Annual Conference
2026 LGMA Annual Conference, June 9-11
SnPink’tn (Penticton)
Penticton Trade and Convention Centre
273 Power Street
We gratefully acknowledge that we will be gathering on the
ancestral, unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan People.
LGMA2026 will bring together local government practitioners from across British Columbia for three days of learning, networking, and an experience that will continue to positively impact their work throughout the year. Explore current topics and trends, launch ideas and dialogue, and support local government solutions.
Preview the conference program on the
Agenda page.
Registration will open on March 16, 2026.
2026 Conference registration fees:
Early Bird Registration until April 30, 2026: $929.50 + GST (members), $1,078 + GST (non-members)
Regular Registration starting May 1, 2026: $1,045 + GST (members), $1,138.50 + GST (non-members)
Welcome Delegates,
On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my great pleasure to invite you to join me for LGMA2026, to be held in SnPink’tn (Penticton) on the ancestral, unceded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan People. This annual gathering offers many outstanding opportunities for professional and personal growth, and a chance to reinvigorate relationships. This year’s theme, Empowered Communities, Cultivating Connections, has been carefully curated to provide participants with learning and networking opportunities that continue to impact their work throughout the year. We hope you will learn from each other, grow together, and add new skills to your leadership toolbox.
To start the event in a good way, we are pleased to be welcomed by sknir̓mn Anona Kampe with a blessing, singing of the Okanagan song, and a special keynote about her life-long learning journey and the power of knowledge. Anona is a sqilxʷ woman, member of Penticton Indian Band, language speaker, storyteller, land and water protector, and knowledge keeper, and we are honoured to be joined by her on stage.
We are also looking forward to hearing from award-winning labour economist Dr. Roslyn Kunin on how local governments and communities can prepare for new challenges ahead, while capitalizing on approaching opportunities within the economic landscape. This closing keynote, alongside the many learning sessions, workshops, and professional development opportunities throughout the conference, will leave you equipped with actionable ideas for a resilient future. As the local government landscape sector continues to evolve, LGMA2026 is the place to exchange best practices, discuss future trends and solutions – and return to your communities with a strengthened peer network.
I look forward to learning alongside you, connecting with you at the President’s Reception, and celebrating with you the many accomplishments of peers at the awards and gala dinner. Be sure to take advantage of early registration, airline discount codes, and special hotel rates. I look forward to seeing you in Penticton!
Keri-Ann Austin, President
Local Government Management Association of BC
Hotel Accommodation
Fairfield Inn & Suites Penticton by Marriott
602 Eckhardt Avenue, Penticton, BC
- rates offered from June 8 - 11, 2026
- $319 - $329 for Queen / King Rooms
- complimentary parking
- rates available until May 15, 2026, or block is full
Book your group rate for LGMA Conference June 2026
Penticton Lakeside Resort
21 Lakeshore Drive West, Penticton, BC
- rates offered from June 8 - 11, 2026
- Main Building: $212 - $246, Queen/King rooms
- West Wing: $263 - $280 King Rooms
- $20 overnight parking charge
- rates available until April 24, 2026, or block is full
Book your group rate using promo code LGMA2026
Room rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until they are sold out.
Participants can reserve their own hotel accommodations at other surrounding hotel properties. Please note, the LGMA has not taken out any additional group blocks. Be sure to ask for a government rate when booking.
We also suggest using the special discounted rates available through Corporate Supply Arrangements (CSAs) with the BC Provincial Government. These negotiated rates offer great value and are an easy way to help keep travel costs in check.
Airline Discounts
LGMA is pleased to partner with airlines to offer special discounts for travel within Canada:
Promotion code: K6W9XNE1
(To Kelowna, YLW for travel between June 2 and June 18, 2026. 5% on standard fares, 10% on flex fares & higher.)
Coupon code: 2D7E4QM
(To Kelowna, YLW or Penticton, YYF for travel between June 2 and June 18, 2026. 5% off Econo and 10% off EconoFlex and Premium base fares.)
Promo Code: LGMA2026
(To Kelowna, YLW or Penticton, YYF for travel between June 7 and June 13, 2026. 15% off Basic, Bravo, and Classic fares.)
Travel Grants
Through generous financial support from Lidstone & Company and Young Anderson, grants in the amount of $500 are available to assist eligible local government professionals with travel costs. Review the eligibility requirements and application information.
Conference Fees (include President’s Reception, breakfast and lunch on Wednesday and Thursday, and dinner on Thursday night)
- Early Bird registration until April 30, 2026: $929.50 + GST (member), $1,078 + GST (non-member)
- Regular Registration starting May 1, 2026: $1,045 + GST (member), $1,138.50 + GST (non-member)
Preview the conference program on the Agenda page.
Registration for the conference will open on March 16, 2026.
Refunds & Cancellations
Cancellations and requests for refunds are accepted before May 26. No refunds will be provided for cancellation after May 26, 2026.
Travel Grants
Through generous financial support from Lidstone & Company and Young Anderson, grants in the amount of $500 are available to assist eligible local government professionals with travel costs. Review the eligibility requirements and application information.
Third Party Events
LGMA understands that third parties may elect to hold their own event alongside LGMA’s Conference. LGMA assumes no liability for any damage or loss that may arise from these third-party events.
Notice of Filming & Photography
When you attend this event, photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event venue, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition or reproduction for educational or promotional purposes.
LGMA2026 brings together attendees from across BC to explore best practices, innovative solutions, and future trends in the field of local government.
Sessions have been carefully curated along primary learning tracks, and you can view details and descriptions on our Agenda page.
In addition, we are excited to announce two exceptional keynote speakers:
sknir̓mn Anona Kampe, local knowledge keeper, language speaker, storyteller, land and water protector
and
Dr. Roslyn Kunin, award-winning labour economist and forecaster
Top 5 Reasons You Should Attend
- Professional Development – In-depth sessions led by local government experts provide you with critical skills that you can put into action back at the office.
- Networking – Meet face-to-face with colleagues from across BC, laugh and share stories, or meet at the Connections Corner for group discussions.
- Inspiration – Keynote sessions will get you thinking differently today to help you, your team, and your community ignite future success.
- Knowledge Sharing and Gathering – Ask questions of peers and presenters and add insights during interactive sessions or informal conversations. Interact with sponsors and exhibitors and learn how they can partner with you to launch your organization forward.
- Continuous Professional Learning – For a range of professional designations, session attendance may be used as credit toward Continuous Professional Learning requirements.
Need help convincing your manager to approve your conference attendance?
Download our ready-to-use template letter to make your case!
2026 Trade Show
Registration for the trade show, June 9 & 10, 2026 is now open.
Find out all the details on the trade show webpage.
For any trade show questions, please contact Shannon Gustafsson sgustafsson@lgma.ca.
Next LGMA Time Capsule
At the 1999 LGMA Annual Conference, a time capsule was sealed to commemorate the start of the new millennium. In 2025, it was reopened once again at the annual conference by former president, Patti Ferguson.
Help us create a new time capsule and leave a piece of your community’s legacy for future generations to discover in 2050. It will be sealed at the 2026 conference.
