7:30 am Registration Begins
7:30 – 10:30 am Continental Breakfast
8:00 am Exhibit Hall Opens
9:00 – 10:30 am Welcome & Keynote Speaker
The Science of Collaboration: Why Working Together Matters
We tend to regard innovation as being the product of individual genius, but the reality is that the majority of big discoveries made in the last few decades have been the result of teamwork. Managers and employees today now spend a significant portion of their time working together, and thanks to technology, collaborative activity has ballooned by fifty percent. So why are top-down hierarchical structures still the norm? And why do we continue to prize competition over collaboration?
Jay Van Bavel, a professor of psychology and neural science at NYU, studies the science behind collaboration, and why it matters. The smartest teams aren’t the ones that necessarily have the highest IQ, Jay says; they’re the ones who know how to interact with each other freely, and who feel safe enough to challenge one another. This is how breakthroughs are made. In this talk, Jay reveals how people develop group identities and the forces that bind us together. By harnessing the power of collaboration, he explains how to create groups that are more efficient, more successful, and, ultimately, happier.
Presenter: Dr. Jay Van Bavel, Author of “The Power of Us” and Professor of Psychology & Neural Science, New York University
Certification: Valid for 1.50 MTCMA Certification credits in the following category: Leadership or Human Resources
10:30 – 10:45 am Break (Exhibit Hall)
10:45 am - 12:00 pm Concurrent Session Block #1
Guardians of the Financial Universe: Mastering Financial Controls and Safeguards Against Cybersecurity and Fraudulent Impersonation Threats
In an era where financial fraud and cyber threats are on the rise, the implementation of safeguards and staying informed are crucial. This session offers practical, real-world solutions and hands-on training to ensure you can confidently protect your financial interests. Participants will: learn best practices for implementing robust financial controls to ensure accuracy, accountability, and transparency in your financial operations; understand the latest cybersecurity threats and how to defend against them; and discover strategies to detect and prevent fraudulent impersonation, including how to identify red flags, implement verification processes, and respond effectively to potential fraud attempts. Join us and become a Guardian of Finance!
Presenters: Marcus Ballou, Member Services Supervisor, MMA Risk Management Services; and Mike Mayette, Underwriting Manager, MMA Risk Management Services
Certification: Valid for 1.25 MTCMA Certification credit in the following category: Finance/Budget
From Alt Text to Color Contrast: Tactical Steps to Achieve Web Accessibility Across Your Digital Ecosystem
This hands-on session is designed specifically for Maine's municipalities. We will explore the key elements of creating accessible digital content. Beyond the legal framework of the ADA, we will focus on practical steps that you can implement immediately. Topics include optimizing alt text and headings, ensuring proper color contrast, and providing accessible alternatives to PDFs. By attending this session, you'll leave with a toolkit of best practices to enhance accessibility across your website, apps, kiosks, and social media platforms. Participants will: learn practical steps to create and remediate accessible content; understand how accessibility best practices apply across all digital touchpoints; recognize the importance of developing a strategic plan to prioritize accessibility; gain hands-on experience with tools and techniques for addressing common accessibility issues; and learn how to leverage available support and resources.
Presenters: Daniel Filson, CEO & Co-Founder, Dirigo Interactive; and Jason Day, Chief Accessibility Officer, Dirigo Interactive
Certification: Valid for 1.25 MTCMA Certification credit in the following categories: Legal
Vital Records Updates
(Sponsored by the Maine Town & City Clerks Association)
Theresa Roberts, Deputy State Registrar of DHHS, will give department updates and pertinent law changes regarding the Department of Vital Records.
Presenter: Theresa Roberts, Deputy State Registrar, Maine Department of Health and Human Services
MTCCA Certification program - Attendance at MMA Convention can be used for 2 points per year
Certification - Valid for 1.25 MTCMA Certification credit in the following category: Elected Relations
Effective Communication and Collaboration for
Volunteer Organizations
(Sponsored by Maine Water Environment Association)
This session will focus on how to get the most out of limited resources in volunteer-led organizations by: joining with others to deliver and affect change; deciding when to join forces and when to go it alone; and identifying critical resources without breaking the bank.
Presenters: Theresa Tucker, President, MeWEA, and Compliance Officer, York Sewer District; and Jeff McBurnie, Treasurer, MeWEA, and Environmental Manager, Casella Resource Solutions
Certification: Valid for 1.25 MTCMA Certification credit in the following category: Leadership, Human resources, Finance/Budget or Elected Relations
Practical ChatGPT for Municipal Professionals: Streamlining Analysis, Document Creation, and Improving Daily Operations
(Sponsored by Maine Municipal Tax Collectors and Treasurers Association)
If you've heard about AI but wondered 'How does this actually help me do my job better?'—this session will open your eyes to what's possible for municipal professionals. We'll introduce three key concepts that will help you use AI better and become a practical partner in your work and explore some specific ways to approach municipal-specific tasks. What you'll discover: simple ways to improve efficiency on tasks you're already doing; how to get started immediately, regardless of your current tech comfort level; and live examples addressing actual municipal finance scenarios. Come ready to participate—we'll work through real scenarios together and tackle your specific questions as we go. Leave with confidence to explore, personalize and make the most of AI in your municipal work.
