The robust, member-shaped 2023 County Technology Conference agenda is split into two tracks to empower county officials & staff of all technical comfort levels with critical information about technology and cybersecurity. The conference will also offer opportunities for you to meet with your county colleagues and to learn how other counties tackle technology risks and challenges.
Join us in person or online as we continue to explore new ways to share important information with you and your county.
What Is a Hybrid Event?
A hybrid event is a conference that combines an in-person event with a virtual component. That means you can join us at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, or you can join in from the comfort of your office through a virtual conference platform.
Registration Fees
| Registration Type |
Early Bird |
After April 21 |
| In-Person County Official or Staff Member |
$230 |
$250 |
| Virtual Registration |
$175 |
$175 |
| In-Person Nonmember |
$500 |
$550 |
| City, School or Special District |
$305 |
$325 |
NOTE: All participants (online and in person) must register by April 14th to receive conference giveaway.
Please make checks payable to the Texas Association of Counties.
Virtual Registration
Once you have registered for the virtual event, you will receive a personalized participation link to the virtual event that will be emailed to you a few days before the start of the program.
Note: Event confirmation emails will come from Events@Accelevents.com to the email address that was used to register for the event.
How to Access the Virtual Event Platform:
Conference attendees will need to access the internet and use a browser to log in and join the virtual event. Though almost all internet browsers (Google Chrome, Firefox, etc.) should allow you to access the event, we've found that it works most smoothly in Google Chrome. Internet Explorer is not a supported browser for the event.
Google Chrome is a free download; however, some county information technology departments may require county staff to get approval before downloading new software.
Special Services
To ensure that our conference is ADA-accessible to all, please contact Rachel Kucera or Nino Miranda at (800) 456-5974 if you need assistance.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
3001 Kalahari Blvd.
Round Rock, TX 78665
(512) 651-1000
$184 single/double, plus applicable tax
Check-in: 3 p.m. | Checkout: 11 a.m.
ROOM BLOCK OPENS DEC. 1 AT 8 A.M.
- Once your online registration is complete, your confirmation email will include a link to make hotel reservations. Emails will be sent to the address on the registration form.
- Conference registration is required to reserve a hotel room in the conference block. The hotel will not accept any call-in reservations.
- Hotel reservations made without conference registration are subject to cancellation or an increased hotel rate.
- Hotel reservations must be secured by April 24. After, all rooms are subject to availability and a price increase.
- If you must cancel a room reservation, please notify Rachel Kucera. In the event of a waitlist, contacting her allows others an opportunity to stay at the host hotel.
HOTEL CANCELLATION POLICY
Reservations canceled 72 hours or more prior to the date of arrival receive a refund of the deposit, minus a $25 cancellation fee. Reservations canceled within 72 hours of the date of arrival forfeit the entire deposit of the first night's room and tax.
For any questions regarding individual reservations, please call Kalahari Reservations Department at (877) 525-2427.
PLEASE NOTE HOTEL POLICY ON CHECKS: Per Guests are required to mail the county/company check at minimum two (2) weeks prior to arrival (personal checks are not accepted). They are to be sent to Kalahari Round Rock (3001 Kalahari Blvd Round Rock, TX 78665), attn: Maribeth Galarpe - Finance with reservation confirmation numbers, first/last name, and payment instructions. We welcome prepayment with Purchase Orders as well.
PLEASE NOTE HOTEL POLICY ON LOA and TAX EXEMPT: Per our policy at Kalahari Resorts, we do not accept completed Letters of Authorization forms, Tax Exemption forms, nor Purchase Orders to be submitted to us at the hotel check-in. We have a dedicated team that approves these forms to ensure validity prior to attachment to the reservations prior to check-in. These forms should be submitted no later than 7 days in advanced to us at dellscallcenterfax@kalahariresorts.com or fax them to 608-254-6116. We highly suggest that the attendees submit these forms at minimum two weeks in advanced prior to the hotel check in so our team can process them in a timely manner. Failure to follow this procedure may result in full room and tax charges to the attendees on their personal cards; since our Front Desk will not accept these forms at check-in. If you have any questions at all, I am attaching a link to our website that will bring you to our general policy page. for the entire resort, that explains our policies in full detail. (Link: https://www.kalahariresorts.com/pennsylvania/help/faq/)."
