ICMA 2026

ICMA 2026

Bookmark this page for information on SPAA's activities during the International City/County Management Association Annual Conference in Long Beach, CA! Details on the KUCIMAT reception (in person and virtual), Eldon Fields Colloquium, and more will be posted here as they come available.

Register for the in-person reception

KUCIMAT Alumni Reception

We look forward to you joining us for the 2026 KUCIMAT alumni reception at the ICMA Annual Conference in Long Beach, CA on Sunday, October 18th, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm. This year, we will meet at The Reef On The Water for an evening filled with networking, laughter, and meaningful programming to celebrate our fellow alumni and their accomplishments. The early-bird cost to attend is $100, which includes a full dinner and two drink tickets. This rate lasts through Sept. 1, after which it will increase to $125. Intentional programming will include presentation of the award recipients, recognition of the KUCIMAT board (new and outgoing members), an introduction to the Class of 2028, and updates from the Class of 2027, as well as updates from the School of Public Affairs and Administration.
RSVP for the virtual reception RSVP for the virtual reception
Explore sponsorship opportunities Explore sponsorship opportunities
Register for in-person reception Register for in-person reception

Presenting at ICMA?

Are you presenting at ICMA? We'd love to highlight your session in the condensed ICMA schedule we make for our SPAA alumni and hand out at our table in the conference center.
Submit session details Submit session details

SPAA friends and alumni presenting at ICMA

2026 ICMA Long Beach Conference
DayTimeSessionPresenterLocation
Saturday, October 17, 20268:00 am-12:00 pmMicrocredential | Politics, Administration, and Civility - Bridging the Gap Between What Is Politically Acceptable and Operationally SustainableRoom 201A 
Saturday, October 17, 20268:00 am-12:00 pmBuilding High Performing Board-Manager Relations Mike Letcher (MPA 1978)102B
Sunday, October 18, 20268:00 am-12:00 pmSharpen Your Strategic Leadership Edge: Transforming Local Government Performance Mike Letcher (MPA 1978)201B
Sunday, October 18, 202610:15 am - 11:15 amHow to Make Your One-on-ones with Your Elected Officials Really Count 104B
Sunday, October 18, 202611:30 am - 12:30 pmMission-driven Leadership: Veterans Building Trust and Integrity in Local Government Charlene Stevens (MPA 1996)204
Monday, October 198:30 am- 9:30 am“Shadow Councils” When Advisory Bodies Drift off Course – Strengthening Role Clarity and Discipline in Council-manager System Jan Perkins (MPA 1976)Grand Ballroom B
Monday, October 198:30 am- 9:30 amBeneath the Surface: Understanding Policing Culture and What It Takes to Modernize It Beverly O’Neill Theater 
Monday, October 198:30 am- 9:30 amPartners in Progress: Rethinking the Balance Between Internal Capacity and External Expertise Matthew Schmitz (MPA 2020)101B
Monday, October 191:15-2:15 pm

Eldon Fields Colloquium

The Promise of Good Governance

104A
Monday, October 192:30-3:30 pmSupporting Small Businesses in Small Places Alex Mansfield (MPA 2020)104A
Monday, October 192:30-3:30 pmNew Worlds of Service: A Brief History of the Profession and ICMA Julia Novak (MPA 1998)Grand Ballroom B
Monday, October 197:30-9:30 pmCivicPRIDE Mixer at ICMA at Hamburger Mary'sAll Aboard! CivicPRIDE Mixer at ICMA  
Tuesday, October 208:15-10:15 amShifting Democratic Norms and Public Trust: A Discussion and Toolkit102A
Tuesday, October 209:00-10:00 amHow to Deal with Disruptive Governing Body Members Jan Perkins (MPA 1976)Grand Ballroom B
Tuesday, October 209:00-10:00 amHow to Embrace being a Manager in Transition – This Could be you Tomorrow!! Charlene Stevens (MPA 1996)Seaside Ballroom A
Tuesday, October 2012:45-2:45 pmEquipping Burnout-Resistant Civic LeadersKristi Northcutt (PMC Director) 
Tuesday, October 201:30-2:30 pmLeadership Begins with Belonging: Helping Emerging Leaders Find Their Voice in Local GovernmentLogan Masenthin (MPA 2018)201B
Tuesday, October 202:45-3:45 pmDeveloping the Public Service Workforce of the Future Penny Postoak Ferguson (MPA 1994)Grand Ballroom B
Tuesday, October 202:45-3:45 pmLeadership Beyond the Podium: Navigating Technology, Trust, and the New Town Square Matthew Schmitz (MPA 2020)104A
Tuesday, October 204:00-5:00 pmPartners in Local Governance: Strength, Continuity, Leadership, and Trust in Modern Local GovernmentKelly McAdoo (MPA 2000)104B
Tuesday, October 204:00-5:00 pmFrom Awkward to Awesome: Interview Lessons from Both Sides of the Table Charlene Stevens (MPA 1996)103A

KUCIMAT Alumni Reception Sponsors 2026View as gallery page