8:00 – 9:00 am: Registration and Breakfast

9:00 – 10:30 am: Welcome and Keynote Speaker

- Welcome from Dr. Brenda McAleer, Associate Provost and Dean of the College of Professional Studies, University of Maine at Augusta

- KEYNOTE: Beyond the Hype: Harnessing the Power of AI to Build Faster, Smarter, and More Responsive Local Government – Cassandra Madison, Chief Operating Officer, Center for Public Sector AI: Artificial Intelligence is already transforming how governments serve their communities. From streamlining operations to improving public engagement, AI has the power to make local government more efficient, effective, and responsive. But to harness its potential, local leaders must understand both the technology and its impact. This keynote demystifies AI, explores real-world applications for municipalities, and provides a roadmap for thoughtful adoption. Whether you're a town manager, finance director, IT leader, or elected official, this session will help you build the knowledge & tools to explore AI safely and effectively.

10:30 – 10:45 am: Morning Break and Visit with Sponsors & Exhibitors

10:45 – 12:15 pm: Concurrent Session Block #1

- AI Procurement Playbook: 10 Questions Every Government Should Ask – Cassandra Madison, Chief Operating Officer, Center for Public Sector AI: AI solutions promise to make government more efficient and effective—but how can governments separate real value from vendor hype? This workshop provides a practical guide to AI procurement, helping local government leaders ask the right questions before investing in AI technologies. This session will equip attendees with the tools to evaluate vendor claims, assess risks, ensure ethical and transparent implementation, and align AI purchases with agency goals. Whether you're in IT, procurement, or leadership, this workshop will help you make informed, strategic AI decisions.

- Shaping Responsible AI Policies for Your Organization – Brian McDonald, Director of IT & Administration, Maine Municipal Association: This workshop is designed to help organizations create clear and effective Artificial Intelligence (AI) policies and teach employees how to handle AI in a responsible way. You will learn key components of a strong AI policy through the explanation of real examples and important events from the past. We will look at case studies of AI issues and ethical questions to help everyone understand how to manage AI carefully and train employees to use AI thoughtfully. Whether you want to build a basic AI policy or improve your own understanding of AI, this workshop will provide helpful tips and tools for success.

12:15 – 1:00 pm: Lunch and Networking

1:00 – 1:30 pm: Sponsor & Exhibitor Break / Sponsor Demos & Presentations

1:30 – 3:00 pm: Concurrent Session Block #2

- Using Generative AI Safely and Productively in the Workplace – Kyle Hadyniak, Director of IT & Communications, Town of Gray: This session explores how to harness generative AI in the workplace. AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Google Gemini aren’t designed to take the place of humans – yet – but can be truly invaluable assistants, sounding boards, and editors for any number of tasks. Using real-world examples from a municipal workplace, Kyle will walk attendees through how to best utilize generative AI, and how to be safe while doing so.

- From Buzzword to Blueprint: Crafting Your Municipality’s AI Strategy – Lena Geraghty, Founder and Principal, Data Spark Consulting: AI is everywhere—but what does it really mean for local governments? This interactive session cuts through the hype to help municipal leaders think strategically about AI. We’ll break down the key components of an AI strategy, explore real-world examples, and tackle the big questions: Where do we start? What should we be thinking about? And how do we ensure AI serves our communities effectively? Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting, you'll leave with practical steps to start shaping an AI approach that makes sense for your municipality. 

3:00 – 3:15 pm: Sponsor & Exhibitor Break

3:15 – 4:00 pm: CLOSING PLENARY: AI in Local Government: Navigating the Risks, Maximizing the Benefits - Lena Geraghty, Founder and Principal, Data Spark Consulting: As local governments explore AI tools and strategies, ethical considerations must be part of the conversation. While concerns like bias, privacy, transparency, and security are widely discussed, other challenges, including copyright and intellectual property, the accountability of AI-generated work, and open records requests and document retention, are just beginning to surface. This session will break down the key risks municipalities need to anticipate, using real-world examples to illustrate both pitfalls and best practices. Participants will gain a broader understanding of AI’s ethical implications and walk away with practical considerations for integrating AI responsibly in their organizations. Like all technology, AI is a tool with both risks and opportunities. Understanding its potential enables municipal leaders to maximize the benefits and better serve their communities. 

Cancellations must be submitted using this Cancellation form to cancel your registration for an event. Cancellations received before 5/7/25 will be assessed a $15 administrative fee for processing. Cancellations received on/after 5/7/25 will be charged 50% of the course fee. Any registrant who does not attend and does not cancel their registration (i.e., no-show) and any cancellation received the day of the event will be charged the full registration fee.

If you have questions, please contact the Educational Services Office at (800) 452-8786 or (207) 623-8428 or training@memun.org.