Presenters: Cary Weston, President, CM Weston, and Host, ChatGPT Experiment
Certification: Valid for 1 MTCMA Certification credit in the following category: Human Resources or Leadership.
Affordable Housing: Framework for Action
(Sponsored by Maine Association of Public Housing Directors)
The session will offer an overview of the Four Approaches of the Affordable Housing Development Framework of Action. They include: 1. Policy & Planning (Reduce impediments to and/or promote housing development); 2. Production (Create new units – single or multi, rental or ownership, Area Median Income targets); 3. Direct Assistance (Direct assistance to households); and 4. Preservation (Prevent loss of existing affordable housing stock and prevent displacement).
Presenters:
Tyler Norod, Development Director, Westbrook
Development Corporation; and Seth Parker, Director of Real Estate Development,
Bath Housing
Certification: Valid for 1.25 MTCMA Certification credit in the following category: Finance/Budget or Leadership.
12:00 - 1:15 pm MMA Leadership & Recognition Luncheon*
Join us to celebrate the installation of the incoming MMA President, recognize the MMA Executive Committee and Past Presidents, and commemorate the Spirit of America “Municipal Officials Appreciation Month” honoring Municipal Fire Chiefs and Firefighters. Fire Chiefs and Firefighters are invited to have a group photo taken following the luncheon in Ballrooms 1-4.
Certification: Valid for 1.25 MTCMA Certification credit in the following category: Elected Relations, Ethics or Leadership.
*Wednesday lunch options - choice of: Leadership & Recognition
Luncheon buffet ($30) or Exhibit Hall Concession Voucher ($20).
1:15 – 2:30 p.m. Concurrent Session Block #2
MMA Annual Business Meeting
Please join MMA President Melissa Doane, Vice President Justin Poirier and Executive Director Cathy Conlow as they share highlights about MMA’s upcoming priorities, tally election votes for the Executive Committee, and reflect on the events and activities happening in 2025.
Certification: Valid for 1.25 MTCMA Certification credit in the following category: Leadership.
MMA Advocacy – Behind the Veil
Have you ever questioned how MMA establishes positions on legislation impacting the delivery of municipal services, or wondered who represents your community’s interests on the illustrious Legislative Policy Committee? Well ponder no more, as these and many other questions will be answered by MMA’s advocacy team during this 45-minute presentation. As a bonus, MMA’s staff will also provide a dramatic summary of the key bills enacted by the Maine State Legislature in 2025. It’s guaranteed to be a tantalizing performance.
Presenters: Kate Dufour, Director of Advocacy & Communications, MMA; Amanda Campbell, Legislative Advocate, MMA; and Rebecca Lambert, Municipal Issues Specialist, MMA.
Certification: Valid for 1.25 MTCMA Certification credit in the following category: Elected Relations, Finance/Budget or Legal.
State Election Updates
(Sponsored by the Maine Town & City Clerks Association)
Deputy Secretary of State Julie Flynn will be providing updates from the Maine Secretary of State’s office. Topics will include the new Central Voter Registration (CVR) system, the status of new voting machines, law changes that affect elections, as well as other updates necessary to know about elections.
Presenter: Julie Flynn, Deputy Secretary of State, Maine Secretary of State.
MTCCA Certification: Attendance at MMA Convention can be used for 2 points per year.
Certification: Valid for 1.25 MTCMA Certification credit in the following category: Elected Relations, or Legal.
Government Insights to Impacts: Future Applications and Innovations in State and Local Government Technology
(Sponsored by Maine Association of Assessing Officers)
Chris Bell from C3.ai will share with everyone the availability of AI to create efficiency and equity in multiple areas of government including assessing, law enforcement, administration and finance. He will discuss C3.ai Appraisal, Document Reader, GenAI and the Law Enforcement AI.
Presenter: Chris Bell, Senior Director, Strategic Solutions, C3.ai
1.25 Continuing Education Hours available toward Certified Maine Assessor certification.
Certification: Valid for 1.25 MTCMA Certification credit in the following category: Ethics, Human Resources or Leadership.
MTCMA Ethics
(Sponsored by Maine Town, City, and County Management Association)
This session will provide an overview of tenets from the ICMA/MTCMA Code of Ethics, and highlight the importance of managers’ ethics, why professional managers should not run for elected office, and emphasize the importance of maintaining apolitical stances professionally.
Presenters: Scott Morelli, South Portland City Manager; Sandra Fournier, Town Manager, Towns of Mapleton, Castle Hill, and Chapman; and Matthew Sturgis, Town Manager, Town of Cumberland
MTCMA Certification: Valid for 1.25 credit in the Ethics category.
