NDACo Annual Conference

 

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October 11-13, 2026

Bismarck Event Center  |  Bismarck, North Dakota

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 and full conference details will be available at a later date.

About the Conference

Held every October, the NDACo Annual Conference draws over 500 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

Stay Connected

Conference registration, agenda, keynote announcements, and exhibitor information will be posted here as details are confirmed. Check back regularly or follow NDACo on social media for updates.

Registration details will be available at a later date.

Conference Schedule Overview

Below is a general look at how the three days flow, based on our 2025 conference. The 2026 agenda will be published at a later date.


Sunday  |  Arrival & Member Association Meetings ▼
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.
Monday  |  Main Conference Day ▼
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.
Afternoon Three concurrent workshop sessions covering timely topics in county government. A second exhibit hall networking break follows, then member association meetings and the NDACo Board of Directors meeting.
Evening Exhibit Hall Networking Social followed by the conference dinner and evening entertainment.
Tuesday  |  Workshops & Closing Session ▼
Morning NDACo Delegate Council Meeting (delegates only, full breakfast included). Continental breakfast available for all other attendees.
Mid-Morning Two additional rounds of concurrent workshop sessions covering policy, infrastructure, technology, HR, and other pressing county topics. Refreshment break between sessions.
Noon Closing lunch and general session - typically featuring a special guest speaker or community-focused presentation. Grab-and-go snack available at departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the 2026 NDACo Annual Conference? ▼
The 2026 NDACo Annual Conference & Expo will be held October 11-13, 2026 at the Bismarck Event Center, 315 South 5th Street, Bismarck, ND 58504. Full schedule details will be published at a later date.
When does registration open and how do I register? ▼
Registration for the 2026 conference will open at a later date. A link to online registration will be posted on this page and the NDACo home page when available. For questions in the meantime, contact NDACo at 701-425-0808.
What is the cancellation policy? ▼

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.

Where do I park at the Bismarck Event Center? ▼
The Bismarck Event Center offers free surface parking lots on the north, south, and east sides of the facility. Additional overflow parking is available nearby. Attendees are encouraged to allow extra time for parking during peak session arrival times on Monday morning and Tuesday morning. For accessibility parking, designated ADA spaces are available in the closest lots to the main entrance.
Are dietary accommodations available for meals? ▼
NDACo works with the Bismarck Event Center to provide meal options for attendees with dietary restrictions or food allergies. If you have specific needs, please indicate them during registration or contact NDACo in advance at 701-425-0808 so we can make every effort to accommodate you.
Are hotel room blocks available for conference attendees? ▼
Yes - NDACo typically arranges a discounted room block at nearby hotels for conference attendees. Hotel information and booking links will be included in registration confirmation materials when registration opens. Bismarck offers a wide range of lodging options within a short drive of the Bismarck Event Center.
How do I earn ILG credit at the conference? ▼
Conference workshops and sessions qualify for Institute of Local Government (ILG) credit. For questions about ILG credit or your transcript, visit the NDACo contact page or call 701-425-0808.
How do I exhibit or become a sponsor? ▼
The NDACo Annual Conference Expo is one of the best opportunities in North Dakota to connect with county government officials and staff from all 53 counties. Exhibitor and sponsor registration information will be available at a later date on the Exhibitors & Sponsors page. For early inquiries, contact NDACo at 701-425-0808.
Who do I contact with additional questions? ▼
For any questions not answered here, reach out to the NDACo office directly:

North Dakota Association of Counties
1661 Capitol Way, P.O. Box 877
Bismarck, ND 58502-0877
Phone: 701-425-0808
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