 counties into real savings and results – through vetted purchasing contracts, employee benefits, retirement programs, financial liquidity tools, and innovative budgeting solutions that offer greater transparency. Wholly owned by NACo and guided by county leaders, EDGE exists for one purpose: giving local government the edge it needs to serve residents better, faster, and for less.
Date/Time: Friday, August 14, 2026 | 11:30 AM – Noon
What’s New at DHCD: Tools, Partnerships, and Opportunities for Counties
Hosted by Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
Join the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for an engaging update on new initiatives, resources, and innovative approaches that can help Counties address community development and housing challenges. Get the latest on DHCD’s newest offices, including the services and information being made available by the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs and the Office of the State Housing Ombudsman. Attendees will also learn about how to partner with DHCD to bring down housing costs through factory-built and modular housing construction methods.
Date/Time: Friday, August 14, 2026 | 11:30 AM – Noon
Optimizing Pharmacy Benefits for Counties
Hosted by MedImpact
For most employer-sponsored health insurance plans, pharmacy benefits are the most frequently used and challenging. MedImpact seeks to make these benefits easy to understand and cost effective. While PBMs are under scrutiny from heavy-handed mandates that pull business away from Maryland pharmacies and retailers, the State of Maryland’s current employee benefits contract may be leveraged to the advantage of Maryland counties. Join this session to learn strategies to drive pharmacy benefit savings while enabling Maryland businesses to thrive.
Date/Time: Friday, August 14, 2026 | 12:15 PM – 12:45 PM
From Compliant to Compliance: How Prince George’s County’s Strike Force Is Transforming Neighborhood Quality of Life
Hosted by Prince George’s County
Prince George’s County’s Strike Force has become a recognized model for coordinated code enforcement, nuisance abatement, and neighborhood revitalization. This session will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how the County leverages cross-agency collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and strategic enforcement to address chronic community concerns, improve neighborhood appearance, and strengthen public confidence in local government. Attendees will learn how the Strike Force model was built, how it operates, the measurable results it has achieved, and practical strategies that can be adapted by counties of any size to improve service delivery, enhance interdepartmental coordination, and create cleaner, safer, and more vibrant communities.
Date/Time: Friday, August 14, 2026 | 2:15 PM – 2:45 PM
Daikin – Perfecting the Air We Share
Hosted by Daikin Applied
Discover how Daikin Applied goes beyond equipment to deliver comprehensive, turnkey solutions that improve building performance, reduce energy costs, and support long-term facility goals. In this session, learn how strategic facility planning is both feasible and affordable through their 360-approach which combines building assessments, retro-commissioning, procurement, and incentive guidance to create customized facility modernization roadmaps. See how a holistic approach can maximize efficiency, extend asset life, and optimize your investment.
Date/Time: Friday, August 14, 2026 | 2:15 PM – 2:45 PM
MACo’s Summer Conference, “Build What’s Next,” will be held at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD, on August 12-15, 2026.
Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference:
- Attendee Registration Pricing
- Attendee Online Registration
- Sponsorship Opportunities
- Exhibitor Details & Pricing ALMOST SOLD OUT!
Tech Expo Exhibiting DetailsSOLD OUT!- Golf Tournament Details
- Discounted Hotel Room Rates
- 2025 Conference Photos
- Conduit Street Blog Coverage
- #MACoCon on Twitter
- Questions? Contact Virginia White