| Tuesday, May 16 |
| 3-5 p.m. |
Registration and Information Desk Open
Registration F |
| Wednesday, May 17 |
| 7 a.m.-4 p.m. |
Registration Desk Open
Registration F |
| 8-9 a.m. |
Breakfast (provided)
Kalahari E |
| 9-10 a.m. |
Welcome Keynote: Bridging Technology and County Business
As our world become more digital, technology becomes a more permanent part of our lives. What role does it play in county business? Hear from a panel of county voices for a look into how various counties and county roles handle technology & cybersecurity.
Speakers: Hon. Jennifer Henderson, Schleicher County Treasurer
Hon. Kendric Jones, Commissioner, Waller County
Hon. Jill Sklar, Jackson County Judge
Mr. Josh Brock, Henderson County IT Director
Kalahari E
|
| 10-10:30 a.m. |
Break with Sponsors
Kalahari Ballroom Foyer |
| 10:30-11:30 a.m. |
Building a Technology Roadmap for Your County
Long-term planning is essential for counties to effectively manage the technology and cybersecurity. In this session, hear real-world examples of how counties can successfully implement impactful technology developments and how your county can make them worthy investments.
Speakers: Dr. Tim Rahschulte, CEO, Professional Development Academy
Ms. Rita Reynolds, Chief Information Officer, National Association of Counties
Kalahari E
|
| 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. |
Lunch (provided)
Kalahari E |
| 12:30-1:30 p.m. |
BREAKOUTS
Track 1 – Legally Required Website Postings
Learn how to keep your county website up to date and compliant with legally required information. Attendees hear from TAC’s Legal department, who will use TAC’s guide to legally required website postings as the foundation of the session.
Speaker: Ms. Laura Garcia, Associate General Counsel, Texas Association of Counties
Kalahari E
Track 2 – Managing Data Storage & Backups
This discussion will cover factors that may impact what data a county needs to store, as well as a high- level overview of on-premise vs. Cloud data storage. Attendees will also learn about how counties can take the proper measures for storing data securely and how to select the best option for their county.
Speaker: Mr. Andrew Walls, IBM Fellow, CTO & Chief Architect, IBM Corp.
Kalahari F-I
|
| 1:30-1:50 p.m. |
Break with Sponsors
Kalahari Ballroom Foyer |
| 1:50-2:50 p.m. |
BREAKOUTS
Track 1 – Records Management, Retention & Open Records Requests
This informative session will outline the Legal guidelines for records management and retention, as well as best practices for navigating open records requests. Explore different examples of how counties around Texas develop, implement and enforce their own records retention guidelines.
Speakers: Mr. Drew Williams, Associate General Counsel, Texas Association of Counties
Ms. Rebecca Hanna, TSLAC
Kalahari E
Track 2 – Navigating Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Compliance
Better equip your county to navigate the complex world of CJIS compliance by understanding the impacts of the requirements and what measures your county can take to comply. This session will also cover where to find the full list of requirements.
Speaker: Mr. Peter Crary, Sr. Manager of Technology Services, Texas Association of Counties
Kalahari F-I |
| 2:50-3 p.m. |
Break
Kalahari Ballroom Foyer |
| 3-4 p.m. |
Broadband Development Updates
In this session the Broadband Development Office (BDO) will offer valuable insight into the world of broadband. Topics will range from defining “what is broadband?” to the purpose of the Broadband Development Office to various engagement opportunities. The session will also highlight, sources of funding leveraged to expand broadband service throughout the state.
Speaker: Ms. Andrea Pacheco, Broadband Outreach Coordinator, Texas Broadband Development Office
Kalahari E
|
| 4-6 p.m. |
Kick Off Reception with Sponsors
Sponsored by:
Kalahari Ballroom Foyer |
| 6 p.m. |
Dinner on your own |
| Thursday, May 18 |
| 7:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. |
Registration Desk Open
Registration F |
| 8-9 a.m. |
Breakfast (provided)
Kalahari E |
| 9-10 a.m. |
Remediating Cyber Vulnerabilities: There's a Problem… Now What?
