First Time Attendees

Your First City Summit Starts Here! 

We’re excited to welcome you to Nashville for your first NLC City Summit and help you make the most of the experience from the very beginning. Whether you’re looking to make new connections, learn from other local leaders or find new ways to engage with NLC, we’re here to help you make the most of your experience from the start. 

pre-conference

Your Must-Connect Events

First-time Attendee Event | Wednesday, Nov. 18 | 4:30 PM  

An Event Designed with
Your Experience in Mind 

Join us for an exclusive First-Time Attendee Event on Wednesday, Nov. 18*, at 4:30 p.m. CT.  

Connect with fellow first-timers, meet NLC leaders and get tips and insights to help you navigate the conference before the full City Summit programming officially begins. No separate ticket required. All first-time registrants are invited. 

*This event takes place on NLC’s pre-conference day. Get in a day early to enjoy this event and other activities, such as Executive Education and Mobile Workshops.  

plan ahead

Getting Ready for City Summit 

Connect With NLC Before You Arrive | Schedule a Meeting with an NLC Regional Representative 

City Summit offers plenty of opportunities to learn, network and experience Nashville behind the scenes. View the full conference schedule. 

Want some help planning your experience? Schedule a meeting with your NLC regional representative to put together your City Summit journey before you arrive in Nashville.  

NLC reps can help you identify opportunities to connect with fellow local leaders, get engaged with NLC and recommend a conference journey that’s right for you.

Schedule Your City Summit Planning Meeting
advice from nlc

Tips for Your First City Summit 

Attending a conference for the first time can feel overwhelming. At NLC, you never have to navigate it alone. NLC staff, members, partners and supporters are ready to help. 

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your conference experience before you arrive. 

Map out your City Summit journey. There’s lots to see and do; prioritize what matters most to you and your city. Remember, your NLC regional rep can help you with this. Reach out today to schedule your planning meeting.
Use the NLC Event app. Once available, download the NLC Event app. Use it to access the schedule and bookmark sessions and events. It’s also the best way to get key updates throughout City Summit.
Don’t forget your business cards. You’ll meet a lot of people at City Summit, so have your business cards handy to make it easy to stay connected afterward.

Once You’re Onsite 

Check in when you arrive. Your first stop will be the registration desk to pick up your conference badge. This is required to get into sessions and events. Your badge will also be color-coded to help identify first-time attendees, making it easier for you to spot fellow first-timers and connect with one another.
Visit Ask NLC. Have a question or need help finding your way around once onsite? Stop by the help desk for assistance during designated conference hours.
Explore the Expo Hall. Connect with City Summit sponsors and exhibitors to discover products and services that can support your municipality, including savings and solutions from NLC’s Enterprise Partners.
Make time to network and connect. Some of the best conversations happen between sessions, at events and throughout the conference. Take advantage of opportunities to meet fellow local leaders and make new connections.
Pace yourself. Don’t try to do everything and take a break when you need one.
Share your City Summit experience. Capture photos, videos and insights throughout the conference and share them on social media. Use #CitySummit26 and tag NLC so we can follow along.
  • Check in when you arrive. Your first stop will be the registration desk to pick up your conference badge. This is required to get into sessions and events. Your badge will also be color-coded to help identify first-time attendees, making it easier for you to spot fellow first-timers and connect with one another. 
  • Visit Ask NLC. Have a question or need help finding your way around once onsite? Stop by the help desk for assistance during designated conference hours. 
  • Explore the Expo Hall. Connect with City Summit sponsors and exhibitors to discover products and services that can support your municipality, including savings and solutions from NLC’s Enterprise Partners. 
  • Make time to network and connect. Some of the best conversations happen between sessions, at events and throughout the conference. Take advantage of opportunities to meet fellow local leaders and make new connections. 
  • Pace yourself. Don’t try to do everything and take a break when you need one. 
  • Share your City Summit experience. Capture photos, videos and insights throughout the conference and share them on social media. Use #CitySummit26 and tag NLC so we can follow along. 

You’re On Your Way!

Remember, you’re not in this alone. The NLC membership team will be on-site at the Membership Hub to answer your questions, help you engage with NLC and make connections throughout City Summit. 

#CitySummit26 Speakers Announced!

Learn more about who will be taking the stage at General Session.

BROWSE SPEAKERS