Annual August Conference

WMCA 2026 Conference Logo

 

WMCA 46th Annual Conference 2026

August 18 – 21, 2026 | Green Bay, Wisconsin

 

Join us for 2 ½ days of learning, networking, and recognition at the WMCA Annual Conference—the premier event for municipal clerks in Wisconsin. This annual gathering offers high-quality education, leadership development, and opportunities to connect with peers across the state.

 

 

 


Register today: WMCA 46th Annual Conference Registration



Highlights

 

  • Pre-Conference Training – Specialized workshops and a New Clerks Class (August 18)

  • Education Sessions – Interactive, expert-led sessions on August 19–21 (descriptions below)

  • Networking & Recognition – Opportunities to build relationships and celebrate achievements

  • Awards & Officer Installation – Honoring excellence in the profession and welcoming WMCA’s new officers

  • Friendship Bracelet Exchange (Back by Popular Demand!) – After the incredible response to last year’s exchange, we’re excited to bring it back for this year's conference.

    Wisconsin municipal clerks do important, complex, and highly specialized work—and there’s real power in connecting with others who truly understand it. We invite you to create bracelets that represent you or your municipality and exchange them with fellow attendees. Whether your bracelet reflects your community’s colors, your years of service, or a value you hold close, each bracelet tells a story.

    This is more than just a craft, it’s meaningful a reminder that while our work can be challenging, we face it together. Whether you go simple or detailed, the best bracelets are the ones that tell your story. The goal isn’t perfection, but rather connection.

Conference Sponsorship and Vendor Opportunities

 

Looking for an opportunity to connect with clerks and support the important work of WMCA? Conference sponsorship and vendor opportunities are now available.

Clerks—please share this opportunity with vendors, partners, or organizations you know who may be interested in supporting WMCA!

 


Conference Schedule

 

Tuesday, August 18 (Optional)

  • New Clerks Class (optional)
  • Athenian Dialogue (optional)
  • UWGB Master Academy Class - Ethics and the Clerk with the WI Ethics Commission (optional)

 

Wednesday, August 19 

  • General Session: Laughing Your Way to Resilience 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Wisconsin Elections Briefing with the WEC 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Awards Luncheon 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Exhibit Hall and Vendor Demos 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Farewell Reception Honoring the President 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Scavenger Hunt and Explore the Green Bay Farmers Market with Friends

 

Thursday, August 20

 

  • AM Breakout Session #1 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

        WEC – Populations 10,000 and Up: Round Table / Q&A

        League of Wisconsin Municipalities Updates

        Emotional Hack: 50 Ways to Feel Better Fast

        How to Train Poll Workers

        Legal Notices and Open Meetings Law

        Understanding Certification

  • AM Breakout Session #2 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

        WEC – Populations Under 10,000: Round Table / Q&A

        CIG and Tobacco

        Dealing with Angry People

        RRO, RRO, RRO Your Boat – How to Navigate Robert’s Rules of Order

        DAB Alcohol Licensing

        Budgeting for Clerks

 

  • Annual Meeting 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

 

  • PM Breakout Session #1 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

        WEC – Populations 10,000 and Up: Round Table / Q&A

        Cyber Security

        Emotional Hack: 50 Ways to Feel Better Fast

        How to Train Poll Workers

        Legal Notices and Open Meetings Law

        Understanding Accessibility Standards

 

  • PM Breakout Session #2 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

        WEC – Populations Under 10,000: Round Table / Q&A

        CIG and Tobacco

        Dealing with Angry People

        RRO, RRO, RRO Your Boat – How to Navigate Robert’s Rules of Order

        DAB Alcohol Licensing

        Budgeting for Clerks 

 

  • Masquerade Ball/Closing Reception 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

 

Friday, August 21

  • Closing Keynotes – Brenda Viola: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
    • Four Keys to Joy in Your Journey
    • Case for Culture

 

Special Thursday Night Events

  • Closing Awards Reception
  • Installation of WMCA Officers

 

Breakout Session Descriptions

 

Budgeting for Clerks 
This session provides practical guidance on developing, managing, and maintaining a clerk’s office budget with accuracy and accountability. Attendees will learn strategies for forecasting expenses, tracking revenues, and making informed financial decisions that support efficient operations.

 

CIG and Tobacco 
This session examines the regulation, taxation, and compliance challenges surrounding CIG and tobacco products in today’s legal landscape. Attendees will gain practical insights into enforcement trends, public health considerations, and the evolving role of clerks in managing these issues.

 

Cyber Security 
This session explores the growing importance of cybersecurity in protecting sensitive records and maintaining the integrity of clerk operations. Attendees will learn practical strategies to identify risks, prevent data breaches, and strengthen digital safeguards in an increasingly connected environment.

 

DAB Alcohol Licensing 
This class offers an overview of alcohol licensing in Wisconsin. Participants will learn the basics of the licensing process, common issues, and their role in ensuring compliance.

