With the ICMA Annual Conference in Tampa just weeks away, anticipation is building for what promises to be the premier event for local government professionals. Over 4,500 of your peers are preparing to gather to forge new connections, learn from expert practitioners, and advance their leadership skills for lasting impact on their careers and communities.

This year's conference is built around the theme: The Power of Connection and Purposeful Leadership. The keynote lineup featuring Arthur C. Brooks, Amy Cuddy, Julia D. Novak, and Peter Kageyama, is a testament to this vision. Together, they will focus on how leaders can build and leverage vital relationships to make a lasting impact.

Building Vital Relationships

Attendees will gain a framework for mastering four essential types of connections for effective leadership: 

• Relationships with Others: Brooks will provide a roadmap for navigating social division and building stronger interpersonal connections, even with those with whom you disagree.
• Relationships with Yourself: Cuddy focuses on the connection between your mind and body, helping you build authentic power and presence from within.
• Relationships with Your Profession: Novak will explore the powerful connection to professional mentors and the history of the local government profession, showing how it shapes our careers.
• Relationships with Your Community: Kageyama will inspire you to build a stronger emotional bond between people and the places they call home, leading to a more vibrant community. 

Game Changer Sessions 

To complement the keynotes, the conference will feature three "game changer" speakers who will provide practical, on-the-ground strategies for making a difference.

• Lindsey Cormack will show you how local leaders can become civic educators, modeling democratic participation and fostering a culture of civic readiness in their communities.
• Doug Griffiths will reveal the secrets behind his best-selling book, 13 Ways to Kill Your Community, inspiring with wit and wisdom to ensure your community's success.
• Alicia McKay will share her insights on how to make a difference in local government, offering sharp and practical tools for building stronger relationships between governance and management. 

Beyond the Keynotes 

The rich content extends well beyond the main stage. The full week grants access to a range of specialized programming and experiences, including seven distinct learning tracks, targeted micro-certificates, and exclusive mobile workshops with behind-the-scenes tours of innovative projects in the Tampa area. Attendees can connect with peers through a variety of social and sporting events, from the 5K run and walk to the pickleball experience. 

To learn more, view the full schedule, and to register, visit the ICMA 2025 conference website.

Not a member? Now is the perfect time to join! New members who register by October 25 save on their first year's dues and get the exclusive member conference rate.