|
2008 Congress of Cities & Exposition
Experiential Learning
The National League of Cities (NLC) is an 80-year-young organization created to respond to the needs of members. The National League of Cities knows that each attendee has a wealth of experience and is a knowledge leader in understanding how cities deal with both today’s and tomorrow’s needs. NLC is in constant communication with officials dealing with the day-to-day issues of running towns, cities and villages. Each Congress of Cities reflects that up-to-the minute awareness and strives to connect members to one another in ways that foster peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
Learning Opportunities:
At the 2008 Conference, participants will find both formal and informal opportunities for experiential learning. These include:
The City Showcase
The City Showcase is an annual exhibition of successful, creative programs from cities and towns across the country. The 2008 City Showcase will take place at the Congress of Cities and Exposition in Orlando, Florida, from November 11-15, 2008.
The City Showcase is presented by city leaders, for city leaders. Participants will network and exchange ideas in a relaxed, self-paced environment. Colorful booth displays, literature and experts at City Showcase booths provide a wealth of information about the programs. To apply for the 2008 City Showcase, download the application. Deadline for Submissions is July 3, 2008.
Constituency Group Activities
Constituency and Member Groups are groups and networks within the National League of Cities (NLC) membership that share common interests and concerns. They reflect the diverse interests and backgrounds of NLC's membership and work collaboratively with NLC to contribute to leadership development, policy formulation, advocacy and program activities.
Constituency group activities at the 2008 Congress of Cities allow members to share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment to encourage learning and growth.
The groups, led by elected officers and Boards, meet at both NLC annual conferences and sponsor special activities and workshops throughout the year. Most groups have a nominal membership fee.
See registration information for 2008 Congress of Cities Constituency Group activities.
NLC Constituency Groups are:
Staff contact: Mary Gordon, (202)-626-3169; gordon@nlc.org.
Mobile Workshops
Mobile Workshops are planned and sponsored by the Host City of each conference and offer a unique opportunity for peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. Attendees who register for mobile workshops will be provided access to the city staff working on the front lines of Orlando, Florida's innovative programs and initiatives. Transported to various sites in and around Orlando, registrants will experience programs in action and participate in Q&A sessions with the staff running them. Mobile Workshops under development for the 2008 Congress of Cities will cover such topics as urban renewal, child and youth development, economic development, sustainability and citizen engagement. More information about Mobile Workshops and information on how to register online will be available in June 2008.
Exposition Hall
The Exposition Hall at the Congress of Cities is one of the largest exhibits for city officials and employees to come face-to-face with the companies that serve municipal needs. Municipal representatives looking for products and services to assist them in meeting the changing demands of their communities will find many potential solutions within the Exposition. In 2008 a new feature has been added, the GREEN PAVILION, which will showcase companies that offer eco-friendly products and services that help local governments create sustainable communities and city workplaces. The Exposition Hall will be open from May 12 through May 14.
First-Timer Orientation & Membership Fair
At the First-Timer Orientation and Membership Fair, participants access a concentrated overview covering the critical elements of the National League of Cities and learn what the organization has to offer members. Attendees discover that the conference experience is just one of many professional development and networking opportunities available to NLC members. Participants connect with critical resources and people during the Membership Fair and meet the volunteers and staff that make the organization what it is. Attend and hear insider tips on how to make the most of NLC membership and Congress of Cities attendance. During this intensive session and fair, participants connect and network with staff and volunteers dedicated to sharing their knowledge and expertise with NLC members.
Networking Events
One of the greatest benefits of attending the Congress of Cities is the opportunity to meet like-minded people dedicated to public service. More than 7,000 delegates attend the Congress of Cities, and the conference provides multiple venues for peer-to-peer knowledge sharing. Consistently, Congress of Cities attendees tell NLC that the the people they meet at the conference are one of the major assets of the event. Dedicated to public service, focused on creating and learning innovative solutions to community challenges, attendees are themselves a great source of knowledge and experience. Networking events at the Congress of Cities, such as the the Exhibit Hall Opening, allow participants time to learn from the experiences of others and to by-pass common mistakes and ensure the implementation of successful ideas. Creating connections with other attendees at the Congress of Cities creates the ultimate conference take-away--a rolodex of names and contacts who can provide answers and insights year-round.
|