Tentative Conference Agenda

WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 2024

7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Registration Desk Open

8:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Pre-Con workshop: So You’re Going to Be a City/County Manager
Speakers:
Description: Whether you’re at the start of your career or have long-time city or county management ambitions, then you should attend this session! Becoming a city or county manager may be your dream job or it may be the one you haven’t started thinking about yet. What exactly does it take to get there? Career paths for managers vary from private sector professionals to public servants who have always wanted to be a manager. In this entertaining and informative session, professionals from throughout Florida will share how they got to the top spot… or just the spot they always wanted. You’ll learn how to get the job, adjust to the top spot and how to prepare for your financial future.

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Board of Directors Meeting

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Pre-Con Workshop: 100 Years of the Code of Ethics: Past, Present and Future
Speaker: Jessica Cowles, Managing Director Member Services & Ethics, ICMA
Description:  The ICMA Code of Ethics turns 100 this year! ICMA’s Director of Ethics, Jessica Cowles, will walk us through how far we’ve come in the last 100 years, and what the next 100 years might look like. With the onset of new technologies, a changing workforce and new resource challenges, be a part of the discussion about what these mean for local government administrators’ ethical conduct.

5:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Speed Networking Event
Calling ALL attendees! If you’re new to FCCMA, just new to the conference or would just like to network with members you may not know, join us for this unique networking session. Get to know more people, including our current board members, and learn about the association via a series of speed rounds designed to make the conversation easy and fun.

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
President’s Welcome Reception

THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024

7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.            
Registration Desk Open

7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Continental Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall

7:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.                      
Opening General Session:
Title: TRUST & INSPIRE:  How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others
Description: The two most critical jobs-to-be-done for organizations today are to win in the workplace and to win in the marketplace. As we consider the people we lead, the natural question that follows is, how big is the gap between performance and potential? The vast majority of the workforce today possess far more talent, creativity, ingenuity, intelligence, and ability than their present jobs require, or even allow them to contribute. The fact is, most organizations are over-managed and under-led. The traditional Command & Control style of leadership that is prevalent, to some degree, in 92% of organizations today, is incapable of inspiring the level of commitment, innovation, collaboration, belonging, loyalty and performance needed to deliver on the two critical jobs-to-be-done in today’s ever-changing, disruptive world. 92% of all organizations operate with some variation of The antidote to Command & Control, simply put, is Trust & Inspire. A Trust & Inspire leader models authentic, inclusive behavior with humility and courage. They’re not only trustworthy, they’re trusting, and their people deliver on that trust. They inspire others to willingly give their hearts and minds, not just to work, but to contribute meaningfully to something that matters. People don’t just want to be motivated, they want to be inspired. Contrary to what most people believe, inspiring others is a learnable skill.
Opening Speaker: Stephen M. R. Covey, Author and Expert of “The Speed of Trust”

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 
Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall

11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.  
Concurrent Sessions:

Session 1: How to Bounce Back from a Termination
Speakers: Lori LaVerriere, Deputy City Manager City of Palm Beach Gardens; and Horace McHugh, Deputy City Manager City of Deerfield Beach
Description: Learn strategies and practical steps to bounce back from a termination. Hear from public administrators who have not only bounced back from terminations but are still thriving in the profession. In this session, we’ll explore emotional resilience, effective job search strategies, the value of networking and mentorship. Gain valuable insights, tools and resources to turn adversity into opportunity and chart your path for a successful comeback. Whether you are from a large, medium or small community, these presenters will provide insight on how to navigate through the process to help you move toward your next role in city or county government.

Session 2: Effective Mental Wellness Practices for the Workforce
Speaker:
Description: By following the BHAP model, you can provide effective mental wellness resources to your workforce. The Behavioral Health Access Program (BHAP) is a comprehensive employee mental health/ wellness and crisis intervention plan. The program aims to assess, educate, minimize the impact of stress, improve quality of life, and return employees experiencing significant challenges to a healthy, productive state.

Session 3: How Big Things Get Done: The Rushville City Center Story
Speakers: Mayor Mike Pavey, City of Rushville, Indiana; Scott Zigmond, Chief Officer, Performance Services
Description:  The transformation of Rushville’s City Center overcame initial adversity to become an inspiring Main Street destination for the community. The City Center planning process mirrors project advice from a book the Wall Street Journal reviewed in 2023, How Big Things Get Done. The author studied 16,000 projects, finding that 99% fall short. This session will focus on how to control the factors that impact the budget, schedule and outcome of every project.

12:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. 
Buffet Lunch in the Exhibit Hall
Join fellow participants and exhibitors in the exhibit hall for networking opportunities and a great lunch. This is included in your registration fee.

