2024 NACo Annual Conference & Exposition
About the Conference
The National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference is the premier gathering of leaders from the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs. Conference content includes discussion of federal policies impacting counties, workshops lifting up county best practices, engaging general sessions, mobile tours across our host county, and more. NACo members also have the opportunity to influence the association’s direction and future during the Annual Business Meeting on the final day of the conference.
Videos Highlights from the Conference
2023-2024 Annual Report
The Annual Conference capped a year of accomplishments for America’s counties. We debuted new toolkits, reports and action centers, and celebrated what we achieved together.
2024-2025 American County Platform
This new policy will inform our advocacy starting now during Congress’ August recess and throughout the next year.
County News: 2024 NACo Annual Conference
Sonoma County’s James Gore takes the lead at NACo
Surrounded by his family, Sonoma County, Calif. Supervisor James Gore was sworn in July 15 as NACo’s new president at the association’s Annual Business Meeting at the Tampa Convention Center in Hillsborough County, Fla.
Olympic gymnast: ‘Check your ego at the door’ to excel at teamwork
Three-time Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes championed teamwork, saying “checking your ego at the door” is the key to success, at NACo’s General Session on July 14.
Counties are positioned to heal dissatisfaction with American democracy
When political tension threatens to further divide Americans, it falls to county governments to build on the connections and demonstrate the responsiveness that engenders trust and confidence.
Policy priorities to improve mental health unveiled in NACo commission final report
The NACo Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing outlined its policy priorities to improve mental health in its final report unveiled Saturday, July 13 at the Annual Conference.
Public Leadership in the Arts Award goes to Mobile County commissioner
Surrounded by her peers Saturday, July 13, Mobile County, Ala. Commissioner Merceria Ludgood received the Public Leadership in the Arts Award from Americans for the Arts at a reception held at the Tampa Museum of Art during the NACo Annual Conference.
Tareq Azim shares strength borne by fear
Author, coach and entrepreneur Tareq Azim spoke about confronting fear and changing narratives during the Opening General Session.
CISA offers tools to protect you and your county
Disinformation campaigns by foreign adversary bots, rumors flying on neighborhood message boards, increasingly partisan politics all play a part in making for a more unsafe world for county officials.
County, Native Americans work together to create ‘cultural tourism’
Coconino County, Ariz. and the Navajo Nation have built a partnership together to create cultural tourism initiatives, both educating visitors on Native American history and traditions and benefiting the local economy.
A key to managing disasters: Targeted communication
Define your risk communication audience and outcome, understand your priority audience and connect with that audience.
Collaboration and mental health support address youth substance use disorder
Counties are investing in education, harm reduction and peer support recovery to combat unintentional overdoses.
Most foreign-owned ag land remains in friendly hands
Despite cycles of concern about foreign ownership, less than 4% of U.S. private agricultural land is owned by foreign entities, and only 12 states have enacted laws limiting foreign ownership.
Public agency expands first responder network
Twenty-three years after the 9/11 tragedy, a public agency created in its wake to help better connect first responders during emergencies is continuing to ramp up improvements to its networks.
Artificial intelligence teases agricultural “revolution”
A University of Florida researcher sees great potential for artificial intelligence to help overcome agriculture's labor shortage.
Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing issues final report
Since launching in February 2023, NACo’s Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing focused on strengthening our response to the nation’s mental and behavioral health crisis.
- Findings and recommendations: During the conference, the commission released findings and recommendations.
- Pursuing solutions: Watch our series of videos with commission members, highlighting county leadership in addressing the mental health crisis.
AI Exploratory Committee releases compass for county leaders
Over the past year, NACo’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Exploratory Committee studied emerging policies and practices.
- The committee examined the potential applications and consequences of AI through the lens of county governance, operations, constituent services, innovation, public trust, privacy and security, and workforce productivity.
- Compass for Counties: At the conference, the committee released a comprehensive toolkit to help counties consider, adopt and regulate the use of generative AI.
Bridging Divides: Tools for County Leaders to Overcome Division and Foster Collaboration
Counties are uniquely positioned to bridge divides and achieve results for our residents. NACo, in partnership with the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, created a practical toolkit designed to help reduce division and pursue collaborative problem-solving.
- Equipping county leaders: The toolkit provides strategies and practices to bridge divisions within county government, between the levels of government, and between government and the communities we serve.
- Learning series: For more resources on bridging divides, preregister for the Convergence eLearning series, which kicks off in September.
Conference Schedule
Check out speakers highlights and daily summaries below. Click here to explore full schedule of events and workshops.
Featured Speakers
Dominique Dawes
Tareq Azim
Conference Days
Thursday
July 11 (Pre-Conference)
Thursday’s pre-conference events include the CIO Forum and Reception.
Friday
July 12
The first full day of the conference includes an orientation for first-time attendees in the morning, policy steering committee meetings throughout the day, and a welcome reception in the exhibit hall in the evening. NACo affiliates, affinity groups and state associations will also host meetings and receptions in the evening.
Saturday
July 13
Day two of the conference features standing, ad hoc, task force and caucus meetings along with a series of best practice and policy-focused workshops. The opening general session takes place in the afternoon, followed by a forum with candidates for the office of NACo Second Vice President.
Sunday
July 14
Conference day three kicks off with two workshop blocks and the NACo Board of Directors meeting, followed by an all-attendee luncheon and Achievement Awards ceremony. In the afternoon, attendees may choose between three educational summits or mobile tours offered by our host county.
Monday
July 15
The last day of the conference opens with NACo’s Annual Business Meeting, where NACo members will vote on NACo policy positions, consider proposed bylaws changes and elect NACo leadership for 2024-2025. Regional caucus meetings follow the Annual Business Meeting, along with a final workshop block. The closing reception will take place in the evening at the Florida Aquarium.
Voting Credentials
NACo members vote on proposed amendments to association bylaws, NACo's policy agenda and elect NACo officers for the coming year during the Annual Business Meeting held annually at NACo’s Annual Conference. Click here for more information.
Tampa Convention Center
333 S Franklin St, Tampa, Fla. 33602
Health & Safety
NACo is committed to hosting a safe and hospitable event. To learn more about conference requirements for attendees, please review the documents below.
Click here to access the NACo 2024 Annual Conference Waiver of Liability and Code of Conduct.