AWC Annual Conference
Registration is open! See you in Vancouver
AWC’s Annual Conference offers something for everyone. With its city-focused agenda, all general sessions, concurrent sessions, mobile tours, networking opportunities, and social events are designed to educate and inspire. Return to your community with renewed ideas, insights, and contacts.
Featured speaker
Peter Kageyama, Urbanist and Author
Peter Kageyama is an urbanist and bestselling author of four nonfiction books on cities and placemaking. His first book, For the Love of Cities, was recognized as a Top 10 Book in Urban Planning and Development. He speaks all over the world about better placemaking that emphasizes small, inexpensive, and fun approaches to city building. He was a Senior Advisor to the Alliance for Innovation and is a special advisor to America in Bloom.
What does Annual Conference offer?
This year’s conference kicks off on Juneteenth. We are integrating this important holiday into our sessions and celebrations. Dive into the history of Juneteenth and how cities across the state are lifting up the holiday. Other sessions will focus on the importance of belonging and the engagement of all residents. Then join us for an after-hours reception with members of AWC’s DEIB Cabinet. Come learn and celebrate with us!
Inspiring sessions
Dive into the basics, be inspired by new ideas, and learn how to innovate at city hall.
Valuable networking
Connect and collaborate with city colleagues from across the state.
AWC Business Meeting
The AWC Business Meeting brings together hundreds of city leaders to consider proposed resolutions, elect the AWC Board of Directors, and enact policy.
Certificate of Municipal Leadership credits
Elected officials earn 10 CML credits for attending Annual Conference.
Why should you come to Annual Conference?
Check out photos from the 2023 AWC Annual Conference!
Who should attend?
- City councilmembers, mayors, managers and administrators, and department heads
- State agency, nonprofit, and business personnel with a close working relationship to city decision-makers
Mark your calendar now for future AWC Annual Conference dates!
- June 24-27, 2025 – Kennewick
- June 23-26, 2026 – Spokane
In the event Annual Conference is cancelled, or any portion of the event is cancelled, we will make every attempt to notify you. However, AWC will not be held responsible for any travel or lodging costs related to such cancellation.
Questions?
For questions about the conference, please contact Tonia Sugarman.
Registration or cancellation questions and special accommodations
registration@awcnet.org
Please contact us at least seven business days prior to the workshop if any disability accommodations are needed. For TDD users, please use the state’s toll-free relay service, (800) 833-6388, and ask the operator to dial the AWC number.
AWC statement on health and safety at meetings and events
AWC is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for attendees at our meetings and events, and we will always comply with applicable local, state, or federal health requirements.
Although face masks are not currently required, we welcome attendees to wear a mask, and ask all attendees to respect others’ choices. And please, if you’re sick, stay home; event attendees will appreciate it. Reach out to AWC if you have any questions.
Conference and event code of conduct
AWC events are intended to provide a productive and safe environment for learning and networking for attendees and other participants.
AWC is committed to creating an inclusive environment that is free from discrimination or harassment, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, transgender status, age, disability, veteran or marital status, or any other protected categories under applicable law. All participants must agree to and abide by the policies outlined in this code of conduct. This includes registered attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, staff, and vendors.
We operate on a zero-tolerance policy with our code of conduct. If AWC determines a conference participant has failed to abide by this code of conduct, then AWC may remove the participant from the conference without refund of conference fees and may take whatever further actions it deems appropriate, such as notification of participant’s entity/employer or other authorities, and disqualification from attending future events.
This event is held for the benefit of AWC and its members. We reserve the right to cancel registration of attendees which, in our determination, would be contrary to the interests of AWC members or other attendees.
Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:
- Offensive or unwanted behavior or language related to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, transgender status, age, disability, veteran or marital status, or any other protected categories under applicable law.
- Visual or verbal harassment, such as sexual images or sexual language at the event, including presentations, slide decks, videos, photographs, or written remarks.
- Intimidation or bullying, both online and/or in person.
- Any other illegal activity not already covered above.
- Sharing event registration or meeting links with another person(s).
- Failure to follow any of the rules or regulations of the event or instructions of AWC staff.
- Recording of sessions (including audio, video, and photography) without permission.
- Sustained disruption of sessions or other events.
- Actual or implied threat of physical harm.
- Actual or implied threat of professional, reputational, or financial damage or harm.