That’s a wrap on the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference in Long Beach, California. ICMA TV host Melissa McCarty hears from attendees about the connections they made, the people and ideas that inspired them, and why coming together helps local government leaders feel less alone in demanding jobs.

Julia D. Novak, ICMA-CM, CEO and Executive Director of ICMA, then joins Melissa on a walk through the conference to talk about ICMA’s role as a bridge between members, its international roots going back to 1914, and how professional local government makes room for ethical leadership in communities. ICMA’s next Annual Conference is in Philadelphia in 2027.