From Wicked Bad Snowstorms to Cyberattacks: Planning for the Worst so You Can Deliver Your Best
Please note: this continuous session will take a 30-minute break at 2:30-3pm.
Whether you’ve got 5 people or 500 — having a solid plan for when things go wrong can make all the difference. From blizzards to power outages to cyber threats, this session will walk you through the basics of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) planning in plain language. We’ll break down what matters most: keeping essential services running, communicating clearly, and knowing who does what when disaster strikes. You’ll participate in a hands-on tabletop exercise and leave with practical tools, templates, and tips you can put to work right away — Relevant for organizations with or without an on site IT team. This session is built for local governments of all shapes and sizes. If you’re responsible for keeping things going in your corner of the world, this session is for you.
Presenters: Michelle Brunton, Cybersecurity Program Coordinator, University of Maine at Augusta; Brian McDonald, Director of IT & Administration, MMA; others TBD
Certification: Valid for 1.25 MTCMA Certification credit in the following category: Finance/Budget or Leadership
2:30 – 3:00 pm Sponsor & Exhibitor Break & Afternoon Snack
3:00 – 4:15 pm Concurrent Session Block #3
MMEHT Annual Reporting Meeting
This session of the Health Trust Annual Reporting Meeting is open to all members of the Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust who are attending the convention. Staff will share information on program operations, finances, and activities, and discuss changes for the upcoming year. This is an opportunity for members to raise questions or concerns and to let us know how we can best support you!
Presenters: Kristy Gould, Director, Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust; and Lisa Rigoulot, Assistant Director, Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust
Certification: Valid for 1.25 MTCMA Certification credit in the following category: Human Resources, Finance/Budget or Leadership.
Drafting Warrant Articles
In this presentation Attorneys from MMA Legal Services will discuss the top things that you need to know about calling and holding a town meeting, including an overview of the different types of town meetings and elections, the role of the moderator, and the process for posting warrants. The attorneys will also walk participants through the best practices of warrant article drafting.
Presenters: Breana
Gersen and Sarah Jancarik, Staff Attorneys, MMA Legal Services
Bridging the Gap: County & Local Collaboration for Stronger Communities
What does it look like when county and local governments move beyond coexistence into true collaboration? In this panel discussion, county administrators and local government officials will share real-world examples of successful partnerships that have improved services, increased efficiency, and strengthened community outcomes. From shared public safety initiatives to regional planning and resource coordination, this session will explore practical strategies for turning intergovernmental relationships into engines of progress. Join us for an open conversation on breaking down silos and building up Maine’s communities together.
Presenters: Ryan Pelletier, County Administrator, County of
Aroostook; Jim Gailey, County Manager, County of Cumberland; others TBD
Certification: Valid for 1.25 MTCMA Certification credit in the
following category: Finance/Budget or Leadership
Negotiating with Confidence: Tools for Women in Leadership
(Sponsored by Maine’s Chapter of Women Leading Government)
Join Attorney Sarah Newell of Eaton Peabody for an empowering and practical session on negotiation skills tailored for women in government. Learn how to approach negotiations with clarity, confidence, and strategy—whether you're advocating for resources, navigating conflict, or leading critical conversations. This interactive session will explore common barriers women face in negotiations and provide actionable tools to help you prepare, communicate effectively, and achieve successful outcomes in professional and political environments.
Presenter: Sarah
Newell, Attorney, Farrell, Rosenblatt & Russell
Certification: Valid for 1.25 MTCMA Certification credit in the
following category: Leadership
First Responder Wellness
(Sponsored by Maine Animal Control Association)
First Responder Wellness focuses on the recognition of both the physical and emotional toll taken on our first responders as they face repeated traumas and emotional incidents during their work shift. Recognizing either the combination of one tragic event or many smaller traumas and how they affect behaviors and mental health is crucial. Prevention is a key element which will be discussed whether it be understanding the importance of incident debriefings, therapies, or the importance simply family-friendly activities for not only the responder but also their immediate support group.
Presenters: Robert MacKenzie, Police Chief, Kennebunk Police
Department; Juliet Angis, Police Lieutenant, Kennebunk Police Department;
Rebecca Parker, Officer/ACO, Kennebunk Police Department; and Jason Mills,
Counselor specializing in first responders
Certification: Eligible for 1.25 hours toward ACO certification.
Certification: Valid for 1.25 MTCMA Certification credit in the following category: Human Resources or Leadership.
4:45 pm Presentation of MMA’s Ethel N. Kelley Memorial Award - (Exhibit
Hall)
Join us for refreshments, appetizers, and the presentation of the Ethel N. Kelley Memorial Award, MMA’s most prestigious award, honoring the service and dedication of a municipal official. To learn more about the award click here.
4:30 – 6:30 pm Member Appreciation Reception and Entertainment - (Exhibit
Hall)
Enjoy networking with colleagues, refreshments and light appetizers, and music by Star City Syndicate!