The Municipal Technology & Innovation Conference is back and better than ever! This year’s event will feature educational programming on a variety of tech topics including broadband access, cyber security, and alternative energy – to name a few. We’ll cap off the day with tours of the University of Maine’s Advanced Structures & Composites Center!
8:00 am: Registration/Continental Breakfast/Visit with Sponsors
8:45 am: Welcome
Catherine Conlow, Executive Director, Maine Municipal Association
James Ward, Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and Innovation, University of Maine
9:00 am – 10:00 am: Keynote Presentation
Managing Together Amid Accelerating Change – Tech Challenges and Opportunities for Maine
Hannah Pingree, Director of Governor Janet Mill’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, will talk about both tech trends and issues impacting Maine’s communities and economy from clean energy and connectivity to housing innovations to the potential impacts of artificial intelligence. At a time when the accelerating pace of change in the world is difficult to track, she’ll speak about urgency of state and local governments working together to confront both the challenges and the opportunities for Maine.
Presenter: Hannah Pingree, Director, Governor’s Office of Policy, Innovation & The Future
About Our Presenter:
Hannah Pingree was appointed to lead Governor Mills' Office of Policy Innovation and the Future in January 2019. Hannah previously served as Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives from 2008 to 2010. She also served as the Maine House Majority Leader, Chair of the Committee on Health and Human Services, and as a member of the Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs during her terms in Maine Legislature from 2002 - 2010. Hannah spearheaded successful legislation on energy, broadband, housing, environmental health, and health care during her time in office. Hannah has worked for a technology start-up in New York City; managed several family small businesses; led the development of rural housing, energy efficiency, and eldercare projects for a coalition of community non-profits; chaired her local school board; and served on numerous state and community non-profit boards.
MTCMA Certification – 1 point Elected Relations and Leadership categories
10:00 am – 10:15 am: Break/Visit with Sponsors
10:15 am – 11:15 am: Block 1
Hear Ye, Hear Ye!: Creating Engaging Content for the Web and Social Media
Between social media and your website, getting the word out on important information can be confusing. We’re going to discuss how to create engaging, accessible and appropriate content, and how to organize and share it across multiple mediums.
Presenter: Katie O’Donnell, Digital Content Specialist, University of Maine
MTCMA Certification – 1 point Leadership categories
Financing Community Investment in Broadband
Maine is getting hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal government to expand broadband internet service in Maine. The vast majority of Mainers currently connect with inadequate cable, wireless, cellular or phone-based internet services. Maine Connectivity Authority is issuing grants to help towns get connected, and local matching funds can make the difference between winning and being left behind. Some towns and regions are endeavoring to own their own broadband infrastructure, in order to ensure universal service for residents, control prices, and reinvest proceeds. This session will discuss financing for the community investments in broadband, which makes innovation possible in our communities.
Presented by Maine Broadband Coalition
MTCMA Certification – 1 point Finance/Budget category
11:15 am – 11:30 am: Break/Visit with Sponsors
11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Block 2
Understanding Cybersecurity Threats that Municipalities Face – and What Steps to Take to Mitigate Risks
Cyberattacks are on the rise and these attacks can lock government officials out of their servers, making it nearly impossible to serve the public and potentially exposing confidential personal information. Understand what basic steps can be taken that can reduce your communities’ risk.
Presenters: Michelle Pelletier, Director Risk Management Services, MMA; Brian McDonald, Director, Administration & IT, MMA
MTCMA Certification – 1 point Finance/Budget, Leadership and Legal categories
Panel Discussion: Municipal Solar in Maine
This panel discussion will highlight some of the practical aspects of municipal solar projects in Maine, drawing from real-life examples. Topics covered include: financing, community decision-making, and navigating complex conservation and siting considerations, and there will be opportunities for participants to engage in Q&A with our panelists.
Presenters: Tanya Rucosky, Community Resilience Coordinator, Sunrise County Economic Council; Kevin Buck, Selectperson, Town of Tremont; Abby Farnham, Assistant Director, Policy & Research, Maine Farmland Trust; Matthew Young, Environmental Specialist, Maine Department of Environmental Protection; Beth Woolfolk, A Climate to Thrive
MTCMA Certification – 1 point Finance/Budget category
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Lunch & Networking
1:30 pm – 1:45 pm: Dessert, Coffee & Visit with Sponsors
1:45 pm – 2:45 pm: Block 3
Responsible Financing & Investment in Clean Energy and Efficiency for Municipalities
With growing pressure on property taxes, how do municipalities best justify and finance investment in clean energy and energy efficiency technology? This panel discussion will incorporate perspectives and resources related to technology, strategy and funding to reduce energy consumption in public facilities.
Presenters: John Simko, Director of Government Finance, Androscoggin Bank; Tina Meserve, ReVision Energy; Rick Meinking, Efficiency Maine; Others TBD
MTCMA Certification – 1 point Finance/Budget category
Tour of UMaine’s Advanced Structures & Composites Center and BioHome3D
This guided tour will allow participants to learn about the Advanced Structures & Composites Center, a world-leading, interdisciplinary center for research, education, and economic development encompassing material sciences, advanced manufacturing, and engineering of composites and structures. Additionally, participants will tour the BioHome3D, the world’s first 100% bio-based 3D-printed home designed to address labor shortages and supply chain issues that are driving high costs and constricting the supply of affordable housing. Space is limited to 40 participants for this guided tour - pre-registration will be required and participation on the tour cannot be guaranteed.
2:45 – 3:00 pm: Break/Visit with Sponsors
3:00 – 4:00 pm: Block 4
Efficiency Maine Electric Vehicle (EV) Initiatives
Efficiency Maine is an independent, quasi-state agency established to plan and implement energy efficiency programs in Maine. Learn about rebates for electric vehicles, funding opportunities for commercial and public properties who are interested in installing EV charging stations, and the buildout of EV charging infrastructure for both locals and people traveling through Maine.
Lily McVetty, Program Manager, Efficiency Maine
MTCMA Certification – 1 point Finance/Budget category
Tour of UMaine’s Advanced Structures & Composites Center and BioHome3D
This guided tour will allow participants to learn about the Advanced Structures & Composites Center, a world-leading, interdisciplinary center for research, education, and economic development encompassing material sciences, advanced manufacturing, and engineering of composites and structures. Additionally, participants will tour the BioHome3D, the world’s first 100% bio-based 3D-printed home designed to address labor shortages and supply chain issues that are driving high costs and constricting the supply of affordable housing. Space is limited to 40 participants for this guided tour - pre-registration will be required and participation on the tour cannot be guaranteed.