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Resume Review Appointments
ICMA/FCCMA Senior Advisors have been invited to meet one-on-one with attendees to discuss their individual résumés and the current job market. Click here to sign up. Early reservations are recommended as there may be limited availability on-site.

2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions

Session 1: The Value of Public-Private Partnerships to Improve your Community
Speakers: Spencer L. Anderson, PE, Public Works Director, Sarasota County; T. Michael Stavres, City Manager, Winter Haven; and Joe Yarbrough, Former City Manager South Daytona and FCCMA Past President
Description: Discover the power of collaboration in this workshop on harnessing public-private partnerships to drive positive change in your community. Learn how alliances with city, chamber, economic development, Main Street, property owners and interested citizens can amplify common goals and foster innovative ideas to improve your community. Panelists will share real case studies and provide insight on how these visions have become a reality. This is not simply about the 3P process, but how the public and private sector worked together to improve their community’s downtown and historic neighborhoods, and foster investment by the private sector.

Session 2: Today’s Law Enforcement Issues
Speakers:
Description:

Session 3: Applying Generative AI to Help Meet Residents Where They Are
Speakers: Greg Chavarria, City Manager, Fort Lauderdale; Mianne Nelson, Communications Director, Polk County; Hiep Nguyen, Chief Information Officer, Winter Haven; and Bratton Riley, CEO, Citibot, Inc.
Description: Everyone is talking about AI. Fort Lauderdale, Polk County and Winter Haven have safely deployed Generative AI chatbots and text messaging systems. In addition to increasing resident engagement and improving customer service, it also helped the jurisdictions improve the information they were providing citizens by learning what wasn’t working and analyzing questions that came in, all while saving staff time. Hear how they implemented this tool and what they learned about their residents and organizations as a result.

3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Refreshment break

3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
General Session –
Speaker: Mark T. Zeigler, Senior Lecturer, Florida State University
Description: 

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Networking Reception

9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Dessert Reception
Join your colleagues for a late-night reception featuring mouth-watering desserts and great conversation. This is an event you don’t want to miss and is included with your registration fee.

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2024

7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.            
Registration Desk Open

7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Continental Breakfast

7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Inspirational Breakfast: Embracing Resilience: Navigating Life’s Storms and Rediscovering Your Identity
Speaker: Alan and Jodi Rosen, Local Government Solutions
Description:  What if the identity you prided yourself on was ripped away? Founder of Local Government Solutions, Alan Rosen, and his wife Jodi, will share how they navigated life’s challenges while not losing faith that everything happens for a reason. They will discuss maintaining your identity during hard times, and redefining your self-worth beyond titles and roles. Anchored by a steady faith in the purpose behind life’s twists and turns, Alan and Jodi know the power of unity, resilience and inner strength. Prepare to be uplifted as we navigate the highs and lows of life.

9:00 a.m. – 5:00p.m
Resume Reviews Appointments

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
General Session – FUTURE-PROOF YOURSELF:   INNOVATE AND THRIVE IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY

Speaker: Crystal Washington, Futurist and Technology Strategist
Description: The new normal of consistent change is leaving leaders concerned about being left behind. Instead of implementing half-baked, panic-driven ideas…it’s time to identify the Easter eggs the future has left for us. In this talk, technology futurist Crystal Washington will show you and your team how to innovate, thrive, and enjoy the ride. In this session, you will:

• Understand the gifts the future really has to offer, allowing you to shape and manipulate for your ultimate outcomes.
• Identify the most under-utilized Easter eggs of innovation…which you already have in your basket.
• Create a framework to future-proof your career and organization…and avoid getting scrambled.

10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Refreshment Break

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. 
Session 1: The Role of the Administrator During Disasters
Speakers:
Description: The role of the manager in leading the team through a disaster begins long before, and continues long after, the emergency. The complexities of a disaster include not just the response and impact to the community. Leading, making decisions, taking action and managing communication to elected officials, as well as managing relationships between constitutional partners, municipalities, non-profits, state and FEMA can be difficult. This panel discussion will provide leaders with real world examples of how to ensure you and your team are prepared for disaster, how to lead the team and community through an emergency, and ultimately increase the resiliency of the team and community post-disaster.