 

Dealing with Angry People 
Ryan Martin, TikTok's and Instagram's "The Anger Professor", offers 10 highly effective, research-based strategies for coping with the anger you must face, whether at home, at work, on the street, or online.

 

Emotional Hack: 50 Ways to Feel Better Fast 
This course helps participants understand the science of emotions and use that knowledge to improve their lives. You’ll explore how and why you feel, what they’re trying to tell you, and how to apply practical emotion hacks that can transform your mindset, relationships, and behaviors.

 

How to Train Poll Workers 
How to Train Poll Workers is a practical, short breakout designed for election administrators who prepare staff for Election Day. Participants learn best practices for training poll workers to ensure consistent procedures, legal compliance, and excellent voter service. The course also covers common challenges and proven strategies for building confident, well-prepared teams at the polls.

 

League of Wisconsin Municipalities Updates 
This session features timely updates from the League of Wisconsin Municipalities on issues affecting cities and villages across the state.

 

Legal Notices and Open Meetings Law 
Legal Notices and Open Meetings Law is a focused breakout session that provides a practical overview of public notice requirements and open meetings compliance. Attendees will learn best practices to ensure transparency and avoid violations. The session is ideal for officials responsible for meeting agendas, postings, and records.

 

RRO, RRO, RRO Your Boat – How to Navigate Robert’s Rules of Order 
This session introduces the basics of parliamentary procedure for those new to meetings and formal decision-making. Participants will learn fundamental concepts such as motions, voting, agendas, and the role of the chair. The session is designed to build confidence and help attendees participate effectively and respectfully in meetings.

 

Understanding Accessibility Standards 
This session will cover a brief history of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a public entity's obligations under Title II of the ADA, and best practices. The examples for best practices provided will help public entities ensure their community is free of architectural, communication, and attitudinal barriers for persons with disabilities.

 

Understanding Certification 
This session explains the path to clerk certification, including requirements, timelines, and documentation. Participants learn how to plan their professional development journey.

 

WEC – Populations 10,000 and Up: Round Table / Q&A 
For Municipalities with Populations Over 10,000 This breakout session offers an interactive round table and Q&A with representatives from the Wisconsin Election Commission, specifically designed for municipalities serving populations greater than 10,000. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss complex election-related issues, share experiences, and ask questions tailored to the unique challenges faced by larger communities. This session provides a collaborative space to gain insights, clarify guidance, and strengthen election administration practices.

 

WEC – Populations Under 10,000: Round Table / Q&A 
For Municipalities with Populations Under 10,000 This breakout session offers an interactive round table and Q&A with representatives from the Wisconsin Election Commission, specifically designed for municipalities serving populations less than 10,000. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss complex election-related issues, share experiences, and ask questions tailored to the unique challenges faced by smaller communities. This session provides a collaborative space to gain insights, clarify guidance, and strengthen election administration practices.

Why Attend?

 

  • Strengthen your knowledge of key municipal topics

  • Earn continuing education credits toward certification

  • Build valuable connections with clerks from across Wisconsin

  • Celebrate the accomplishments of colleagues and peers

 

 

Location & Accommodations

 

KI Convention Center | Green Bay, WI

$101/night Single Occupancy Room | +$10 for Each Additional Occupant

Hotel Update
The Hyatt Regency (host hotel) block has sold out. WMCA is arranging additional room blocks at nearby hotels. Updated accommodation information will be posted here as it becomes available.


Hampton Inn Downtown | Green Bay, WI
$98/night Single Occupancy

Hotel Update
The Hampton Inn Downtown block has sold out. WMCA is arranging additional room blocks at nearby hotels.


Tundra Lodge | Green Bay, WI
$101/night Single Occupancy Room | +$10 for Each Additional Occupant

Our Tundra Lodge block is now open, please book here: WMCA Conference


Country Inn and Suites | Green Bay, WI
$101/night Single Occupancy Room | +$10 for Each Additional Occupant

Our Country Inn and Suites block is now open, please book here: Country Inn & Suites


Oneida Hotel and Casino | Green Bay, WI

$101/night Single Occupancy

Our Oneida Hotel and Casino block is now open, please book here: Oneida Casino Hotel

Group Code: 2121

Password: 90328714


Lodge Kohler at Titletown | Green Bay, WI

$119/night Single Occupancy

Our Lodge Kohler block is now open, please book here: Lodge Kohler Reservations

Group Code:901447


Quality Inn & Suites Downtown | Green Bay, WI
$85/night Single Occupancy Room | +$10 for Each Additional Occupant

Our Quality Inn block is now open, please book here:  Quality Inn & Suites


*Conference Vendors*- Hotel Northland | Green Bay, WI
$155/night Single Occupancy Room 

The Hotel Northland room block is now available for Annual Conference Vendors.

Book here: Hotel Northland- Green Bay

 

Stay Updated

 

Full session details, speakers, and registration information will be announced soon. Please check back for updates.