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Now Accepting Speaker Proposals for CSDA's 2026 Conference Season

By Brent Farrar posted 10-13-2025 01:35 PM

  

Expand Your Influence and Join CSDA as a Speaker in 2026!

πŸ’₯ Make an impact! Share your expertise and inspire others! Together, we help districts excel in their communities.πŸ’₯

Submit Proposals Here

Note: Submit your presentation ideas for any or all of the conferences scheduled in 2026, BUT please tailor session content to the specific conference audience.

The Conferences:

Special District Leadership Academy (Returning Track)

Attendees: This conference is targeted for special district board members and trustees

Date #1: May 11 - 14, 2026 in San Diego
Date #2: July 19 - 22, 2026 in San Rafael
Date #3: September 13 - 16, 2026 in San Luis Obispo

Sample requested topics from previous attendees:

  • special district laws update (such as the Brown Act, CVRA, etc.)
  • healthy board culture/civility
  • financial best practices/funding sources
  • strategic planning
  • community engagement

General Manager Leadership Summit

Attendees: This conference is targeted for special district managers and emerging leaders
June 28 – 30, 2026 in Newport Beach

Sample requested topics from previous attendees:

  • new HR laws
  • employee evaluations
  • building public input
  • leadership and team building
  • project management
  • succession planning
  • coaching

Annual Conference & Exhibitor Showcase

Attendees: This conference is targeted for all special district elected officials and staff
August 24 – 27, 2026 in Palm Desert

Sample requested topics from previous attendees:

  • finance-related topics, the Brown Act
  • federal infrastructure funding
  • recent innovations and initiatives
  • consolidation of special districts
  • emergency preparedness and climate adaptation
  • public works projects
  • prevailing wage
  • communication strategies,
  • CEQA
  • budgeting
  • cybersecurity and artificial intelligence
  • community outreach/engagement


Board Secretary/Clerk Conference

Attendees: This conference is targeted for special district board secretaries and clerks
November 3 – 5, 2026 in Santa Barbara

Sample requested topics from previous attendees:

  • new laws
  • the Brown Act
  • public records (including legal considerations, organization, and documentation)
  • onboarding new board members
  • board election process
  • LAFCo process
  • meeting agendas and minutes
  • website requirements,
  • communications/community outreach

Please note: Preference is given to proposals that incorporate a special district perspective, presenter, and/or case studies. Presentations should be educational and not focused on sales or specific products. By submitting your proposal, you agree to present for no fee or travel reimbursement. However, district staff receive complimentary registration the day they are speaking or alternatively, may receive a discount on full conference registration. Submission deadline is COB on Monday, December 15.

Submit Proposals Now


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