MISAC Connect Audio

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Welcome to MISAC Connect Audio, the official podcast of the Municipal Information Systems Association of California (MISAC). This podcast is your go-to resource for in-depth discussions, expert insights, and community stories that go beyond our MISAC Connect forum.

  1. Sep 28

    From the Floor: MISAC’s First-Time Conference Attendees

    This episode of MISAC Connect Audio takes you inside the 2026 MISAC Annual Conference in Monterey for something a little different. Armed with a pair of microphones, we walked through the First-Time Conference Attendee gathering and handed the mic to MISAC members from agencies across California. What follows is intentionally raw and largely unedited — conversations happening around the room, background noise, raffle announcements, laughter, interruptions, and plenty of people who weren't expecting to suddenly find themselves on a podcast. The goal is simple: make you feel like you were there. You'll hear from first-time conference attendees about what brought them to MISAC and what they're hoping to get from their first Annual Conference — including making new connections, finding peers facing similar challenges, learning from other public agencies, exploring new technology, meeting industry partners, and attending sessions on topics ranging from AI and cybersecurity to GIS, governance, purchasing, infrastructure, and more. And because this is MISAC, a few longtime members and familiar faces take the microphone as well, sharing why they continue to come back and how the relationships built through MISAC can become such an important part of a career in public-sector technology. With roughly 70 first-time attendees at this year's conference, this gathering offered a great snapshot of the next group of members beginning to plug into the broader MISAC community. No studio. No formal interview setup. No heavy editing. Just conversations from the room as the 2026 MISAC Annual Conference gets underway. Welcome to Monterey — and welcome to MISAC. Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

  2. Sep 27

    Why Wi‑Fi Matters Again — with SmartWAVE Technologies

    Wi‑Fi plays an increasingly important role in how cities serve their staff and communities. In this episode, Allen Hammond talks with Caroline Brown and Eric Holland of SmartWAVE Technologies about outdoor public networks, the continuing gap in home broadband access, and what it takes to refresh an indoor network for today’s mobile workforce. Drawing on the City of Pleasanton’s experience, they discuss Wi‑Fi at the sports park, aquatic park, and downtown; the demands of large events; and why dependable wireless connectivity matters in areas with poor cellular coverage. Allen also shares a conversation with the local school district that challenged his assumptions about students’ access to broadband at home. In this episode: Designing outdoor Wi‑Fi for coverage, capacity, and eventsThe difference between broadband being available and a household being able to use itSmartWAVE’s community connectivity work, including San José and Council BluffsWhat public Wi‑Fi can—and cannot—promise when cellular coverage is weakRethinking indoor Wi‑Fi as staff move between home, meeting rooms, and office workspacesWhy cabling, switches, power, and backhaul belong in a wireless refresh planWhere cities with limited budgets can startSmartWAVE Technologies is a MISAC strategic partner and has worked with the City of Pleasanton on its outdoor networks. Links SmartWAVE TechnologiesSmartWAVE blog feed — add the RSS feed to your feed reader for new postsVisit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

  3. Sep 22

    The Countdown to Monterey—and MISAC Connect in Your Pocket

    The countdown to the 2026 MISAC Annual Conference is underway! In this solo update, we look ahead to MISAC’s largest Annual Conference yet, taking place September 27–30 in Monterey, and preview plans to capture short conversations with members during the conference for future episodes of MISAC Connect Audio. We also introduce the upgraded MISAC Connect platform and mobile app and highlight what’s hot in the forum—including Microsoft Publisher’s retirement, California Senate Bill 122, the evolving relationship between IT and Public Information functions, and experiences with managed security service providers. The episode also recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month and this year’s theme, “Unidos, Somos Más”—“Together, We Are More.” We close by congratulating MISAC member Rolland Kornblau, CGCIO, whose chapter in PTI’s CIO Leadership for Cities and Counties: Emerging Trends and Practices explores why change management has become an essential responsibility of the modern CIO. Chapters00:00 Cold Open00:35 The Countdown to Monterey Begins02:55 MISAC Connect Is Now in Your Pocket07:10 What’s Hot on MISAC Connect12:55 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month15:15 MISAC Member Recognition: Rolland Kornblau17:35 See You in Monterey Links Mentioned in This Episode Download MISAC Connect for iPhone and iPadDownload MISAC Connect for AndroidThe New Reality: When Technology Leadership Becomes Change ManagementVisit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

  4. Aug 25

    MISAC Summer Update: Chapter Meetings, Free MS-ISAC & Presidents Message

    This episode of MISAC Connect Audio is another solo update focused on one of MISAC's biggest benefits: the value of the network. Allen recaps the recent Northern Chapter meeting at Raymond Vineyards in St. Helena, including a little wine-blending competition, and reflects on the value of getting local government IT professionals together to share common challenges, solutions, and lessons learned. Allen also recognizes the industry partners who helped make the Northern Chapter event possible — Tanium, Salesforce, ePlus, and SuccessMetrics — with a brief look at what each company brings to the public-sector technology community and why relationships with MISAC's industry partners matter. The episode also highlights an important cybersecurity opportunity for California public agencies: statewide MS-ISAC enrollment sponsored by Cal OES, which provides eligible agencies with access to cybersecurity resources, including threat intelligence, incident response and forensic support, a 24/7 Security Operations Center, and the MS-ISAC MemberConnect community. Allen then previews the 2026 MISAC Annual Conference, September 27–30 in Monterey, and calls attention to the unofficial Tee Off with MISAC golf event at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch on September 26. The episode closes with an audio adaptation of MISAC President Chris Skelly's Summer 2026 President's Message, including updates on AI, legislation, the new PTI partnership, upcoming MISAC education opportunities, and the importance of having a network of colleagues to learn from and lean on. Chapters 00:00 Opening Remarks and the Value of the MISAC Network01:03 Northern Chapter at Raymond Vineyards04:30 MISAC Industry Partner Spotlights08:03 Why MISAC's Industry Partners Matter09:42 Free MS-ISAC Enrollment Through Cal OES12:41 2026 MISAC Annual Conference in Monterey13:58 Tee Off with MISAC Golf Event15:41 Chris Skelly's Summer 2026 President's Message19:20 Closing Thoughts — The Strength of the MISAC Network Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

