Thursday, July 22

• Noon – 7 p.m. Registration
  
• 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.   Hope Inspires Action: Leading Positive Community Change 
  Providing hope to a community may be the greatest contribution elected officials can provide to their residents. During this session, Dave Ivan will unpack the notion of “hope” in the context of a creating a community-wide vision for positive change. Learn strategies for your own community to enhance vitality, strengthen resident engagement and enrich quality of place.
  
• 3:15 – 4:00 p.m.   Don’t Become a Headline: How to Comply with the State Ethics Act
  Transparency is a bedrock principle of government. Learn what the South Carolina Ethics Commission requires you to report annually to stay in compliance.
  
• 4:15 – 5:00 p.m.   Building Trust Through Open Communication 
  Recently city leaders across the nation have faced terrible crises. Examples range from the death of George Floyd to active shooter situations, water contaminations and bombings. Learn how an effective communication plan is necessary during and after a crisis to help reduce liability, protect residents and maintain public trust.
  
• 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Welcome Reception 
  

Friday, July 23

• 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Registration
  
• 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Patron Showcase
  
• 9:00 – 10:45 a.m.   Opening Session - Keynote: Andrew Davis, Author, “Town, Inc.”
  Author and marketing expert Andrew Davis visited 50 cities and towns to determine why some places are booming and others are bust. It turns out that the places seeing unparalleled success do one thing most of us don’t: they stake their claim. Some of the most successful destinations are places you’ve likely never heard of. These destinations have leveraged the power of the online world by targeting a niche. They inspire people to visit their cities and towns by understanding their passions and catering specifically to their emotions. Hear the secrets to creating a moment of inspiration, learn how to send people on a journey they never expected and most importantly, learn how to stake your claim.
  
• 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.  Update on Legislative Session and Business Licensing 
  Municipal officials play a critical role in advocating for municipal interests in the General Assembly. Get the latest information on bills impacting cities during the 2021 session, and learn what cities and towns need to do to comply with the SC Business License Standardization Act.
  
• 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Visit Patron Showcase 
  
• 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. Delegates’ Luncheon  
  Keynote: Miguel Washington 
  
• 2:30 – 3:15 p.m.   Attracting the Remote Workforce Post-Pandemic 
  COVID-19 proved to companies all over the world that their employees can get the job done without going into the office. Learn how to make your city the new hometown for these high-earning workers who can work from anywhere.
  
• 3:30 – 4:15 p.m.   American Rescue Plan: ARP From A to Z
  American Recovery Plan funds will be distributed soon. Find out the eligible uses of these funds and how cities need to plan projects for the most impact.
  
• 4:30 – 5:15 p.m.   Quick Takes on Hot Topics 
  This fast-paced session will provide quick updates and guidance on a variety of issues important to cities and towns.
  

Saturday, July 24

• 8:00 a.m. – noon Registration
  
• 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Achievement Awards Presentation
  Learn from the accomplishments of this year’s winners of the Municipal Achievement Awards and the Main Street South Carolina Excellence on Main Street Award.  
  
• 10:15 – 11:00 a.m.  Broadband Is No Longer a Luxury — It’s a Necessity 
  Today’s broadband access is as vital to the quality of life and success of residents and businesses as electric, water, sewer and other critical services and public infrastructure. Hear about the State of South Carolina’s plan to expand broadband to underserved areas and how municipalities like the City of Newberry are acting to ensure the availability of affordable high-speed broadband services in their city.
  
• 11:15 a.m. – noon  Between the Lines: Redistricting and Your Budget 
  The results of the 2020 U.S. Census have been delayed. Learn what effects this delay may have on your city elections and how you can plan for redistricting. Learn how changes in population can impact your municipal budget.
  
• 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.  Coffee, Cake and Cocktails
  If you are still on Hilton Head Island Saturday night, come by after dinner and enjoy a dessert or cocktail before turning in for the night. While this is a complimentary event, you must indicate on the registration form if you plan to attend.