Calendar
Work With Counties
News Clips
Subscribe
Studio 67Navigate the #FAC2026 Day-by-Day
Tuesday, June 23
Registration Desk Open - Attendee Registration
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Convention Registration, Lobby Level
Pre-Conference Workshop: Ethics, Public Records and Sunshine Laws
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
This course is designed to give commissioners an understanding of Florida’s stringent ethics laws. Participants will broaden their knowledge of ethics requirements for elected officials, gain understanding of the Sunshine and Public Records Laws, learn about reporting requirements, and become familiar with the process of an ethics complaint.
A separate registration fee of $75 is required to attend this workshop.
Exhibit Hall Open - Casino Night & Welcome Event
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday, June 24
Registration Desk Open
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM - Convention Registration, Lobby Level
Continental Breakfast
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Exhibit Hall Open
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Take this opportunity to connect with over 150 businesses and organizations dedicated to supporting local governments and enhancing community services!
Opening Session
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
We are excited to welcome Shawn Achor, New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Advantage and Big Potential and one of the world’s leading experts on positive psychology and human potential, whose research and talks reveal how cultivating happiness fuels greater success in work and life; an internationally renowned speaker whose popular TED talk has been viewed by tens of millions, Shawn has inspired audiences in more than 50 countries and with a wide range of organizations including Fortune 100 companies, sharing science-backed strategies to boost resilience, productivity, leadership, and well-being through the power of positivity and purposeful mindset shifts.
Box Lunch - Exhibit Hall
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Orlando II-VI
Workshops
1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
Smarter Counties: Unlocking the Power of AI
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday operations, including local government. Counties are exploring how AI and emerging technologies can improve efficiency, enhance service delivery, and support smarter decision-making. This forward-looking session, presented in partnership with UF/IFAS, offers a high-level perspective on integrating innovation into county operations while maintaining strong governance, transparency, and public trust.
Where Do We Grow from Here? The Policy Framework Shaping Florida’s Future
Florida’s continued growth is reshaping communities — and counties are navigating a rapidly evolving policy landscape. This workshop session examines recent statutory changes, housing and infrastructure mandates, and state preemptions impacting local growth management. Participants will gain clarity on how these shifts affect land use authority, comprehensive planning, and development decisions. Designed for county leaders, this workshop provides the policy foundation needed to guide smart, compliant, and strategic growth.
Ice Cream Social - Exhibit Hall
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Workshops
3:45 PM - 5:15 PM
Driving Prosperity: Strategic Leadership in County Economic Development
Economic growth is driven by intentional leadership, strategic planning, and strong partnerships. Counties play a central role in shaping prosperity through infrastructure investment, land use planning, workforce development, incentives, and public-private collaboration. This workshop highlights proven strategies and innovative approaches that strengthen county economic impact. Participants will gain practical insights into leveraging state and federal resources, supporting small and rural communities, fostering collaboration, and measuring outcomes effectively.
Funding the Future: Planning for Sustainable County Services
Growth brings opportunity — but it also increases demand for infrastructure, transportation, public safety, and essential services. As Florida’s communities continue to expand, counties must plan carefully to ensure they can meet these needs responsibly and sustainably. This session explores the practical funding tools available to support growth, including impact fees, infrastructure financing mechanisms, assessments, and long-term capital planning strategies. Participants will gain insight into balancing service demands with fiscal stability while maintaining transparency and sound financial management.
The Art of Giving Charity Event & Reception
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Thursday, June 25
Registration Desk Open
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM - Convention Registration, Lobby Level
Continental Breakfast
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Workshops
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Cybersecurity & Emerging Technology: Preparing Counties for What’s Next
As counties operate in an increasingly digital environment, staying ahead of cybersecurity risks and emerging technologies is essential. This workshop provides a high-level overview of digital security considerations and future technology policies impacting local government. Participants will gain insight into governance best practices, organizational readiness, and proactive strategies to protect county operations while responsibly adapting to technological.
