International City/County Management Association - ICMA 2026
Event Date
October 17–21, 2026
Location
Long Beach, CA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe ICMA Annual Conference, hosted by the International City/County Management Association, is the premier professional development and networking event for local government management professionals. The 2026 edition will be held at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center in Long Beach, California, October 17–21, under the theme of building the future of local government.
The conference draws city and county managers, assistant managers, department heads, and other local government leaders from across the United States and internationally. Attendees come to advance their skills, earn professional credits, and connect with peers who share the challenges of running effective, thriving communities.
Over five days, participants can choose from keynote general sessions, education sessions, micro-certification courses, mobile workshops, an exhibit hall, sporting events, and numerous networking opportunities. With marquee keynote speakers, professional certification credits, and hands-on learning experiences set against Long Beach's walkable waterfront downtown, the conference offers strong value for anyone dedicated to public service and local government excellence.
Show Highlights
- General Session Keynotes: Simon Sinek presents "Leading with Purpose: Creating an Inspirational Culture in City and County Government" on Sunday, October 18, and Jon Meacham presents "Hope Through History: How to Survive Turbulent Times" on Monday, October 19.
- Micro-Certifications: Expanded Saturday and Sunday pre-conference sessions for attendees who arrive early.
- Mobile Workshops: Immersive off-site learning sessions showcasing real-world projects and cultural initiatives in Long Beach and surrounding communities.
- Exhibit Hall: A Grand Opening Reception plus luncheons, connecting attendees with solution providers to the public sector.
- AICP-CM Credits: Approved sessions offer certification maintenance credits through the American Planning Association.
- Networking: Lounges including the ICMA Hub and LBC Attendee Lounge, sporting events, affiliate events, and receptions throughout the week.
Registration
Registration and housing for the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference are open. Registration opened June 10, 2026, and can be completed online at the conference website; ICMA does not accept phone registrations.
Key details and deadlines:
- Best value rate deadline: The best value registration rate ends Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
- Group/team discount: Groups of four or more attendees receive 15% off each applicable registration rate when processed together.
- Discounted rates: Certain ICMA membership types, early career professionals, and regional attendees may qualify for complimentary or discounted registration.
- Cancellations: Before September 23, 2026, refunds are subject to a $150 processing fee per transaction (tickets are non-refundable); no refunds are issued after that date. Substitutions are accepted in writing without a processing fee through September 23, 2026.
- Badges: Badges and tickets are picked up onsite at self-check-in kiosks with a valid photo ID; they are not mailed.
Onsite registration is available at the regular (not increased) rates, though some special event ticket prices may increase.
History
The ICMA Annual Conference is the flagship event of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), whose vision is to be the leading association of local government professionals dedicated to creating and supporting thriving communities throughout the world. The conference rotates among host cities across the United States each year; recent and upcoming host cities are documented in ICMA's "Future & Past ICMA Conferences" records. The 2026 conference marks the event's return to Long Beach, California.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference?
The conference takes place October 17–21, 2026, at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802. It begins Saturday, October 17, and ends Wednesday, October 21.
Who should attend the ICMA Annual Conference?
The event is designed for local government management professionals, including city and county managers, assistant managers, department heads, and other public service leaders. First-time attendees are welcomed and encouraged, with special tips and programs available for them.
How do I register and what are the key deadlines?
Registration is completed online at the conference website; ICMA does not accept phone registrations. The best value registration rate ends August 26, 2026, and groups of four or more receive a 15% discount. Cancellations before September 23, 2026, are subject to a $150 processing fee, with no refunds after that date.
Who are the keynote speakers for 2026?
Simon Sinek delivers a keynote on leading with purpose in city and county government on Sunday, October 18, and historian Jon Meacham presents on hope through history on Monday, October 19.
What are the parking and hotel options at the venue?
The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center offers over 4,000 on-site parking spaces at a flat rate of about $15 per day. ICMA's official hotel block, booked through Maritz, includes properties ranging from adjacent to the convention center to airport-area hotels, with shuttle service and Uber vouchers provided for hotels outside walking distance.
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