Join city officials and staff from across the state at GMA’s Small Cities Conference, where connection, collaboration, and innovation take center stage! This year’s theme, “Building Stronger Communities,” sets the tone for a conference packed with insightful sessions, real-world strategies, and direct access to agencies offering vital resources to enhance city operations.

May 13, 2026 - Pre-Conference Training

Get a head start on learning with exclusive Pre-Conference Training from the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute! Designed to help city officials strengthen their expertise in municipal governance, these courses offer three (3) credit hours toward a training certificate. These classes are $195.00 each and are NOT included as part of the registration to the Small Cities Conference. Pre-registration and payment is required to secure your spot. 

Option 1: Roles and Responsibilities of Council and Staff (1:00 - 4:00 pm)

Option 2: Municipal Taxation 101 - The Basics (1:00 - 4:00 pm)

Option 3: Open Records (1:00 - 4:00 pm)

May 14 and 15, 2026- Small Cities Conference

During the official two-day Small Cities Conference, elected officials and staff will connect with exhibitors and key organizations through educational sessions that will focus on various topics in municipal operations. 

Attendee Cost: Cost per person for the Small Cities Conference is $150.  After March 16, the cost per person is $175.  Cost covers conference and some meals/snacks. Online registration ends on May 7 at 5:00 pm and the conference is limited to 150 people.  PLEASE NOTE: The Small Cities Conference attendance is restricted to city officials and staff only. 

Cancellations: Cancellations received by 5:00 pm on May 7 will receive a refund less a $50 processing fee. Notice of cancellation is required by email to registration@gacities.com.  Refunds will be processed approximately 30 days after the event. Cancellations received after 5:00 pm on May 7 will not be refunded. 

Customize Your Small Cities Conference Experience: When registering, be sure to select the concurrent sessions you’d like to attend for each of the five time slots:

Please note that sessions on May 14 and 15 do NOT count toward credit hours for the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute.

Book your Hotel TODAY.  Cutoff for the room rate is April 12, 2026

**Hilton Garden Inn at $169.00 plus tax per night, breakfast buffet included. Click here to book.

**Courtyard Gainesville at $199.00 plus tax per night. Click here to book.

**Hampton Garden Inn at $159.00 per night plus tax, breakfast buffet included. Click here to book.

**Holiday Inn Express at $159.00 per night plus tax, breakfast buffet included.   Click here to book.

 
More Information:
Small Cities Conference, contact Pete Pyrzenski at ppyrzenski@gacities.com or Emily Davenport at edavenport@gacities.com.

Pre-Conference Training, contact Aileen Harris at aharris@gacities.com.