The largest gathering in ICMA Annual Conference history underscored a powerful message: People who lead communities are not alone.

“Long Beach breaks the record for the most attended ICMA Annual Conference in history,” said Tom Modica, city manager of Long Beach, California.

Held October 17–21, the conference drew more than 5,600 registrants. The agenda included more than 200 learning opportunities, including education sessions, micro-certifications, and more. The conference also brought a record 247 exhibiting companies to the Exhibit Hall floor.

Across five days, thousands of participants explored solutions, shared experiences, and found inspiration for the work ahead in beautiful Long Beach.

ICMAtv was there to capture all the magic. Check out this year's videos.

Big Ideas for Leading With Purpose

Four keynote speakers offered inspiring perspectives on building trust, strengthening teams, and sustaining leadership.

Simon Sinek: Keep learning how to lead. In a fireside chat with retired police chief and executive director of The Curve, Chris Hsiung, leadership expert and author Sinek encouraged managers to invest in listening, feedback, and organizational cultures where employees feel safe asking for help. “There is no such thing as an expert in leadership, only students of leadership,” Sinek said. Read more.

Jon Meacham: Show communities that hope works. The presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize–winning author drew on America’s past to demonstrate how curiosity, honesty, and empathy can help leaders navigate uncertainty and strengthen public trust. “If we want hope to prevail over fear, we have to show that hope works,” Meacham said. Read more.

Kim Scott: Care enough to be candid. The bestselling author of Radical Candor connected compassionate leadership with honest, actionable feedback. She encouraged leaders to start by inviting criticism themselves. “What could I do or stop doing that would make it easier to work with me?” Scott said. Read more.

Liz Bohannon: Build the relationships that sustain you. The entrepreneur, author, and founder of Sseko Designs closed the conference with a message about collective resilience. Meaningful connections, she explained, help sustain people through demanding work and challenging seasons. “When we share our joy, it multiplies,” Bohannon said, encouraging attendees to make room to offer and receive support. Read more.

Game Changer speakers: Check out our onsite session recaps.

• Brady Wilson: The Invisible Forces Behind Incivility 
• Leigh-Ann Buchanan: Your Innovation Style Could Be Your Greatest Leadership Asset
• Eric Zimmer: How a Little Becomes a Lot: Small Changes that Help Local Government Leaders Adapt
• Rachel Stern: Before Buying AI, Think Like an Investor

Full Rooms and Practical Takeaways

Strong participation continued throughout the conference programming. The Art of Assistant Leadership series, led by ICMA’s ACAO Committee, drew standing-room-only crowds in a 185-seat space, reflecting strong interest in developing assistant and deputy manager careers.

The SheLeadsGov luncheon, "Creating Your Own Playbook," sold out with 330 tickets. Women in the profession explored their leadership journeys, professional relationships, and approaches to building careers aligned with their values. The standing-room-only SheLeadsGov session, "Wellness and Leadership for Women in Local Government Management," connected personal well-being with leadership effectiveness, highlighting peer support, healthy boundaries, and mental health resources.

Another popular session, "Navigating Data Center Development: Practical Insights from Experienced Local Government Managers," addressed an increasingly pressing issue for communities nationwide. Experienced managers shared lessons on planning, development agreements, and public engagement, exploring how to balance economic opportunities with infrastructure demands, resident concerns, and meaningful community benefits.

Stronger Partnerships for Stronger Communities

ICMA affiliates brought shared expertise to community engagement and navigating challenges.

In a very popular session, the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA), International Network of Asian Pacific Islander Public Administrators (I-NAPA), and Local Government Hispanic Network (LGHN) explored outreach, communication, and program design that expand participation among underrepresented communities. 

A packed housing discussion brought together representatives from NFBPA, LGHN, CivicPRIDE, I-NAPA, and the National Association of County Administrators (NACA). Roundtables examined affordable and workforce housing, with conversations continuing online through ICMAConnect.

I-NAPA also celebrated its 10th anniversary with a sold-out gala, karaoke, and the signing of its renewed affiliate agreement with ICMA.

Across Borders: A Shared Commitment to Resilience

As for those joining us from outside the United States, the conference welcomed 147 attendees, guests, and vendors from 22 countries, including 12 international strategic ally organizations. 

Through their sessions, several delegations from Ukraine offered a thoughtful reminder of local government’s essential role in keeping communities safe and sustaining front-line staff.

All the international discussions gave participants space to compare approaches with peers, consider how ideas might work locally, build professional relationships, and bring new best practices home.

Record Participation in the Exhibit Hall

A record 247 exhibiting companies connected with participants, helping organizations discover resources designed for local government. This year's Exhibit Hall also included the Innovation Center, featuring presentations from leading govtech innovators.

Celebrating Service and Supporting the Future

The ICMA Awards Recognition Ceremony and reception celebrated innovative leadership and sustained community service.

The inaugural Good Governance Award, honoring Dr. John Nalbandian, Robert J. O’Neill Jr., ICMA-CM, and Jan Perkins, ICMA-CM, recognized Kimbra D. McCarthy, city manager of Mountain View, California, highlighting the partnership between elected officials and professional managers. Watch the ICMAtv video about the honorees.

Friendly competition also supported the profession through #FunForTheFund. ICMA CEO/executive director Julia D. Novak, ICMA-CM, and Liz Culkin (project manager, ICMA conference and events team) defeated Bob Harrison (general manager, Incline Village General Improvement District) and Jeff Weckbach, ICMA-CM (township administrator, Colerain Township, Ohio) three sets to two, inspiring additional contributions to the Fund for the Future of Professional Management.

Bringing the Momentum Home

The next chapter begins with new ideas, trusted colleagues, renewed purpose, and shared knowledge to move communities forward.

Julia D. Novak captured the commitment behind that work. “Our profession was born from reform,” she said. “It’s hard work, but it’s worth it, because the people we serve are worthy of our best.”

The connections continue at the 2027 ICMA Annual Conference, September 25–29 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Check out the call for proposals and stay tuned for more information.