2025 Annual Summer Conference

Don't miss the MDGFOA Annual Summer Conference for nearly two full days of learning in Ocean City!

Our program will present current and relevant information about today's government finance environment, along with plenty of time for networking with colleagues and exhibitors. Stay tuned as details on speakers and topics are updated in the coming weeks! 

See below for more details on pricing and schedule.

Interested in Sponsorship or Exhibitor Space? Click here for more details and registration.

Click here for Guest Registration for the Thursday Dinner.

Registration Pricing:

• $375 - MDGFOA Active Member (Government Employed)
• $425 - MDGFOA Associate Member
• $175 - MDGFOA Retiree Member

• $425 - Nonmember Government Employee
• $490 - Nonmember Non-Government Employee
• Guest Ticket (Thursday Dinner ONLY) - $85 adults, $40 children

Attendees of the conference must pay for an additional dinner ticket for any guests they plan to bring to the Thursday evening Beach BBQ on June 12. Guest dinner tickets may be purchased at this link: https://mdgfoa.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/mdgfoa/event.jsp?event=2972. Guests may not participate in the remainder of conference activities and meals without purchasing a full conference registration.

Please note, registration closes on May 28th, 2025 at 5 pm ET. 

Agenda (Tentative)

Wednesday June 11, 2025

1:00 pm – 2:40 pm: Unlock the Power of AI with Copilot in Excel (4 CPE)  

• Speaker: Bryan Smith, Business Learning Institute, AICPA & CIMA
• Description: In the ever-evolving world of data analytics and business intelligence, Microsoft Excel continues to be an indispensable tool for professionals across industries. With the introduction of Copilot, Microsoft has integrated the power of artificial intelligence directly into Excel, revolutionizing how users work with data. This 4-hour interactive course, Unlock the Power of AI with Copilot in Excel, provides a comprehensive overview of how Copilot transforms traditional Excel workflows into dynamic, AI-driven processes, enabling users to accomplish tasks faster, more accurately, and with less manual effort. During this course, you’ll discover how Copilot leverages AI to enhance productivity and streamline operations. Whether you’re a seasoned Excel user or just beginning your journey, this course will guide you through practical applications and best practices to make the most of Copilot’s capabilities. Through hands-on demonstrations and real-world examples, you’ll see how Copilot can save time, improve decision-making, and elevate your analytical skills to new heights. This course not only focuses on the technical aspects of Copilot but also highlights its potential to transform your day-to-day work, from automating repetitive tasks to uncovering trends and insights you might otherwise overlook. By the end of the session, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to integrate Copilot into your workflows and unlock its full potential in Microsoft Excel.

2:40 pm – 3:00 pm: Break

3:00 pm – 4:40 pm: Unlock the Power of AI with Copilot in Excel (continued) 

4:40 pm: Adjourn

Thursday June 12, 2025

8:00 am – 8:05 am: Welcome and Introductions

• Speaker: Diane Fox, President, MDGFOA  

8:05 am – 8:55 am: Accounting Trends and Current Issues (1 CPE) 

• Speaker: Remi Omisore, Principal, CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP
• Description: This session will discuss trends and current issues in the accounting and audit profession that have direct effects on governmental entities.

8:55 am – 9:10 am: Break

9:10 am – 10:00 am: Investment Management in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (1 CPE)

• Speaker: Pending, PFM Asset Management
• Description: Over recent years, there has been a wave of change throughout the financial services industry beyond the recent push of Artificial Intelligence. Within this session we will cover the changes within the investment industry and how it is impacting how practitioners look at the landscape, how we have seen investment managers begin to incorporate Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence within their investment processes, and finally how we as an organization are utilizing artificial intelligence for our activities.

10:00 am – 10:50 am: Social Security Planning and the Changing Landscape of Retirement Plans (1 CPE)

• Speaker: Roberta Eckert, Nationwide Retirement Institute Direct
• Speaker: David Bazzel, Protective Retirement Income Product Specialist
• Description: The future is here now. This session will review how to incorporate retirement plan changes so that your employees can enjoy a successful retirement by pairing their retirement benefits, Social Security, and 457(b) plans together to create a sustainable lifetime of income. Attendees will learn strategies to maximize their retirement savings, understand the benefits of integrating different retirement plans, and explore practical steps to ensure financial security throughout their retirement years.

10:50 am – 11:05 am: Break

11:05 am – 11:55 am: Pending (1 CPE) 

• Speaker: Pending
• Description: Pending

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm: Networking Reception

1:30 pm – 2:20 pm: Managing Your OPEB Liability (1 CPE)

• Speaker: Rebecca Trauger, OPEB Segment Leader, Bolton
• Speaker: Robbie Sandlass, Jr., Treasurer, Harford County, MD
• Description: The recent state budget may create some challenges for counties and local municipalities in Maryland.  This session will look into how cost savings and efficiencies can be realized within Employee Benefits.

2:20 pm – 3:10 pm: Modernizing Municipal Finance: The Path to Digital Transformation (1 CPE)

• Speaker: James A. Harris III, CGFM, PMP, CLSSGB, Workday Sr. Manager, Strategy and Value Consulting, SLED
• Description: This conference session explores why local governments are prioritizing digital transformation in finance to drive greater efficiency, transparency, and data-informed decision-making. Featuring real-world case studies, the session highlights how finance departments are leveraging modern technologies—such as cloud-based ERP systems, automation, and advanced analytics—to streamline operations, reduce errors, and improve financial reporting. Attendees will gain insights into the measurable value achieved through these initiatives, including cost savings and enhanced public trust. The session also covers key considerations such as change management, cybersecurity, and stakeholder engagement, and outlines the critical success factors for a smooth and impactful digital transformation journey in public finance.

3:10 pm – 3:30 pm: Business Meeting

3:30 pm: Adjourn

Friday June 13, 2025

8:50 am – 9:00 am: Welcome and Introductions

• Speaker: Laura Allen, GFOA Immediate Past President
• Speaker: Lunda Asmani, GFOA President-Elect

9:00 am – 9:50 am: Cybersecurity/Hot Topics (3 CPE)

• Speaker: Dan Bradley, Business Learning Institute, AICPA & CIMA
• Description: Pending

9:50 am – 10:00 am: Break

10:00 am – 10:50 am: Cybersecurity/Hot Topics (continued)

10:50 am – 11:10 am: Break

11:10 am – 12:00 pm: Cybersecurity/Hot Topics (continued)

12:00 pm: Adjourn

Hotel Reservation Information

Ashore Resort & Beach Club
10100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842

The hotel is currently sold out for the duration of the conference. To see if there are any adjustments in availability, please contact the hotel reservation office at 410-524-3535 and note that you are with the MDGFOA Conference.

Social Events:

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

7:00 to 9:30 PM (Off-Site at Fager's Island)
M&T Bank & Wilmington Trust Annual Evening at Fager's Island - Register Here to attend
*Event is free to attendees of the MDGFOA Summer conference, but separate registration is required.

Thursday, June 12, 2025

4:30 to 6:00 PM (Off-Site at Ropewalk Ocean City)
Women in Public Finance (Maryland Chapter) Happy Hour - Register Here to attend
*Event is free to attendees of the MDGFOA Summer conference, but separate registration is required.
 

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Dune Deck)
MDGFOA Beach BBQ Dinner*
(One dinner ticket included in conference registration. Guest tickets must be purchased for any non-registered guests of conference attendees.)

8:00 to 9:00 PM (Dune Deck)
Ed Bianchi Irish Coffee & Dessert Party with Bank of America
*Event is free to attendees of the MDGFOA Summer conferenceand will immediately follow the Beach BBQ Dinner.