The 2019 ICMA Regional Conferences Promise to Drive Innovation

by NRC on February 19, 2019

Interview with NRC's Damema Mann, ICMA Strategic Partner, describes what’s new and exciting about the 2019 ICMA Regional Conferences.

-By Angelica Wedell-

The crowd-favorite 2019 ICMA Regional Conferences are back with a new focus on innovation.

This year, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) promises to send participants home with ideas, strategies, and tools for use in their own organizations and communities. Teamwork, keynote speakers, and even a vendor exhibit hall replace the old format.

The core elements that made these events successful previously remain. The Regionals continue to provide local government professionals opportunities to network and discuss issues with peers in their area. And once again, these “mini” conferences meet in the U.S. Southeast, West Coast, Mountain Plains, Northeast, and Midwest regions.

ICMA members welcome the change. The first event sold out more than a week before its start date, and later conferences are already filling up.

National Research Center, Inc. (NRC), ICMA Strategic Partner, has attended dozens of these conferences in many states over the years. NRC also looks forward to the new features. Survey researcher Damema Mann describes what’s exciting about the first of these 2019 ICMA Regional Conferences.

What makes the 2019 ICMA Regional Conferences so valuable?

Damema: “This is a great opportunity to meet with local government leaders in a smaller setting. This year, attendees will get to hear about specific innovations happening in their region. So, ICMA is really giving members better access to what may very well be their best resource: each other.”

Why are you looking forward to visiting Greenville, SC?

Damema: “I’ve never been to Greenville. But I’ve heard they have one of the best downtowns in all America. I’m looking forward to seeing the City and what has made it so successful. I’d love to meet the mayor and tour the area. I live in Colorado, so I’m also excited that it will be a lot warmer there.”

How can participants find you at the Southeast Regional?

Damema: “I’ll have a table for NRC in the exhibit hall and will be spending time with members at some of the sessions. I’m also excited to share a great story about Cartersville, GA and how they’ve used surveys to solve problems in their community. There are so many great examples of cities using data and technology to innovate, and I can’t wait to talk about that with clients, friends, and new faces. So look for me throughout the event, take some swag, and let’s keep in touch!”

Learn more and register for the 2019 ICMA Regional Conferences

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