Cyber-attacks have become a question of “not if, but when.” This session takes a head-on approach to acknowledging that even with proper planning all counties have cyber vulnerabilities, but knowing where vulnerabilities lie empower stakeholders to identify, address and minimize potential weaknesses. Attendees will learn to prioritize remediating vulnerabilities in a manageable way in order to best protect counties from cyber-attacks.
Speakers: Ms. Andrea Beard, Legal Liability Claims Supervisor, Texas Association of Counties
Mr. Jake Simpson, Associate Partner and Cyber Security Engineer, Sylint
Kalahari E
|
| 10-10:30 a.m. |
Break with Sponsors
Kalahari Ballroom Foyer |
| 10:30-11:30 a.m. |
BREAKOUTS
Track 1 – Cybersecurity Incident Response Planning for Officials & Non-IT Staff
This session will equipe attendees with strategies & resources to develop incident response plans in their county, including an overview of resources that can be used immediately. Learn from real world examples of cybersecurity incidents and how to make sure your county has a plan in place. This session will specifically focus on officials and non-IT staff's role in response planning.
Speaker: Mr. Jeremy Wilson, Deputy CISO, Department of Information Resources (DIR)
Kalahari E
Track 2 – Cybersecurity Incident Response Planning for IT Staff
This session will equip attendees with strategies & resources to develop incident response plans in their county, including an overview of resources that can be used immediately. Learn from real world examples of cybersecurity incidents and how to make sure your county has a plan in place. This session will specifically focus on IT staff's role in response planning.
Speaker: Mr. Ernesto Ballesteros, JD, MS, CISSP, CISA, Security+, State Cybersecurity Coordinator of Texas, Regional 6, CISA
|
| 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. |
Lunch (provided)
Kalahari E |
| 12:30-1:30 p.m. |
Digital Deception: Technology Meets Magic
A fusion of magic and technology, this interactive modern magic show is sure to capture your attention. This dynamic session highlights the power of technology. As seen on CNN and various other television programs, Doug McKenzie and Ryan Oakes are sure to captivate your attention.
Speakers: Mr. Doug McKenzie
Mr. Ryan Oakes
Kalahari E
|
| 1:30-1:50 p.m. |
Break with Sponsors
Kalahari Ballroom Foyer |
| 1:50-2:50 p.m. |
BREAKOUTS
Track 1 – Email & Password Security Best Practices
This session covers the critical topic of keeping your online identity safe by utilizing best practices for your email, a route bad actors will often utilize to compromise networks and data. Also learn how to create a password that will give you the best line of defense against the risk of compromise. This session is geared towards all levels of technology comfort.
Speaker: Mr. Matt Boyd, Founder, Clark Fork Technology
Kalahari E
Track 2 – Budgeting for IT Projects
How does technology fit into your county budget? Tom Green county officials and IT staff discuss how their county approaches this topic from all perspectives in their unique roles and answer questions about their budget process.
Moderator: Tramer Woytek, Judicial Resource Liaison, Texas Association of Counties
Speakers: Hon. Rick Bacon, Commissioner, Tom Green County
Mr. Nathan Cradduck, Auditor, Tom Green County
Mr. Justin Thornton, IT Director, Tom Green County
Kalahari F-I
|
| 2:50-3:15 p.m. |
Break with Sponsors
Kalahari Ballroom Foyer |
| 3:15-4:15 p.m. |
Developing Technology Policies - Part 1
Policies are a critical foundation for effectively managing technology in counties. Collaboration is key to create a policy that protects county operations and promotes proper use of technology. This session walks attendees through the steps to develop a well-rounded approach to creating technology policies, including fostering collaboration throughout the county.
Speakers: Mr. Robert Ruiz, Associate Director of Risk Management Services, Texas Association of Counties
Ms. Erin Shirley, Infrastructure Security Engineer, Texas Association of Counties
Kalahari E
|
| 6-7 p.m. |
Dinner
Event Barn at the Kalahari (dinner provided) |
| 7-9 p.m. |
Bowling at B-Lux!
