Cal-ICMA Scholarship Recipient Testimonials: Annual Conference Attendees
ICMA Annual Conference 2023 | Austin/Travis County, TX
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Prior to my attendance at the ICMA Annual Conference, I had heard of its reputation for outstanding content, valuable networking opportunities, and exposure to the latest trends in city management. However, my inaugural experience at the conference in Austin, Texas exceeded my expectations.
This opportunity undoubtedly broadened my knowledge and perspective, enabling me to bring innovative ideas and best practices back to the communities I serve. As a dedicated public servant, being able to attend this conference was a transformative experience in my professional growth and provided me with insights into a variety of career paths.
Among the standout sessions, "How AI is Driving Innovation in Government" prompted me to consider the potential of AI while emphasizing the importance of maintaining the human element. "Making Paid Family Leave a Reality in Small and Medium-Sized Cities" underscored the significance of investing in employees, and Emmitt J. Smith's keynote address masterfully interwove his personal journey with lessons of perseverance.
Perhaps most notably, I valued the candid conversations with peers about their strategies for achieving a better work-life balance. These honest and vulnerable insights empowered me to find an equilibrium between the joys found in both my professional and family life.
I am grateful to Cal-ICMA Scholarship and Events Committee for believing in my potential and investing in my future. I look forward to integrating and sharing my knowledge with great enthusiasm and appreciation.
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"A Texas-Sized Transformation: The 2023 ICMA Conference in Austin"
From ethical quandaries to employee engagement programs, community policing strategies, and tips for transitioning from management to executive roles, this year's ICMA Conference was jam-packed with engaging topics, networking opportunities, and career-changing perspective shifts. Reflecting on my recent trip to Austin for the ICMA Conference, I find myself eager to share the knowledge I gained and the personal journey that brought me to this point in my career.
Exploring Austin's Unique Charms
Beyond the conference sessions, the city itself offered numerous delights. As I made my way back and forth from the Convention Center to the hotel in downtown Austin, I couldn't help but be captivated by the vibrant atmosphere of Sixth Street and quickly immersed myself in the local scene. Austin is famous for its barbecue and renowned live music, and I indulged in both. The warm Texan evenings were perfect for savoring BBQ brisket while listening to live music in one of the city's many outdoor venues.
One evening, I ventured to the Elephant Room, a cozy jazz club where live jazz filled the air until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. Another evening, I paddled Lady Bird Lake toward Congress Bridge, where I witnessed North America's largest bat colony emerge from under the bridge for their nightly feeding while catching a breathtaking view of the city's skyline. These unforgettable experiences added an extra layer of enjoyment to my time in Austin.
A Shift in Perspective
However, the most significant takeaway from my trip to ICMA's Conference in Austin was a profound change in perspective. It wasn't a particular session, speaker, or single moment that triggered this transformation. Instead, it was the cumulative effect of being surrounded by high-level professionals, engaging workshop sessions, motivational speakers, and the experience of stepping out of my comfort zone in an unfamiliar city.
As I engaged with fellow professionals, I realized that my professional journey has been shaped by a series of challenges and personal growth experiences. It isn't just about acquiring knowledge and skills; it is about navigating complex interpersonal relationships with peers, bridging political divides, and managing limited resources to accomplish big projects while balancing the demands of my family, small business, and personal interests.
The Path Forward
The ICMA Conference in Austin clarified my career trajectory in a way I hadn't anticipated. I now see a clear path forward, leading me upward in my career. However, it's more than reaching the next rung on the ladder; it's about using the knowledge and insights gained at the conference to excel in a role that demands adaptability, resilience, and a deep commitment to public service, a role that I am ready to embrace.
In conclusion, my journey at the ICMA Professional Conference in Austin was a transformative experience. From the enriching sessions to the cultural immersion in the city's offerings, it was a trip that combined professional growth with personal exploration. I want to thank all of the people who made my journey possible --- City Manager Sage Sangiacomo, City of Ukiah, Deputy City Manager Shannon Riley, City of Ukiah, and the Cal-ICMA Scholarship Committee. The ICMA Conference in Austin will forever hold a special place in my heart as the backdrop to this pivotal moment in my career.
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Attending the 2023 ICMA Annual Conference in Austin, Texas offered me an extraordinary opportunity to meet local government leaders from across the country and around the world, and to witness the strength of solidarity and support throughout the profession.
In one memorable encounter, I met the head of ICMA Europe, Peter Agh, who is from Slovakia. I studied abroad in Slovakia as a Rotary Exchange student for a year and fell in love with the country. Since then, I rarely have opportunities to meet Slovaks and practice my language skills. It was a particular joy to get to speak some Slovak and connect two parts of my life that had, until then, seemed entirely separate. It was exciting and humbling to see ICMA’s sweeping global reach and the ways that the shared values of good governance and effective municipal management cross national and cultural boundaries.
Throughout the conference, the theme of support, community and solidarity underpinned both the sessions and social events. On Monday, the city managers of Uvalde, TX and Highland Park, IL shared their experiences of leading their cities through the aftermath of mass shootings. They both exhibited extraordinary strength and vulnerability in the face of profound grief, and spoke of the ways that their ICMA peers from around the country reached out and provided crucial advice and support. Later that day, a session on supporting the Council-Manager form of government emphasized how we can find new solutions to challenging circumstances by learning from the experiences of leaders at other public agencies.
The ICMA Annual Conference gave me an opportunity to learn, meet new people, and reconnect with old friends and colleagues. But most of all it exposed me to the underlying value that ICMA provides to the profession. Thank you very much to Cal-ICMA for supporting me and creating the opportunity for me to attend, learn, and grow as a local government professional.