Futurist Crystal Washington and entrepreneur Nir Bashan to speak at 2025 annual conference

Hear about technology trends on Wednesday and tap into your creativity on Thursday

By Cal Cities Education Staff

Futurist Crystal Washington and business leader Nir Bashan are two of this year's annual conference keynote speakers. Held this year in Long Beach, Oct. 8-10, the Annual Conference and Expo equips city leaders with the cutting-edge knowledge, resources, and tools needed to support their communities.

On Wednesday, Washington will kick off the conference with a plain English look at the practical ways technology could impact cities over the next decade. A technology strategist who makes technology more accessible, Washington will help city leaders spot disruptions and lead while staying ahead of the trends.

Then on Thursday, Bashan will show city leaders how to tap into their creativity to solve problems, generate fresh ideas, and innovate. An author and consultant who counts Microsoft and JetBlue among his clients, Bashan will help attendees rediscover their creativity and walk away with practical techniques that bring more imagination.

Registration closes Sept. 26

Full conference registration for member city officials is $725 and includes admission to general and concurrent sessions, the expo hall, the Wednesday host city reception, the CitiPAC and diversity caucus receptions, and conference meals.

Cal Cities strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. For accommodation or accessibility inquiries, please contact Conference Registrar Megan Dunn. Every effort will be made to honor requests submitted.

Scammers may contact you claiming to be the housing bureau/service for the conference. Cal Cities has not contracted with a housing bureau/service for the 2025 Annual Conference and Expo. Official conference emails will come from addresses ending in @calcities.org.