(bowling shoes provided if needed) |
| Friday, May 19 |
| 8-11:15 a.m. |
Registration Desk Open
Registration F |
| 8:30-9 a.m. |
Breakfast (provided)
Kalahari E |
| 9-10 a.m. |
Implementing Technology Policies - Part 2
Policies are a critical foundation for effectively managing technology in counties. Collaboration is key in order to create a policy that protects county operations and promotes proper use of technology. This session shares strategies to help attendees implement technology policies, including solutions for overcoming the hurdles that both officials and staff face when trying to gain county-wide buy-in of a policy. Attendees will get a peek into TAC Risk Management eRiskHub to see sample polices provided to members with cyberliability coverage.
Speakers: Mr. Robert Ruiz, Associate Director of Risk Management Services, Texas Association of Counties
Ms. Erin Shirley, Infrastructure Security Engineer, Texas Association of Counties
Kalahari E
|
| 10-10:15 a.m. |
Break
Kalahari Ballroom Foyer |
| 10:15-11:15 a.m. |
Hacking Demonstration
Get a look into the mind of a hacker. Cybersecurity experts will show you the steps that hackers take when breaching your system, including the vulnerabilities hackers may look for. Then, learn how to stop hackers and keep your information safe with best practices tips from the experts.
Speakers: Mr. David Brauchler, NCC Group
Mr. Matt Nash, NCC Group
Kalahari E
|
*Agenda subject to change
Applications for continuing education credit are submitted to each governing body listed below. Upon approval, the number of continuing education hours will be posted. Please check back often for updates.
| Continuing Education Type |
In Person |
Virtual |
| CPA/Auditors |
12 |
12 |
Commissioners
(*Please note that authorization of online attendance must be approved by commissioners court order. Online attendance cannot be used for the mandatory education hours by a new commissioner in the first year of service.) |
12 |
12 |
| County and District Clerks |
12 |
12 |
| County Judges |
Not Approved by Texas Judicial Academy |
Not Approved by Texas Judicial Academy |
| Justices of the Peace |
12 |
12 |
| Sheriffs and Constables (TCOLE) |
12 |
Not Approved by TCOLE |
| Tax Assessor-Collectors |
12 |
12 |
| Treasurers |
Not approved by CTAT |
Not approved by CTAT |
| Attorneys (MCLE) |
9 |
9 |
Registration Cancellation
All cancellation and refund requests must be received in writing (fax or email acceptable) Refunds requested before April 21 are subject to a $10 processing fee. Refunds after April 21 will be subject to an administrative fee equal to one‑half of the registration fee. No refund will be honored after May 16. Please email Nino Miranda or fax (512) 477‑1324 to cancel your conference registration.
Hotel Cancellation
If you must cancel a room reservation, please notify Rachel Kucera. In the event of a waitlist, this allows others opportunity to stay at the host hotel.
Your Connection to County Government
Sponsor Registration
Click here to view the available sponsorships. Please email the completed form to Rachel Kucera to secure your spot!
NEW this year! Sponsors can now complete paperwork and pay with a credit card online!
First, log in to the TAC member portal at the top right corner of the TAC homepage. Next, locate the 2023 County Technology Conference in the Calendar of Events and click "Register." Then, choose sponsorship opportunities to add your preferred sponsorship options. Once the registration is complete, Rachel Kucera will follow up to confirm and get your hotel room needs.
First-Time Users
- Click "Forgot username?"
- Enter your email address and click "Submit."
- Check your inbox for a TAC email with your username and logon instructions.
If you receive a message that your email address cannot be found:
- Click "Create a new account."
- Enter required fields.*
- Click "Save."
Return Users
- Log in with your username (email address) and password.
Registration Assistance
- For more information, please contact Nino Miranda at (800) 456-5974.
Sponsorship cancellations must be made in writing before April 1, 2023, to receive a 50% refund. Any sponsorship that requires a company logo to be printed on a promotional item or on multiple print pieces will be final upon receipt of payment and cancellations are not permitted. Sponsors canceling after April 1 are responsible for payment in full or may jeopardize future sponsorship opportunities.