Join the Largest Gathering of Local Government Professionals in the World

Local government employees face their own set of unique challenges that are different from other levels of government. Because of these unique needs, sometimes it can be difficult for local government employees to get the training and resources needed to solve some of their biggest problems.

The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) is the world’s leading association of professional city and county managers and other employees who serve local governments. ICMA’s mission is to support this community with training, resources and opportunities for professional development. ICMA hosts a go-to event for leaders of cities, towns and counties of all sizes around the world.

The 104th ICMA Annual Conference is expected to welcome more than 3,000 local government professionals to the Baltimore Convention Center, Sept. 23-26. Registration is live until Monday, Sept. 17: icma.org/annual-conference/register.

Each year, the Annual Conference offers an abundance of educational, information-sharing and networking tools to help you manage your community in today’s complex environment. This year’s conference will include a special focus on creating smart communities that last and enable people of all ages to live and thrive together.

ICMA Annual Conference highlights will include:

• Inspirational keynote speakers. Keynote speakers will discuss a range of insightful, historical and social-cultural issues including how to live richer, more engaged lives; leadership in turbulent times; how to unleash your own tenacity and cultivate the bravery and leadership potential of those around you; and how to evolve and inspire others. Speakers include:
  • Daniel Pink – When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing
  • Doris Kearns Goodwin – Leadership in Turbulent Times
  • Greg Bell – Water the Bamboo: Unleashing the Potential of Teams and Individuals
  • Wes Moore – The Work: Searching for a Life That Matters
• More than 150 educational sessions covering local government’s hottest topics. To help local leaders manage their communities in light of today’s challenges, this year’s conference will feature educational sessions on topics including sustainable communities and building communities that last; equity and social inclusion; the changing workforce; redefining community engagement; smart communities; and the challenges and responsibility of putting your well-being first.
• 3rd Annual ICMA University and League of Women in Government Symposium. This pre-conference event focuses on trending issues that are important not only to women in local government but to everyone who is striving for inclusivity and gender equity in their organizations.
• Leadership training opportunities. Attendees looking for in-depth, interactive and intensive leadership training to develop their skills and enhance their knowledge can add an ICMA University Workshop to their registration. These half-day workshops address the ICMA Practices for Effective Local Government Leadership and give attendees access to instructors who are selected for their knowledge of the topic, understanding of local government issues, and proven ability to effectively teach adults.
• Health and Well-Being Zone presented by Cigna. Cigna’s Health and Well-Being Zone will offer a variety of impactful 15-minute sessions where attendees can learn powerful techniques to help improve their physical and mental health.

If you cannot join ICMA in Baltimore, join the 2018 ICMA Virtual Annual Conference instead! It includes four keynote speakers (keynote session access ends three to six months after the original broadcast), two featured speaker presentations, 16 of the most compelling educational sessions, and coverage from the floor brought to you by ICMAtv. Learn more: icma.org/virtual.