General Session

Seasoned crisis-communications expert Mark Weaver brings over 40 years of front-line experience, from felony prosecutions to senior leadership at the Ohio Department of Justice and national spokesperson roles, to guide county officials through high-stakes public-trust challenges. Drawing on his track record of steering organizations through legal, reputational and social-media crises, Weaver will offer tailored strategies for county leaders to prepare messaging, manage media scrutiny and lead confidently when the spotlight is intense. Attendees will leave with actionable best practices designed to protect credibility, preserve public trust and respond effectively when their county is truly “on the hot seat.”

Feeling overwhelmed by the AI revolution? Don't worry, you don't need to be a tech genius (not even close) to harness the power of artificial intelligence! Join Steve Lerch, former Google executive, on a captivating journey into the practical side of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot.

In this eye-opening and accessible presentation, Lerch cuts through the jargon and demystifies AI for everyone, regardless of your technical background. Through real-world use cases, fun examples, and a simple playbook, he'll show you how AI can revolutionize your work or even your personal life.

Discover how to:
● Boost your productivity: Learn how AI can simplify complex tasks, generate creative content, and even provide personalized coaching.
● Unlock new possibilities: Explore the fascinating world of AI-powered tools, from chatbots to image generators, and see how they can spark your imagination.
● Supercharge your career: Gain a competitive edge by leveraging AI to streamline your work, improve your decision-making, and deliver exceptional results.

No one knows what the future of technology looks like, but one thing we do know is that AI will continue to get better, spread further, and increasingly become a required tool for anyone in the working world. If you’re ready to take the first steps and increase your comfort with AI, this talk is for you.

Kentucky’s top legislative leaders share their perspectives on the issues shaping the Commonwealth. Hear directly from Senate President Robert Stivers and House Speaker David Osborne as they discuss priorities for the upcoming session, challenges facing counties, and opportunities for collaboration. Moderated by KACo President Dan Mosley and Government Affairs Director Shellie Hampton, this conversation will offer valuable insight into the policy landscape that impacts every county.