Expand Your Network: Getting the Most from Your First ICMA Annual Conference

A strong professional network is one of the most valuable tools for advancing your career. The right relationships can open doors to new opportunities, help you navigate challenges, accelerate your professional growth, and ultimately drive your success as a local government leader. As the largest convening of local government professionals, the ICMA Annual Conference is the perfect start to expanding your network. Join us as we sit down with Leann Watts-Williams, Manager of Neighborhood Affairs for the City of Tallahassee and NFBPA Tallahassee Chapter President. A networking pro who attended her first ICMA Annual Conference in 2025, Leann will share her experience and practical strategies for first-time attendees in 2026 and beyond. In This Interview: 1. Practical strategies for expanding your professional network. 2. Ways to make connections meaningful for your career, even if networking doesn’t come naturally to you. 3. Tips to get the most out of the ICMA Annual Conference, even if it’s your first time attending. Put These Strategies Into Practice at the ICMA Annual Conference Join thousands of local government professionals at the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference, October 17-21 in Los Angeles County, California. Connect with peers, exchange ideas, develop skills, gain strategies, and experience the beautiful City of Long Beach! Learn more and register: https://conference.icma.org/ ____________________ About ICMA ICMA’s vision is to be the leading association of local government professionals dedicated to creating and supporting thriving communities throughout the world. We do this by working with our more than 13,000 members to identify and speed the adoption of leading local government practices to improve the lives of residents. ICMA offers membership, professional development programs, research, publications, data and information, technical assistance, and training to thousands of city, town, and county chief administrative officers, their staffs, and other organizations throughout the world. Find out more about ICMA, and the profession, at our website: https://www.icma.org Sign up for ICMA e-Newsletters: https://icma.org/e-newsletters Follow us! Twitter:   / icma   Facebook:   / icmaorg   LinkedIn:   / icma   Instagram:   / icmaorg