Seven tips for a great annual conference experience

By Cal Cities Education Staff

Are you ready for what could be the largest Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo of the last decade? To help ensure you get the most out of your time in Long Beach, we've compiled a few tips for first-timers and conference veterans alike.

1. Review the conference schedule and plan your must-see stops

The annual conference is packed with educational sessions and opportunities to connect with colleagues. Take time to review the full schedule with your team before attending. If you're going as a group, divide the educational sessions up to maximize the conference's benefits. Remember to bring a stack of business cards! You never know who you might meet.

If this is your first time attending the conference - or if you need a refresher - join Cal Cities staff for an attendee orientation at 12:45 p.m. on Oct 16.

2. Set up your mobile app in advance!

The Cal Cities mobile app has everything you need to know about the conference. You can view the full program, build a custom schedule, import events into your calendar, view exhibitor information, and more. Find the Cal Cities mobile app by searching "League of California Cities" or "Cal Cities" in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

Already have the app? Make sure to download the conference guide! Just select "Find Guides" on the bottom right of your screen and search for "2024 Annual Conference and Expo." With the guide, you can start building your personal conference schedule.

3. Make sure your city is ready for Friday's General Assembly

Each year, members can propose new Cal Cities policies through the annual resolution process. Cal Cities received one resolution this year, which voting delegates will consider during the General Assembly on Fri., Oct. 18 at 8:30 a.m.

All voting delegates must check in at the voting delegate desk before the General Assembly. The desk will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday and 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday.

4. Earn your continuing education credits or complete ethics training

The annual conference officially starts with the Opening General Session at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. However, there are plenty of pre-conference activities for those who arrive beforehand, including opportunities for education credits. Arrive early for AB 1234 Ethics Training or earn CMC/MMC Advanced Education Points at the City Clerks Workshop.

City attorneys can also earn education credits throughout the conference.

5. Connect with peers at your department meeting or regional event

The annual conference is a chance to wrap up old business and prepare for the year ahead. During department meetings, city officials in similar professions gather to discuss pressing issues, hear timely legislative updates, and brainstorm solutions for their work on unified department goals.

City clerks, city managers, public works officers, and fiscal officers will meet on Oct. 16. City attorneys, employee relations managers, and mayors and council members will meet on Oct. 17. Fire Chiefs will meet on Oct. 18.

Want to deepen regional connections? Many of Cal Cities' regional divisions meet during the annual conference to share and reflect on issues impacting their region. For information about division events, review the conference schedule or contact your regional public affairs manager.

6. Find exhibitors and Cal Cities Partners in the expo

Don't forget about the second half of the conference - the expo floor! With over 275 exhibitors, this year's expo floor will be brimming with opportunities to discover city-focused services and organizations for a wide range of mundane and unusual city challenges.

While you're there, be sure to check out the winners of this year's Helen Putnam Awards for Excellence program. The annual program honors and promotes the outstanding work of member cities throughout the state that have made unique contributions to community residents and businesses, which have resulted in lower costs or more effective delivery of services.

7. Pack the essentials!

Last, but most importantly: The annual conference includes a lot of walking and conference room temperatures may vary! Pack comfortable shoes, chargers for mobile devices, and a jacket as conference rooms may be cold to some. Be sure to allow for extra time to pick up your conference badge before arriving at your first event. Don't forget: Wear your badge at all times during the conference.

Please note, online registration is closed! Registration is available on-site, pending availability. See the registration desk upon arrival for more information.

Scammers may contact you claiming to be the housing bureau/service for the conference. Cal Cities has contracted with LiveCon as the official housing bureau/service for the 2024 Annual Conference and Expo. Official conference emails will come from addresses ending in @calcities.org or @live-con.com or the actual hotel. Neither party will call you directly without prior communication.

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