Submit your session proposals for the 2026 Annual Conference

Planning for the 2026 CML Annual Conference is underway — and we want you to be part of it! This is your chance to inspire, connect, and empower more than 1,200 municipal leaders from across Colorado as we gather June 23-26 in Westminster, CO.
 
The Annual Conference is the premier event for Colorado’s cities and towns — a place to share ideas, celebrate innovation, and strengthen the work happening in communities of all sizes. Whether you’ve led a successful project, developed a creative policy, or have insights on emerging issues, your experience can help municipalities across the state thrive.
 
Submit your session proposal by Nov.14 using [this form].We’ll notify selected presenters by Dec. 20.
 

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for engaging, interactive sessions that leave attendees with 1-3 practical takeaways they can use right away. Have a new approach to leadership, a creative community partnership, or a clever solution to a tough local challenge? We want to hear from you!
We especially love fun and creative formats — workshops, TED-style talks, panels, or roundtable conversations that keep participants involved and inspired.
 

Session formats

• Preconference workshops (2-3 hours): Hands-on, deep dives into important municipal topics.
• Standard sessions (1 hour): 45 minutes of content plus time for Q&A or discussion.
• PechaKucha presentations (5 minutes): A high-energy, 20-slide format that’s all about storytelling and impact.
• Collaborative/panel presentations: We strongly encourage joint submissions between municipalities, CML Associate Members, or other agencies. These collaborations show the power of shared solutions and highlight successes from communities big and small.

Topics of interest

We’re open to a wide range of topics, especially those that address:

• Good governance and leadership
  
• Professional development
  
• Water, transportation, and infrastructure
  
• Small and rural community challenges and opportunities
  
• Affordable housing
  
• Staff recruitment and retention
  
• Technology and innovation
  
• Public engagement
  
• Homelessness
• Current and emerging issues in local government

Please note: We do not accept sessions intended to promote a product, service, or self-interest.
 

Support for presenters

Presenters can receive presentation tools, slide templates, and coaching from CML staff. Need help rounding out a panel or finding a co-presenter? We’ve got you covered!
 

Have an idea but don’t want to present?

That’s OK! You can still contribute by sharing your session ideas or suggesting topics you’d love to see at the conference. Every idea helps us create a program that truly represents the needs and successes of municipalities from every corner of Colorado. Please reach out to Karen Rosen.
 
Let’s come together to learn, share, and strengthen local leadership statewide. Submit your proposal today and help shape the conversations that will move Colorado’s communities forward!
 
If you have any questions, please contact CML Meeting & Events Planner Karen Rosen or Communications & Engagement Manager Denise White.