NDACo Annual Conference
2026 NDACo Annual Conference & Expo
Counties: 250 Years in the Making
The Next 250 Starts Here.
October 11-13, 2026
Bismarck Event Center | Bismarck, North Dakota
Registration is open now - we are excited to welcome you to Bismarck.
The Next 250 Starts Here
This year's theme celebrates the counties and local leaders who have helped shape America for two and a half centuries - people willing to serve their communities, solve problems, and build a better future for the generations that follow.
The next chapter of America's story will not be written somewhere else. The Next 250 Starts Here. In North Dakota's counties.
Many of the decisions that have shaped our nation did not begin in Washington, D.C. They began in local communities - in county courthouses, commission chambers, sheriff's offices, road departments, and public meetings where neighbors came together to address challenges and seize opportunities. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, county leaders have an opportunity to look beyond the milestones of the past and focus on the possibilities of the future.
The NDACo Annual Conference & Expo is North Dakota's premier gathering for county officials - bringing together elected and appointed officials, staff, state agency partners, and vendors from all 53 counties for three days of education, collaboration, and community. Registration is open now - see the links above or below to secure your spot.
About the Conference
Held every October, the NDACo Annual Conference draws officials, guests, and vendors from across the state - making it one of the largest gatherings of local government professionals in North Dakota each year. Many county officials consider attendance essential to their ability to provide the best service to their constituents.
The conference features a full schedule of programming designed to inform, connect, and equip county leaders at every level:
- Educational Workshops - Concurrent breakout sessions covering the most pressing issues facing county government, including ILG-credit qualifying classes
- Keynote Speaker - A nationally recognized speaker delivering a timely and relevant message for county officials
- Exhibit Hall & Expo - Vendor displays across two indoor venues featuring partners, service providers, and industry exhibitors serving county government
- Awards & Recognition - ILG awards and graduation, Excellence in County Government Awards, and scholarship presentations
- NDACo Board Elections - Official election of NDACo Board of Directors leadership
- Legislative Resolutions - Discussion and voting on resolutions and initiatives shaping county policy heading into the next legislative session
- Networking - Scheduled and informal opportunities to connect with fellow county officials, state partners, legislators, and vendors
Who Should Attend
The NDACo Annual Conference is open to all North Dakota county officials and staff - including commissioners, auditors, treasurers, recorders, state's attorneys, sheriffs, tax directors, veterans service officers, and all county department heads and employees. All county officials are strongly urged to attend.
Venue
Bismarck Event Center
315 South 5th Street
Bismarck, ND 58504
Register Today
Registration for the 2026 NDACo Annual Conference & Expo is open now, and we are excited to welcome you to Bismarck this October.
To register as an attendee or a guest, click here. For exhibitor or sponsor registration, click here.
The agenda, keynote announcements, and additional exhibitor information will be posted here as details are confirmed. Check back regularly or follow NDACo on social media for updates.
2026 Workshop Topics
Here is an early look at the workshop topics planned for 2026. Topics are tentative and subject to change - the full agenda with speakers and room assignments will be published at a later date.
Monday, October 12
1:00 - 2:15 PM
- Legislative
- Retirement (Nationwide)
- ADA
- Housing
Tuesday, October 13
9:00 - 10:15 AM
- Data Centers / Planning & Zoning (repeated in the next session)
- Role of Emergency Managers
- Social Services
- HR Topic
Tuesday, October 13
10:30 - 11:45 AM
- Data Centers / Planning & Zoning (repeat workshop)
- CDL
- A.I.
- 9-1-1 Regional Concept
Tuesday, October 13
Closing Workshop
- Topic to be announced
Conference Schedule Overview
Below is a general look at how the three days flow. The full 2026 agenda will be published at a later date.
| Afternoon | Registration desk opens. Member association meetings begin, including County Recorders and Load Pass meetings. |
| Evening | Welcoming Social - a casual kickoff reception for all attendees to connect before the full program begins. |
| Morning | Continental breakfast followed by the Opening General Session - featuring welcome remarks, Excellence in County Government Awards, and the keynote speaker. |
| Mid-Morning | Exhibit Hall opens for networking. Attendees connect with vendors, partners, and exhibitors across two indoor venue halls. |
| Noon | Lunch with ILG award presentations and scholarship announcements. |
| 1:00 - 2:15 PM | Concurrent workshop sessions - see the tentative workshop topics above. |
| Afternoon | Exhibit hall networking break, followed by member association meetings and the NDACo Board of Directors meeting. |
| Evening | Exhibit Hall Networking Social - expanded and refreshed for 2026, with heavy hors d'oeuvres and drinks throughout the evening. More details coming soon. |
| Morning | NDACo Delegate Council Meeting (delegates only, full breakfast included). Continental breakfast available for all other attendees. |
| 9:00 - 10:15 AM | Concurrent workshop sessions - see the tentative workshop topics above. |
| 10:30 - 11:45 AM | A second round of concurrent workshop sessions, with a refreshment break between sessions - see the tentative workshop topics above. |
| Noon | Closing lunch and general session featuring the closing workshop - topic to be announced. Grab-and-go snack available at departure. |
Frequently Asked Questions
The following cancellation policy applies to the 2026 NDACo Annual Conference:
- On or before September 11, 2026 - Cancellations will not be charged.
- September 12 - September 21, 2026 - Cancellations will be charged a $50 administrative fee.
- After September 21, 2026 (including no-shows) - The full registration fee will be assessed.
To cancel your registration, contact NDACo at 701-425-0808 or via the NDACo contact page.
North Dakota Association of Counties
1661 Capitol Way, P.O. Box 877
Bismarck, ND 58502-0877
Phone: 701-425-0808
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