This summer, the National League of Cities invites staff across all roles and functions within state municipal leagues to the annual State Municipal League (SML) Staff Workshop on July 9-11, 2025, in Minneapolis, MN – the “City of Lakes!” This workshop offers a unique opportunity to engage in empowering conversations, professional development and peer networking while exploring issues that impact your work in municipal governance.
What to Expect
Theme: The Drive to Thrive in Unprecedented Times
This year’s workshop will feature engaging sessions and peer-driven discussions on key topics relevant to state league staff, including:
- Strategies to Strengthen Member Engagement
- Professional Coaching & Development
- Creating Collaborative Teams
- Using Data & Communications to Design Effective Advocacy Tools
No matter your role—advocacy, communications, member engagement, legal, research, operations or beyond—this workshop is designed to provide actionable insights and valuable connections to support your success.
Stay tuned for exciting updates on speakers and session details!
Registration Rates
Please keep in mind that the Hotel Room Reservation Block ends June 10th.
Full Registration
$395
One-Day Registration
$225
Guest Registration
$95
Eligible for guests attending to participate in meals & activities
Optional Activity
$40
Baseball Game at Target Field Twins vs. Cubs
Schedule-at-a-Glance
All times noted in Central Daylight Time
Day 1
Wednesday, July 9
12 – 4 PM
Registration
2 – 4 PM
State League Staff Workshop Orientation
Intro Networking/Capacity Building Activity
6 – 9 PM
Welcome to Minneapolis: Twins vs. Cubs – Hosted by NLC
*Pre-registration required*
Day 2
Thursday, July 10
8:30 AM – 2 PM
Registration and State League Showcase
7:30 – 8:30 AM
Morning Mindfulness Activity (TBA)
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Breakfast
9:30 – 10 AM
NLC & State Leagues 101
10 – 11:30 AM
Opening General Session
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Concurrent Sessions
12:45 – 1:45 PM
Lunch
2 – 3:15 PM
Roundtables
3:15 – 3:30 PM
Break
3:30 – 4:30 PM
Concurrent Sessions
5 – 6:30 PM
State League Showcase Reception – Hosted by the League of Minnesota Cities
6:30 PM
Dinner on your own
8 PM
Optional Evening Activity (TBA)
Day 3
Friday, July 11
8:30 AM – 12 PM
Registration
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Breakfast
9:45 – 11 AM
General Session
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Concurrent Sessions
12:15 – 1:30 PM
Creative Closing/Wrap-Up Ideas? Town Hall, Innovation Showcase, etc.
1:30 PM
Adjourn
Contact Us
For registration assistance, including booking your hotel stay or additional questions, please contact our state league team members.