Welcome to Long Beach

Long Beach has a feeling you notice as soon as you arrive. It's real, it's warm, it's creative and diverse... It's a vibe. Long Beach City Manager Tom Modica and ICMA welcome you to Vibe City, California for three exciting days of premiere sessions, unforgettable events, and special events. You’re not going to want to miss this.

LBC LOUNGE

Attendees will enjoy a variety of experiences in the LBC Attendee Lounge, including youth artwork from the Long Beach Public Library’s Creativity Lab, photo opportunities next to a lifeguard tower with a twist, and hands‑on stations such as poem writing and LBC herb blending. Special programs include “Life as a City Manager—Told Through Poetry” with former city manager and poet Jim Schutz, who will read and discuss his local government poems about life as a city manager.

Schedule
About The Conference

The 2026 ICMA Annual Conference will take place October 17-21, 2026 in Long Beach, California. The conference offers education sessions, impactful keynote speakers, a robust Exhibit Hall, and unique networking opportunities. Sessions take place at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, with evening activities in some of the city's most iconic locations – including the RMS Queen Mary.

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ICMA OPENING PARTY: After Hours in the LBC

7 to 9:30 PM
Terrace Plaza


The party starts after dark, and you won't want to miss it. Join fellow conference attendees for an electrifying opening night experience on the Plaza of the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center where neon lights glow, the music pumps, and the energy is absolutely contagious.


Tickets may be purchased during the registration process, added to a registration at a later date or purchased on-site depending upon availability.

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RUN WITH THE CITY MANAGER

Join Long Beach City Manager Tom Modica for a leisurely 2.5‑mile run featuring stops at some of the city’s beach front highlights, including Rainbow Harbor, The Pike, the Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Marina Bike Path, Gaucho Beach, and more. The run will start and finish just outside the Hyatt Regency’s Main Lobby Entrance (200 S Pine Ave).

ICMA NETWORKING RECEPTION

Join us for the ICMA Networking Reception on the Queen Mary on Tuesday, October 20, at 7:30 PM.

Set against the iconic backdrop of the Queen Mary, enjoy an unforgettable experience of connection while enjoying curated food, drinks, and entertainment, all while mingling with industry peers in one of Southern California’s most historic and elegant venues. With dazzling views, art deco charm, and timeless glamour, the Queen Mary offers the perfect way to close out the conference.

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Dark Harbor Discount Code: QMDRHR2610
This code will provide a 30% discount for any General admission and Fast Fright ticket purchases for time slots starting at 10pm or later on Tuesday, October 20.
For assistance, please contact help@darkharborhalloween.com

SCAVENGER HUNT

Step out into the heart of downtown Long Beach for a lively, interactive scavenger hunt that brings the city’s history, hidden gems, and fun facts to life. Capture photos, solve trivia, and explore notable landmarks within an easy stroll from the convention center. Complete your adventure by 1:00 p.m. PST on Tuesday, October 20th to be entered into a drawing for a fabulous prize. Participation is limited to 175 attendees, so don’t miss your chance to join in the fun!

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DOWNTOWN WALKING LOOPS

Downtown Long Beach is a “walker’s paradise” according to Walk Score, which gave our downtown a score of 93, making it amongst the most walkable places in Southern California. Check out downtown’s Nature Trail along with 4 other nearby walking loops.

Walk Downtown Long Beach
TRANSPORTATION

There are several convenient ways to get around Downtown Long Beach without a car, including the City’s bikeshare program, e-scooters, and a free electric shuttle operated by Circuit. For details on car-free mobility options, visit our blog. For information on renting a bike in Long Beach and where to find bike paths, visit our Cycle City page.

Golf in Long Beach!

Long Beach offers five municipal golf courses catering to all skill levels with convenient online tee time booking.

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DTLB LIVE!

Come roller skate with us at DTLB Live! on Saturday, October 17, from 4 to 8 PM! DTLB Live! is a free, recurring monthly event series bringing live music, local craft vendors, and family-friendly activities to the Promenade between Broadway and 3rd Street every third Saturday. This month’s event will include a free roller skate rink. DTLB Live! is also an EZ Sip Entertainment Zone event, meaning you can purchase beverages from participating bars and enjoy them throughout the designated event footprint, creating a relaxed, walkable street-festival atmosphere.

Event Details

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LOCAL FLAVOR

Long Beach’s walkable downtown core is home to over 100 coffee shops, bars, and restaurants, making it easy to enjoy local flavors without having to drive.

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Restaurants, Shopping & Event Locations

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SPECIAL OFFERS

Enjoy discounted admissions to local attractions with the 1-Day or 3-Day Vibe City Pass. ICMA attendees can also use Visit Long Beach’s Show Your Badge program to receive special discounts across the city.

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HOST COMMITTEE SPONSORS