  5. May 27

    MISAC Connect Audio: Season 2 Returns — AI, Tahoe Summit, and Monterey Conference Preview

    This episode of MISAC Connect Audio marks the return of the podcast for Season 2 with a solo update on current MISAC happenings. Allen highlights the GovAI and City of Santa Clara Strategic Partner Case Study webinar, shares President Chris Skelly’s Spring 2026 message to the membership, previews the upcoming MISAC Tahoe Summit, and reminds members about the 2026 MISAC Annual Conference in Monterey, including the Call for Presentations deadline of May 31. Allen also discusses the value of practical, real-world conversations within the MISAC community — especially around AI governance, cybersecurity, Zero Trust, local government technology leadership, and lessons learned from public-sector technology projects. Chapters 00:00 Opening Remarks and Season 2 Return02:51 GovAI and City of Santa Clara Case Study Webinar 04:45 Future Deep Dive with Raj Singh and Willow Stuart06:00 President Chris Skelly’s Spring 2026 Message12:10 MISAC Tahoe Summit Preview14:52 Tahoe Summit Vendor Presentation Highlights18:31 2026 MISAC Annual Conference in Monterey19:00 Call for Presentations Due May 3120:40 Closing Thoughts and Welcome Back to Tim Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

  6. 11/01/2025

    MISAC Connect Audio: Weekly Report — Episode #3 | Post-Conference Wrap-Up

    This episode of MISAC Connect Audio, hosted by Allen Hammond, provides a post-conference wrap-up and a weekly digest of MISAC Matter Highlights. It includes shout-outs to the conference committee, recognition of award recipients, and discussions on upcoming educational opportunities and hot topics from the MISAC Connect Forum. Chapters 00:00 Opening Remarks01:39 Conference Highlights and Shout-Outs05:00 Awards and Recognitions10:48 Upcoming Educational Opportunities17:00 Hot Topics from MISAC Connect Forum19:30 MISAC Connect Forum Hot Topics: Visit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

  7. 10/18/2025

    BONUS EPISODE: Exploring UCaaS with Packet Fusion

    BONUS PRE-CONFERENCE EPISODE In this conversation, Alex and Allen discuss the evolution and importance of Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) in the public sector. They explore the drivers for transitioning to UCaaS, the challenges faced by agencies with legacy systems, and the critical role of user adoption and change management in successful implementation. The discussion also highlights the significance of security and compliance, the need for a phased approach to migration, and the benefits of engaging knowledgeable partners like Packet Fusion to navigate the complexities of UCaaS transitions.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Purpose05:49 Understanding UCaaS and Its Importance12:04 Drivers for Transitioning to UCaaS17:40 Challenges and Considerations in UCaaS Migration23:44 Evaluating Vendors and Making Informed Decisions29:35 Understanding User Workflows for Successful UCaaS Implementation30:57 Common Pitfalls in UCaaS Migration34:16 Change Management and User Adoption Strategies37:11 Data Security and Compliance in UCaaS40:29 Phased Approach to UCaaS Transition42:50 Benefits of Full UCaaS Transition49:19 Getting Started with UCaaS Transition51:02 Final Thoughts and Partnering for Success52:43 Overview of Packet Fusion's Services Resources & Links:📌 Learn more about MISAC Connect Audio – Member Only Link📌 Connect with our guest: Packet Fusion -  LinkedInAlex Stanich – LinkedInVisit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

  8. 10/18/2025

    Navigating VMware’s New Era: Guidance for Municipal IT Leaders with KIS

    In this episode, Sean Canevaro and Matt Eickmann from KIS discuss VMware's current landscape and the impact of Broadcom's acquisition on licensing models. They explore the transition from perpetual to subscription models, the confusion it has caused among clients, and the importance of understanding the total cost of ownership. The conversation also touches on the future of virtualization, the role of cloud solutions, and how KIS aims to support clients in navigating these changes.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 04:07 Overview of KIS and Its Role 09:10 VMware and Broadcom: The Acquisition Impact 18:58 Subscription Model Transition and Client Reactions 28:59 The Debate on Subscription Software 30:44 Conclusion and Future Considerations 31:43 Navigating Budget Constraints and Client Control 38:12 Communicating IT Decisions to Stakeholders 44:38 Exploring Alternative Solutions in Virtualization 46:23 The Future of Virtualization and Cloud Solutions 53:10 Understanding KIS and Its Offerings Resources & Links:📌 Learn more about MISAC Connect Audio – Member Only Link📌 Connect with our guest: KIS - Keep IT Simple - LinkedInSean Canevaro – LinkedInMatt Eickmann - LinkedInVisit our MISAC Connect forum for more discussions and community engagement.Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

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About

Welcome to MISAC Connect Audio, the official podcast of the Municipal Information Systems Association of California (MISAC). This podcast is your go-to resource for in-depth discussions, expert insights, and community stories that go beyond our MISAC Connect forum.

Information

  • Creator
    MISAC
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 MISAC
  • Show Website
    MISAC Connect Audio