The momentum for the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference in Long Beach continues to shatter expectations. Fresh off our record-breaking opening wave of registrations, we are thrilled to announce that acclaimed presidential historian, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and global leadership voice Jon Meacham will headline our Monday General Session keynote.

Meacham will share insights into the American presidency and our shared history, offering a non-partisan perspective for leaders navigating modern civic challenges.

Combined with Sunday’s Opening General Session with Simon Sinek, this year's lineup brings two world-class leadership voices to the Long Beach stage. (Check out Sinek's article in the July PM)

Our Strategic Tip: Plan an Early Arrival 

With our main stage keynotes firing on all cylinders starting Sunday, the smartest way to approach your conference itinerary is to arrive early. By scheduling your travel for a Friday or Saturday morning arrival, you can maximize your professional development budget by participating in our high-demand Saturday and Sunday Pre-Conference Micro-Certifications. 

Seats are already filling fast for these offerings: 

• AI: Developing a Plan, Culture and Purpose for Your Government Enterprise (Nearly 50% full!)
• The 5 Tenets of High Performance Government
• Bridging the Strategic Planning Gap

 View all Preconference Micro-certs 

Download the 2026 Preliminary Program 

Ready to see the big picture? The digital preliminary program is available to view and download online (and will be arriving in your mailboxes in the July issue of PM magazine). Use this guide alongside the live website session list to map out your education strategy and find out how to maximize your time in Long Beach. 

Don't wait to create your conference experience. Secure your registration, review the growing list of attendees to see who is attending, and plan your weekend arrival today!

 ➡️ Explore Keynotes and Secure Your Spot for Long Beach