ICMA will host its 2027 annual conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 25-29, 2027, and has rescheduled the Toronto, Ontario, Canada, dates for September 17-21, 2033.  

At its January 2026 meeting, the ICMA Executive Board asked staff to explore relocating the conference from Toronto, Canada, due to evolving geopolitical concerns, and explore the implications of cancelling or rescheduling the conference with the city of Toronto. Following a review process that included proposals from multiple cities and site visits to finalist locations, the board voted to relocate the conference to Philadelphia.

“Philadelphia offers a highly accessible destination with a strong convention and hospitality infrastructure, ensuring a quality experience for our members,” said Julia Novak, ICMA-CM, ED/CEO. “We also value our longstanding partnership with Canada and look forward to returning in 2033.”

Known as the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia brings a rich history of civic leadership and public service. ICMA last hosted its annual conference in the city in 2002, and returning provides an opportunity to reconnect local government professionals. Philadelphia also served as a host city for this year's ICMA Local Government Reimagined Conference.

Canada remains a valued partner, and we look forward to bringing the annual conference back to Canada in 2033. ICMA continues its international engagement and collaboration with Canadian colleagues and partners, including the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA).

“On behalf of the CAMA Board, we respect ICMA’s decision and the considerations that led to it,” said Brenda Orchard, president of the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators. “We look forward to continuing our partnership and look forward to having ICMA’s Annual Conference in Toronto in 2033.”

ICMA confirmed that its annual conference will return to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, September 17–21, 2033, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to its global membership and long-standing partnerships across North America.

ICMA’s mission is advanced every day by its members. Selecting host cities that support accessibility, stability, and engagement ensures the organization continues to serve the local government management profession and strengthen communities worldwide.

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