There's still time to register for ICMA 2024 Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, September 21-25! View the schedule at a glance, or the full agenda. And download the ICMA Conference App to customize your schedule, take notes, and connect with peers.
Read more about a few of the sessions below, along with related ICMA programs and resources offered year-round to help you and your team take the next step from learning to practical application. Then check out the ICMA Annual Conference Global Sessions and Events Guide for information on 23 unique sessions and other events geared toward global knowledge sharing and one-of-a-kind networking opportunities with attendees from around the world.
A Quick CAB Ride: Credentialing Bootcamp
When: September 23, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Where: The Westin Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Ballroom
What: If you are a local government executive dedicated to continuous improvement, this session is for you. Full session description.
What Next?
The Voluntary Credentialing Program offers local government executives a structured framework for self improvement. This session will allow attendees, whether a potential applicant, a new Credentialed Manager or a seasoned CM, to ask questions from members of the Credentialing Advisory Board and staff and learn about the Voluntary Credentialing Program in an interactive way.
Improve Service Delivery and Citizen Engagement using tools developed by ICMA’s Global Programs
When: September 25, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Meeting Room 306-307
What: This session will showcase ICMA's work on the US-government-funded Clean Cities Blue Ocean (CCBO) program, which for the past 5 years has worked with local governments in Southeast Asia and South America to reduce plastic waste in the ocean. Through the program, ICMA developed a Local Government Solid Waste Capacity Index (called the SCIL), to help local governments assess capacity to sustain an economically and environmentally sound 3R/SWM system. Full session description.
What Next?
Participants interested in 3R/SWM systems, ICMA's international work with local governments, or solid waste management in general, can learn good practices from ICMA's Capacity Building and Governance Director for the CCBO program.
Tibetan settlements in India: Can they thrive as exclaves or do they need integration with the local Indian settlements?
When: September 21, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Meeting Room 306-307
What: ICMA and Indian partner, UMC, are utilizing GIS mapping technology to assist the US government's efforts to support Tibetan settlements across India. Focusing on the pivotal question of whether these settlements can thrive as exclaves or if integration with local Indian settlements is imperative, this discussion will cover ongoing community-led settlement improvement planning and database management to offer a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities faced by the Tibetan diaspora in India. Full session description.
What Next?
Participants interested in 3R/SWM systems, ICMA's international work with local governments, or solid waste management in general, can learn good practices from ICMA's Capacity Building and Governance Director for the CCBO program.
Celebrating 20 Years of LGMF (Reception)
When: September 24, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Where: The Westin Pittsburgh, Westmoreland East/Central
What: Join us to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Local Government Management Fellowship. Reflect on the program’s incredible journey, celebrate its many successes, and look forward to an exciting future. Network with alumni, current fellows, and hosts. Connect, learn, and celebrate with fellow attendees! Full session description.
What Next?
Twenty years ago, leaders among the ICMA membership and staff recognized a talent crisis looming in the not-too-distant future. The LGMF continues to provide a groundbreaking career entry opportunity and communities with impactful change. Over the past 20 years, the program has generated 425 fellows, more than 35 who have taken on a chief or assistant chief administrative officer role, and alums who have continued a mentorship cycle through hosting fellows. This record demonstrates that the program continues to meet the designed goals, with the added bonus that the fellows themselves have made a substantial impact in the communities they have served and have demonstrated the importance of investing in career development. Become a host today!
Local Government Management Fellowship
Career Advancement Hub: Resume Reviews, Mock Interviews, and Expert Advice
When: September 24, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Where: The Westin Pittsburgh, Westmoreland East/Central
What: This event offers a unique chance to receive hands-on guidance from seasoned professionals, gain valuable insights through mock interviews, and expand your network with potential employers and industry experts. Attendees can receive resume, interview, and career advice. Full description.
What Next?
The ICMA Job Center offers a wealth of resources, including executive recruitment tools, career guides, and Career Compass articles. You’ll find an executive search firm directory, a recruitment guidelines handbook, a manager evaluations handbook, an interim or acting manager guide, a first-time administrators handbook, and much more. Explore these resources to enhance your career and professional development!