Leading Forward: The Role of ACC Alumni as Community Leaders and Mentors
Experienced leadership is one of the greatest assets a county can have. Long-serving commissioners and graduates of ICG’s Advanced County Commissioner (ACC) Program play a vital role in sustaining strong, effective governance and shaping the culture of their boards. This session explores how ACC alumni can intentionally lead forward — serving not only as trusted decision-makers, but as mentors who transfer institutional knowledge, model strategic leadership, and guide newly elected commissioners through successful transitions.
Workshops
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
From Reaction to Resolution: Emotional Intelligence Tools for High-Stress County Interactions
Step into a transformative workshop that turns tension into trust and teaches county professionals how to handle high-stress public interactions with grace, clarity, and confidence! From Reaction to Resolution equips participants with powerful emotional intelligence tools — so that challenging moments become opportunities for understanding and connection instead of escalation. Through interactive practice with real-world scenarios, participants will interrupt reactive patterns, decode emotional triggers, and craft empathetic communication that strengthens internal teamwork and elevates public engagement, ultimately building citizen trust and more effective government service.
Emergency Management: Leading Before, During, and After Disaster
Florida’s counties operate on the front lines of emergency response. From hurricanes and flooding to wildfires and emerging threats, effective leadership during a crisis can make all the difference. This workshop equips County Commissioners with the essential knowledge and practical tools needed to lead confidently through all phases of disaster management — preparedness, response, and recovery. Participants will gain a clear understanding of their statutory responsibilities, the structure of Florida’s emergency management system, disaster declaration procedures, and the importance of coordinated action with local, state, and federal partners.
Awards Luncheon - Celebrating Excellence in County Leadership
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
Presidential Advocacy Awards
Workshops
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Pawsitive Impact: Building Community Through The Doggy Day Out Ambassador Program
What if one of your most powerful ambassadors for county government had four legs and a wagging tail? Palm Beach County’s Doggy Day Out Ambassador Program transforms adoptable shelter dogs into goodwill ambassadors in government spaces, boosting morale, strengthening community trust, and saving lives. This session highlights how this scalable, leadership-driven initiative has shortened shelter stays, united teams, and enhanced public perception — offering an actionable roadmap for counties looking to implement a creative, people-centered solution of their own.
From Proposal to Approval: Navigating Land Use with Confidence
Land use decisions shape a county’s future, and commissioners play a key role in guiding that growth responsibly. This workshop offers a practical overview of the land use review and approval process, helping participants identify the appropriate pathway for development proposals and understand when matters require legislative or quasi-judicial hearings. The session will also clarify common planning terms and highlight key state law updates affecting permit timelines and residential approvals, equipping attendees to approach development decisions with greater confidence and clarity.
Workshops
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Understanding Property Taxes: Trends and Considerations for Counties
Property tax policy continues to evolve, with implications for county budgeting, service delivery, and long-term financial planning. This legislative-focused session provides a high-level overview of current trends and considerations related to property taxation in Florida. Participants will gain insight into how policy changes may influence county operations and fiscal planning, along with key factors leaders should monitor moving forward. Designed for county officials and senior staff, this workshop offers a balanced, informative perspective to support thoughtful planning and informed decision-making.
Ready for Takeoff: What Advanced Air Mobility Means for Counties
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) — including eVTOL aircraft, cargo drones, and emerging regional air services — is rapidly moving toward implementation. As Florida positions itself as a leader in this evolving sector, counties must be prepared for what’s ahead. This session provides a practical overview of how emerging aviation technologies may impact local government, including considerations for land use, zoning, infrastructure, economic development, public safety, and coordination across agencies.
Celebration Dinner & ICG Graduation
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
After Party @TopGolf
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM - Topgolf Orlando: 9295 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Friday June 26
Closing Session & Annual Business Meeting
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
We’re closing our conference with an inspiring Closing Breakfast featuring a keynote from MIT on aging and caring for aging populations, including an introduction to AGNES — the Age Gain Now Empathy System, an innovative age-simulation suit that lets wearers experience some of the physical challenges associated with later life; this engaging session will deepen understanding, spark empathy, and highlight new ways to design and care for an age-ready future as longevity increasingly shapes communities and caregiving.
