Justin Gardiner Veteran Scholarship Blog: Reflections on My First ICMA Conference in Pittsburgh

City of Pittsburgh, PA Skyline

I recently had an incredible opportunity to attend my very first International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. If that wasn’t exciting enough, I was also honored to be the first recipient of the Veterans Scholarship provided by CAL-ICMA to attend. I’ve got to say, Pittsburgh, and all the people I met, left a lasting impression on me, not only for the great food (I’m still thinking about those Primanti Bros sandwiches) but also for the wealth of knowledge and connections I gained during the conference.

As a first-time attendee, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but from the moment I arrived, it was clear that this would be a life-changing experience. The ICMA Conference was like nothing else I have experienced. It was huge! It is like the Super Bowl of local government professionals, and getting to meet and network with some of the most influential people in local government felt like I was playing in the big leagues (hopefully better than the Pirates played against the Brewers on Thursday night!).

One of the most impactful and special parts of the conference was sitting in on the Veterans Advisory Committee session. Their motto, "Still Serving," really resonated with me. It’s a simple phrase, but it carries so much weight for those veterans who have transitioned from military service into public service. The committee’s work not only highlighted the unique skills veterans bring to local government but also provided a platform for us to continue making meaningful contributions to our communities. I left those sessions (and the mixer!)  inspired and ready to build upon that momentum of “still serving.”

Professionally, attending the ICMA conference was a game-changer. I walked away with more than just a full stomach and some Pirates baseball memories. I headed home with new ideas, strategies, and a fresh outlook on leadership from the various sessions I attended. Really, every part of the conference added a new tool to my professional toolbox. It was truly eye-opening to learn from city and county managers and other senior level decision makers from across the world who are facing some of the same challenges as I am and finding creative solutions to meet the needs of the people they represent.

I have no doubt that attending this years ICMA annual conference is going to lead to bigger and better things in my future. The people I met and the lessons I learned have already begun to shape the way I approach my role in public service. Being part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking community of professionals was not just motivating but humbling.

I am beyond grateful to CAL-ICMA for the scholarship and for providing me the opportunity to attend. I hope that other veterans will see this and be encouraged and inspired to also get involved with ICMA as well. Because if this knuckle dragging grunt can do it, so can you!

Author:

Justin Gardiner was the first recipient of the Cal-ICMA Veteran Scholarship to attend the ICMA Annual Conference 2024.

Justin is a Code Compliance Manager for the City of Cathedral, CA