ICMA's 2025 Conference Education Committee, Sara Hensley, ICMA-CM, city manager, Denton, Texas committee chair, and Emily Moon, public works director, Issaquah, Washington, vice chair, met January 16-18 to plan the education program for the 111th ICMA Annual Conference, which takes place October 25-29, 2025, in Tampa/Hillsborough County, Florida. The committee developed an educational program featuring educational sessions in seven major theme tracks:

Empowering Future Civic Leaders 
Explore effective programs and initiatives designed to engage youth and cultivate the next generation of local government leaders in various cultural and political contexts.

Enhancing Community Engagement and Public Trust 
Uncover innovative methods to strengthen citizen participation, and build trust and participation through innovative approaches to citizen engagement and transparent governance, considering varied democratic traditions and community structures internationally.

Ethics and Governance in a Complex World 
Strengthen governance and uphold ethical standards in an increasingly complex and globalized world.

Fiscal Innovation and Sustainable Economic Development 
Explore the future of local finance and economic development with innovative strategies for growth and resilience, diverse economies, and governance systems globally.

Future of Work in the Public Sector 
Prepare for the evolving workforce by exploring trends in hybrid work, talent retention, and employee well-being.

Mindfulness and Self-Transformation in Public Leadership 
Discover practical approaches to enhancing leadership skills and maintaining well-being in public service roles, considering diverse cultural perspectives on leadership and work-life balance.

Modernizing Public Infrastructure Through Technology 
Modernize public infrastructure by integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative approaches to asset management. Explore how technology integration can transform public infrastructure to meet future community needs across different resource settings and urban-rural contexts.

Here is what the committee members said about the conference education program and Tampa:

• Presentations from practitioners from places international and rural.
• Public engagement and economic development sessions will be impactful for attendees, something they will be able to take back to their communities and hopefully be able to implement.
• Sessions for all career stages; full of actionable ideas and solutions; addressing hot topics that past attendees requested.
• Walkable with scenic waterfront views.
• A 20-minute ride from the airport to the convention area.
• Hotels and convention center within close proximity to food and entertainment venues.

Everyone that attends...will bring home all of the following: tangible and practical skills, memories of great learning experiences, and new friendships!
Phil Kiraly, ICMA-CM, village manager, Glencoe, Illinois 

The Tampa area and surrounding region provide a great location for the conference and things for the family to do before, during, and after the conference.
Jim Proce, ICMA-CM, assistant city manager, Lewisville, Texas

Should not miss the depth and diversity of its educational program, which is thoughtfully designed to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in local government leadership. ... An unparalleled opportunity to engage with cutting-edge ideas and practical solutions tailored to public administration. With its forward-thinking content and focus on actionable takeaways, the ICMA conference equips attendees with the tools and inspiration needed to excel in public service.
Michaela Canete, policy analyst, Hillsboro, Oregon

Network with colleagues, challenge your own boundaries, and learn new skills while making new connections amid the gorgeous backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico.
Gretchen DiFante, ICMA-CM. city manager, Pelham, Alabama

There is something for everyone.
Mike Gent, ICMA-CM, deputy city manager, Littleton, Colorado

The committee also developed a series of career track sessions focused on the professional development needs of assistant managers, county managers, ICMA Credentialed managers, and small-community managers. Committee members were impressed with Tampa’s beautiful weather, walkability, cleanliness, the city’s diverse and friendly local residents, great food, eclectic arts scene, and that many of the conference hotels are within walking distance of the Tampa Convention Center.

Again this year, the online conference housing bureau will open simultaneously with online conference registration. In June, you will be able to make a hotel reservation and register for the conference online. The materials also will be included in the preliminary program packet, which will be available for download in late June.

In the words of Mike Grebosz, ICMA-CM, assistant city manager, DeLand City, Florida: The Tampa conference is going to be un-bay-lievable!

Watch for conference updates in upcoming newsletters, on social media, and on the conference website, conference.icma.org. #ICMA2025!