Call for Session Proposals will open October 21, 2024

For the 2025 Annual Conference in Tampa/Hillsborough County, Florida we are soliciting innovative, future focused ideas for training workshops and educational sessions; leading ideas talks and roundtable discussions centered around innovations of today and future proofing for tomorrow.

Let’s Shape the Future Together!

Join us in Tampa, October 25-29, 2025, where we will gather to learn, share, and inspire. Your voice matters, and together we’ll shape the future of local governance and leadership.

Sharing your expertise and experiences is a good way to personally give back to the profession.

Spotlight the work of your current and/or former employers.

Additional reason for your employer to support your conference attendance.

Increase your visibility for future professional opportunities.

Be Clear. Be Enthusiastic. Be Specific. Be Original. Be Educational.

  • Follow the instructions and read the Call for Presentations FAQ section for important information about the ICMA Annual Conference and tips for creating a great submission.
  • Create a future-focused, original presentation that covers the latest best practices, ideas, and innovations in the local government management profession. The strongest proposals will not just highlight the issues and solutions of today, but will consider how local governments can adapt and innovate to future-proof against challenges over the horizon.
  • Include a take-away. Attendees are looking for concrete take-aways from sessions that will help them address similar issues in their own communities.  More specific descriptions of tools, skills, or performance-based strategies to be gained are generally preferred.  Sessions should align with the Practices for Effective Local Government Management and Leadership.
  • Depth and specificity. The more specific your submission description is, the better. Drill down to what really matters to the local government management professional.
  • Your title should reflect your description. Think simple, accurate, and succinct.
  • Diversity matters. Session selection will reflect diversity in gender, race, and location of speakers (including those outside of the United States), as well as diversity in thought and opinion. Please keep this in mind if you are proposing a panel.
  • No product information allowed. Your presentation must be noncommercial. At no time is it permissible for presenters to use their time slot to conduct a product demo or advertise or promote a product, service, or company. Companies wishing to submit a session that is focused on a product demonstration or commercial in nature should contact Megan Sherman (msherman@icma.org) for information on ICMA’s Product Theaters. When the submissions are being reviewed, if a presentation has product information or advertises or promotes a product, service, or company, it will be considered for a Product Theater.