Session 2: Solving the Puzzle of Modern Recruitment, Retention and Work Environments
Speakers: Moderator: Howard Tipton, Town Manager, Longboat Key; Douglas Baber, Assistant County Administrator, Hardee County; Heather Deyrieux, MSM, CPM, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, Workforce Planning Manager, Sarasota County Human Resources; Jerome Fletcher, City Manager, North Port; Kate Parmelee, MA, Deputy City Manager for Strategic Initiatives & Innovation, Port St. Lucie; and John Titkanich, County Administrator, Indian River County
Description: Finding success in recruitment and retention requires understanding what’s important beyond just compensation and benefits. Sure, things like pay, quality health insurance and retirement benefits will always be critical, but they are only a few of the pieces to a complex puzzle – and the picture keeps changing.  Flexible work schedules, opportunities for growth and development, bright and clean work environments and positive and engaged leadership and management all play a role, and in many cases are the least expensive options to move your organization forward. Our panel of public sector experts will explore what it takes to get the best and. more importantly, keep the best in Florida’s highly competitive and evolving workplace environment.

Session 3: Smart Microtransit: Moving your Community Forward
Speakers: Claudia Miro, Director of Government Affairs, Freebee; Ismare Monreal, Chief of Staff to the Mayor, Hialeah; and David Scott, Deputy City Manager, North Miami Beach
Description: Microtransit offers flexible routing and on-demand booking to meet the needs of a variety of communities. North Miami Beach and Hialeah are boosting economic development, assisting those facing mobility challenges or economic barriers, and providing first-/last-mile service.  For rides to work, shopping local, medical appointments or connection to bus or rail, microtransit caters to all demographics. Jurisdictions can utilize ridership data to adjust their mass transit routes and schedules, as well as parking plans.

12:00 p.m. –1:30 p.m.
Annual Business Luncheon/Awards Program

1:45 p.m. –3:00 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions:

Session 1: Learn How to LIVE with Live Local!
Speakers:
Description: In 2023, the Legislature enacted the Live Local Act to encourage the development of affordable apartments in cities and counties. The Live Local Act significantly impacts the process and drastically changes the standards cities and counties must follow when a developer chooses to build a multi-family community on land that is zoned for commercial, industrial or mixed-use. While the Live Local Act’s intent was to provide affordable rents, who or what decides what is affordable?  The Live Local Act is complicated and will have long-lasting impacts on communities, both large and small. As a local government official, YOU need to understand the best way to LIVE with the Live Local Act.

Session 2: Legislative Issues
Speaker:
Description:

Session 3: Navigating Flood Vulnerabilities and Enhancing Community Resilience
Speakers: Jennifer Aldridge, CFM, Disaster Recovery Project Manager & Floodplain Manager, Panama City; Dr. Wesley Brooks, Chief Resilience Officer, State of Florida; Lisa King, GPC, Funding Resources Manager, Halff; and Sean D. Lahav, MPA, Resilience Team Leader, Halff.
Description: Gain a strategic perspective on bolstering resilience against dynamic flood risks with funding from the Resilient Florida Program. Panama City conducted a vulnerability assessment for flood infrastructure, addressing immediate hurricane threats and future sea level rise. This led to a roadmap for enhancing community resilience and accessing funding. Explore geographical complexities, critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and threats from current and future flooding. Gain insights into high-risk zone identification, potential consequences and actionable strategy development.

3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
General Session: “Work That Matters”
Speaker: Jeff Civillico, Philanthropist and Speaker
Description: Jeff Civillico brings a decade of Vegas headlining experience to his keynotes… there’s world-class juggling, balancing, and stunts packed into every presentation… not to mention lots of audience participation and improvisation! “Work That Matters” is a customized, interactive, entertainment-based keynote experience that highlights the inherent value of the individual – personally and professionally – within a team/organization. Throughout Jeff’s presentation, individuals consider their role within a broader context. Jeff gives his audience tools to better understand themselves and their work, connecting everyone’s individual story and purpose to the larger narrative of the organization.

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Spouses’ Gathering

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Friday Night Social
Join us for a night of fun at Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Disney Springs™. Try your hand at bowling or billiards, or just sit back and watch the entertainment. The event includes a buffet dinner and bar. This is an event for the entire family, but everyone who attends MUST be registered and have a name badge. Be sure to register your children if you will be bringing them with you.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2024

8:00 a.m.  9:45 a.m.
Closing Breakfast: A Fireside Chat with FCCMA Past Presidents
Speakers: Moderator: Daniel A. Kleman, Senior Advisor and Life Member
Host: Ratna Okhai, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, University of South Florida
Past Presidents Panel: Craig Hunter; Shannon Lewis, Senior Vice President, Anser Advisory (part of Accenture); Ken Parker, Senior Advisor Coordinator, ICMA/FCCMA; and Randy Reid, Southeast Regional Director, ICMA
Description: Join your colleagues for coffee, breakfast and life lessons from a panel of past presidents. In this session, returning by popular demand, the presenters will share challenges, choices and conflicts each of them faced during their time in local government management. You’ll benefit from their warnings, wit and wisdom.