“Thinking Outside the Box” Summer Conference a Success
By India Adams-Adams, MPA, ICMA-CM
The Virginia Local Government Manager Association (VLGMA) Summer Conference "Thinking Outside the Box" was a great success! The two-day event, held on June 7-9, 2023, drew over 200 participants from across the state to the Virginia Beach oceanfront.
The conference featured a variety of speakers and keynotes on topics related to local government management, including:
Personal and Interpersonal Wellness with Shelia Battle
Strong Towns Virginia with Daniel Herriges
Looking Ahead: Urban Placemaking & Community Development with Carmen Mays
In addition to the keynote presentations, participants also had the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops on topics such as:
Creative Management Approaches for Celebrating Our Differences and Promoting Unity
Outside-the-Box Thinking in Economic Development and Community Revitalization
Intergovernmental Relations in a New Era for the Virginia General Assembly
A New Grant Opportunity and Interlocal Best Practices in Securing Grants Collaboratively
The conference also featured several networking opportunities, including a welcome reception, a luncheon, a luau, and a collaborative VLGMA art project.
Overall, the VLGMA Summer Conference was a valuable opportunity for local government managers to learn new skills, share ideas, and reconnect with colleagues. We are grateful to all the participants who attended, and we look forward to seeing you at next year's conference! I'd also like to thank our conference co-chairs, J. David Conmy and Vivian Giles.
We are already planning next year's conference and are looking for one more conference co-chair. If you want to serve in this vital position, please get in touch with Alysse Dowdy at ald5zm@virginia.edu. The incoming 3rd Vice President and Professional Development Chair, Mr. Danny Davis, is looking forward to connecting and welcoming everyone to our Winter conference in Hotel Roanoke on Feb 14-16, 2024.
Thank you to our many sponsors who made this conference possible!
Best,
India Adams-Adams, MPA, ICMA-CM (candidate)
VLGMA Second Vice-President
Town Manager, Town of Colonial Beach