Another successful MACo Summer Conference has ended. Our 2016 Sum mer Conference focused on technology - the tools we can use to govern and communicate but also what we can do to protect residents from malicious technology. Participants learned about the best practices and partnerships available to them to help them succeed and be on the cutting edge of technological advances in governance.
This year's conference saw the highest number of registrants in recent history - 1,104 county elected officials, county professionals, legislators, and state government and commercial representatives attended the conference, along with 937 exhibit booth personnel, manning 225 booths.
Attendees participated in sessions on a multitude of topics, including cybersecurity, social media in the workplace, data storage, drones, next generation 9-1-1, the Public Information Act, medical cannabis, and the public safety and infrastructure impacts of games like Pokemon Go...just to name a few. Speakers and special guests included Congressmen, State Secretaries, the Attorney General, Legislators, and Governor Hogan. You can view the entire Program of Events online.
New this year, MACo held a Tech Expo on Wednesday - it highlighted 24 technology-focused vendors who gave hands-on demonstrations of their products and services, along with 2 in-depth sessions on drones and emergency communications. Participants were able to witness the live footage transmitted by a drone in-flight and tour a mobile command unit vehicle. The one-day-only vendor showcase of the tech vendors was a huge hit and MACo is already planning to bring back the Tech Expo for 2017!
 Exhibitors in our larger tradeshow talked with attendees about how their cost-saving products and services can benefit their counties. Maryland's counties, tourism, and economic development booths were highlighted with a special reception featuring tastes of food and beverage from all over the state.
Join us next year, August 16-19, 2017 for another great Summer Conference full of education, partnership-building, and policy work on behalf of the residents of Maryland.
And don't miss our Winter Conference, December 7-9, 2016, at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, MD.
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