Conference schedule

All conference sessions and events are at the Three Rivers Convention Center, unless otherwise noted.
Subject to change.

Tuesday, June 24

11:30 am – 6 pm

AWC Registration Kiosk open

1 – 5 pm

Exhibitor move-in

1 – 4 pm

Pre-conference sessions

Registration for pre-conference sessions is required. The price for pre-conference sessions is included in the full Annual Conference registration fee. Please note that there is a cancellation/no-show fee of $25 for pre-conference sessions.

Collaborative leadership training with the Ruckelshaus Center | Register now!
This session, led by Dr. Julia Carboni of the William D. Ruckelshaus Center, will provide city elected officials and staff with an overview of the collaborative leadership skills needed to tackle real-world challenges. Learn how to move from hierarchical to collaborative leadership and frame discussions around interests instead of positions.

Short Course on Local Planning | Register now!
This course, presented by the Department of Commerce, provides a practical overview of land use planning in Washington state to help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your role. Build a solid foundation in comprehensive planning and plan implementation under the Growth Management Act.

Mayor as CEO: Mastering your role as the city's executive | Register now!
Designed exclusively for mayors in mayor-council governments, this session’s content will help you better navigate your role as the city's executive. Gather with other mayors for a deep dive on roles and responsibilities between the executive (mayor’s office) and legislative (council) branches, and explore challenges and opportunities for leading your city staff. Registration for this pre-conference session is limited to mayors in the mayor-council form of government.

1 – 5 pm

Pre-conference mobile tour

Registration for pre-conference sessions is required. The price for pre-conference sessions is included in the full Annual Conference registration fee. Please note that there is a cancellation/no-show fee of $25 for pre-conference sessions.

Hanford Site: U.S. Department of Energy tour | Register now!
The U.S. Department of Energy is responsible for one of the largest nuclear cleanup efforts in the world, managing the legacy of five decades of nuclear weapons production. Come explore the 580-square-mile Hanford Site, which was the primary producer of plutonium for national defense for over 40 years. After significant risk-reduction work along the Columbia River, Hanford is now set to treat millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste from large underground tanks for disposal.

Registration for this mobile tour is limited to mayors and councilmembers who can meet the below requirements:

  • Citizenship verification: All tour participants must present an eligible form of ID to validate citizenship, such as a Washington state enhanced driver license or U.S. passport (full list of eligible ID will be provided after registration). Participants must also provide valid photo identification on the day of the tour.
  • Dress code: Participants will be required to wear appropriate attire for an industrial site including pants, footwear that fully encloses the foot, and expanded PPE to be provided, if necessary.
  • Physical activity: The tour may involve walking short distances outdoors on dirt, gravel, and uneven surfaces, as well as ascending multiple flights of stairs in facilities, and moving in and out of a vehicle.

Those interested in this tour must register by May 15 and meet all participant credential requirements by May 30.

Due to space limitations and strict deadlines for appropriate documents, a waitlist will be offered for this tour once capacity is met. Elected officials are encouraged to register for the waitlist if the tour is full.

4:30 – 5:30 pm

First-time attendee meet and greet
Gather for an informal meet and greet and reception before heading to the President’s Welcome Reception. Meet with other first-time Annual Conference attendees, members of the AWC Board of Directors, and AWC Past Presidents.

5:30 – 7 pm

President's Welcome Reception
Meet new colleagues from across the state and re-engage with old friends. Our members frequently remark that the networking at Annual Conference can’t be beat—so welcome all, and let the networking begin!

Light appetizers. Dinner on your own.

Wednesday, June 25

6:30 am – 6 pm

AWC Registration Kiosk open

7:30 am – 4 pm

Exhibit Hall open
Explore our vibrant Exhibit Hall and meet our diverse and knowledgeable exhibitors! Learn about their latest products, services, and exciting solutions.

7:30 – 8:30 am

Networking breakfast

8:30 – 11:30 am

Concurrent sessions, mobile tours, dialogue hubs

Noon – 1:30 pm

Opening general session, welcome, Parade of Flags, and city awards recognition

Lunch provided.

1:30 – 2 pm

Dessert and exhibit break

2 – 5:30 pm

Concurrent sessions, mobile tours, dialogue hubs

5:30 – 7 pm

Exhibit Reception
Gather in the Exhibit Hall to network with your colleagues and vendors.

Light appetizers, exhibitor prizes, and hosted bar. Dinner on your own.

Thursday, June 26

6 am – 5:30 pm

AWC Registration Kiosk open

6:30 – 8 am

Wellness activity: AWC Fun Run and Walk
Lace up your sneakers and hit the sidewalks for this Annual Conference tradition!

7 – 10:45 am

Exhibit Hall open
This is your last chance to explore our vibrant Exhibit Hall and meet our fantastic exhibitors!

7:30 – 8:30 am

Networking breakfast

8:45 – 10:15 am

General session

10:15 – 10:45 am

Exhibit break

10:45 – 11:45 am

Concurrent sessions

11:45 am – Noon

Break

Noon – 1 pm

AWC Center for Quality Communities fundraising lunch
Join us as we honor this year’s scholarship recipients and continue our efforts to raise funds that nurture young community members to take on new leadership roles.

1 – 1:30 pm

Networking break

1:30 – 3:45 pm

Concurrent sessions, mobile tours, dialogue hubs

3:45 – 4 pm

Break

4 – 5:45 pm

AWC Annual Meeting
Enjoy an ice cream break and participate in your association’s Annual Meeting. The agenda includes items such as the election of AWC’s Officers and Board of Directors. If you are a voting delegate, please plan to attend in person or online to cast your vote.

5:45 – 7 pm

Evening Reception

Friday, June 27

7– 10:30 am

AWC Registration Kiosk open

7:30 – 8:30 am

Networking breakfast

8 – 11 am

Concurrent sessions, dialogue hubs, and closing sessions

11 am

Adjourn, safe travels!

 

Updated: 3/26/25

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