Program

Tuesday, October 7

8:00 - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast & Registration
8:30 - 8:45 a.m. Welcome & Introductory Remarks
Michael R. O'Connor, APCO First Vice President and Executive Director, Western Will County Communications Center
8:45 - 9:15 a.m. Future of AI for Emergency Communications
Scott MacDonald, CEO GovWorx

We will delve into emerging technologies, potential advancements, and visionary strategies that promise to revolutionize crisis response and community safety.
9:15 - 10:15 a.m. Setting the Stage 

This presentation will provide an overview of the current landscape of AI in emergency communications, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities to set the stage for insightful discussions and innovative solutions to improve ECC operations and services.
10:15 - 10:45 a.m. Break
10:45 - 11:45 a.m. How AI is Alleviating ECC Challenges
Moderator: Stephen Devine, Chief Technology Officer, APCO International
Panelists:  Josh Ball, Systems Administrator, Hawkins County, TN; Teresa Thompson, RPL, CPE, Deputy Executive Director, Orleans Parish Communication District; Jake Saur, CPE, RPL, ECC Administrator, Arlington County Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management

Learn from ECC leaders who have achieved success in AI implementation. This panel will explore how advanced technologies are addressing key challenges, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving overall response capabilities to better serve communities in times of crisis.
11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 - 1:45 p.m. What AI Is…and Is Not
Megan Bixler, RPL, CPE, Senior Technology Strategist, APCO International

Unpacking the myths and realities of artificial intelligence, this panel will clarify what AI truly encompasses, its capabilities, and limitations, while dispelling common misconceptions to foster a deeper understanding of its role in modern technology.
1:45 - 2:45 p.m. AI Assistance in Training
Moderator: Megan BixlerPanelists: Natalie Heneks, Division Manager, Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office; Desiree Arnold, Executive Director, Atlanta 9-1-1; Patrice Coleman, Assistant Director, Nashville DEC

Exploring the transformative role of AI in enhancing emergency communications training, this panel will delve into innovative approaches, real-world applications, and future directions to improve response efficiency and effectiveness.
2:45 – 3:15 p.m. Break
3:15 – 4:15 p.m. AI for Cybersecurity
Megan Bixler

Explore the significant opportunities AI offers for enhancing threat detection, incident response, and overall cyber resilience, alongside the challenges it presents, such as bias, complexity, and the evolving tactics of cyber adversaries.
4:15 – 5:00 p.m. NTIA – ECC AI Research
Jeremy Hill

Wednesday, October 8

8:00 - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast & Registration
8:30 - 9:00 a.m. Ethical and Legal Considerations for Using AI in ECCs
Howard W. Waltzman

Delving into the ethical implications of using AI in emergency scenarios, including privacy concerns, bias, and decision-making transparency
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Human in the Loop
Moderator: Megan Bixler
Panelists: Natalie Heneks, Division Manager, Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office; Josh Ball, Systems Administrator, Hawkins County, TN; Michael Bateman, Nashville DEC

Understanding how AI can complement human decision-making in emergency scenarios to achieve better outcomes.
10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Break
10:30  - 11:30 a.m. AI for Mental Health Support in ECCs
Moderator: Steve Devine
Panelists: Tina Buneta, ENP, CPE, RPL Aurora 9-1-1, CO; Teresa Thompson, RPL, CPE, Deputy Executive Director Orleans Parish Communication District; Wayne Harris, Operations Manager, City of Baltimore 9-1-1

AI can provide mental health support tools for dispatchers, helping to manage stress and burnout.
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Meeting National Standards in Emergency Communications
Rosa Smith, APCO International

Explore how AI technologies are helping emergency communication centers meet national standards and enhancing operational efficiency, and improving overall service quality. Additionally, APCO will discuss how the standardization of AI can benefit ECC’s and their operations.
1:15 – 2:30 p.m. AI Implementation Lessons Learned
Moderator: Paul McCallister
Panelists: Katy Myers, Deputy Director, NORCOM; Jake Saur, CPE, RPL, ECC Administrator, Arlington County Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management; Tenea Reddick, Director, City of Baltimore 9-1-1

This presentation will highlight key lessons learned, best practices, and common challenges faced during AI integration, offering practical guidance to enhance future implementations by identifying and overcoming barriers to AI implementation, including technical, financial, and organizational challenges.
2:30 - 3:00 p.m. APCO Staff Update
Crystal Lawrence, CPE, RPL, APCO International

Learn how APCO is at the forefront of AI integration in emergency communications, providing best practices, comprehensive guidance, and innovative leadership to enhance response capabilities and operational efficiency.
3:00 - 3:30 p.m. Break
3:30 - 4:45 p.m. The Future of AI Technologies
Moderator: Stephen Devine

Explore the future of AI technologies in emergency communications, focusing on emerging advancements that promise to enhance crisis response, improve situational awareness, and optimize resource allocation. This presentation will delve into practical applications, potential innovations, and strategic developments that are set to transform how we manage emergencies and safeguard communities.
4:45 - 5:00 p.m. Closing Remarks
Jennifer Reese, CPE, APCO 2nd Vice President and Assistant Director, Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency

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