Ask an Executive Recruiter: Navigating the Executive Search Process
When: September 23, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Meeting Room 407
What: Gain valuable advice and practical tips from experienced executive recruiters. This session will provide a deeper understanding of the executive search process, helping attendees to know what to expect and how to navigate it successfully. Full description.
What Next?
Pittsburgh Networking Power Hour
When: September 22, 6:45-9:00 p.m.
Where: The Westin Pittsburgh, Allegheny Ballroom I
What: This session offers a valuable opportunity for students and early-career professionals to connect with peers and experienced individuals in the field of local government. Building these connections can provide insights into the profession, potential mentorship, and career advancement opportunities. Full description.
What Next?
Local Government Management Fellowship
Youth Voices in Your Community
When: September 22, 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Meeting Room 310-311
What: Gain valuable perspectives from Youth Board members and Youth Fellows who have designed and led professional development workshops. Their firsthand experiences will offer unique insights into youth empowerment and involvement, guiding attendees on how to effectively support and collaborate with young leaders. Full description.
What Next?
Youth engagement is an important initiative for ICMA and falls under our Next Generation Initiatives. After two successful pilot programs, ICMA will be continuing the Bob Turner Scholars Internship. The Bob Turner Scholars Internship is a hands-on learning opportunity designed to attract high school or community college students to local government and a values-based career. ICMA received a donation to be endowed in honor of Bob Turner to help train future professionals. Bob was a mentor to many individuals who followed in his footsteps and made their own contributions to society. The goal of this program is to ensure that these students have the opportunity to serve a local government as an intern under the guidance of an ICMA member mentor.
Policy Proposal Summit: Tackling Wicked Problems in Local Government
When: September 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Meeting Room 411-412
What: This event offers a chance to connect with practitioners, academics, and fellow graduate students, creating a network of support and collaboration that can enhance their professional journey and contribute to community improvement. Full description.
What Next?
The ICMA Student Chapter program is a unique opportunity to introduce and integrate students into the local government management profession and familiarize them with members, resources, and the ICMA Code of Ethics. As a part of ICMA's Next Generation Initiatives, chapters exist to establish connections between ICMA, schools, students, state associations, and managers. There are currently about 144 ICMA Student Chapters worldwide. Students host events throughout the year to engage students on their campus and work with members in their communities to strengthen the connection to local government. Check out the student chapter roster and connect with a student chapter in your region!
Youth Empowerment: Leading the Way in Local Government Engagement
When: September 21, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Meeting Room 310-311
What: This session is designed to inspire ICMA members and community leaders by showcasing real-life examples of effective youth engagement. Attendees will leave with practical ideas and strategies to implement in their own communities. Connect with passionate young leaders and other community leaders committed to building and sustaining youth engagement. Full description.
What Next?
Bob Turner Scholars Internship
Supporting Veteran Reintegration in the US and Ukraine
When: September 23, 2:45-3:45 p.m.
Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Meeting Room 317
What: Learn about the three principles of how to help returning veterans reintegrate back into their hometowns, be it in Ukraine, the United States, or elsewhere. Full description.
What Next?
Learn more or get involved with ICMA's Global Engagement Strategy.
Ethics in Local Government: Lessons From the Global Stage
When: September 24, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Meeting Room 301-302
What: Learn how the establishment of codes of ethics and professional standards have strengthened local government institutions across the world. Understand the different types of ethical dilemmas across the global and how local government professionals solve problems while maintaining ethical standards. Full description.
What Next?
For 100 years, the ICMA Code of Ethics has been the foundation of the local government management profession, guiding leaders, and setting the standard for excellence.
Cracking Down: FBI's Take on Local Government Corruption
When: September 24, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Meeting Room 403-405
What: The FBI is uniquely situated to combat corruption, with the skills and capabilities to run complex undercover operations and surveillance. Hear about the FBI's completed investigations and outcomes. Full description.
What Next?
New, Reduced Membership Dues
A new, reduced dues rate is available for CAOs/ACAOs, along with additional discounts for those in smaller communities, has been implemented. Learn more and be sure to join or renew today!
