Annual Convention

Welcome to GMA's Annual Convention

A photo of Savannah's waterside skyline

GMA’s Annual Convention features engaging sessions and unrivaled training for city officials and local leaders from across the state. It also includes a tradeshow featuring products and services that improve the operations of cities to enhance the lives of their citizens.

Annual Convention is returning to Savannah, June 23-27, 2023.

2023 Keynote Speaker: General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III

General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III

General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III became Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service on August 15, 2016, after retiring from the U.S. Air Force. Welsh, who was born in San Antonio, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a Master of Science degree in computer resource management from Webster University, and graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College, the Air War College and the National War College. He was a fellow of Seminar XXI at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a fellow of the National Security Studies Program of Syracuse University and Johns Hopkins University, a fellow of Ukrainian Security Studies at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, a fellow of the Pinnacle Course of the National Defense University and a graduate of the General Manager Program at the Harvard Business School. During his long military career, he received numerous awards and decorations, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster and Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster.

Welsh became the 20th Chief of Staff of the Air Force in August 2012, serving as the senior uniformed Air Force officer responsible for the organization, training and equipping of 664,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he and other service chiefs functioned as military advisers to the Secretary of Defense, National Security Council and President. His most recent post was Commander of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Commander of NATO’s Air Command at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. He also served as Associate Director of Military Affairs at the Central Intelligence Agency and as Commandant of the United States Air Force Academy.

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How to Register for GMA’s 2023 Annual Convention

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Municipal Marketplace (formerly Exhibit Hall)

GMA is excited to be hosting our 90th Annual Convention in June at the Savannah Convention Center! We hope you will mark your calendar to exhibit on Saturday, June 24, and Sunday, June 25. This year GMA is working to enhance the experience for exhibitors and attendees.

A few bulleted details:

  • Exhibit Hall will be renamed the “Municipal Marketplace”
  • Exhibitor Set-up
    • Saturday, June 24, 2023 - 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  • Exhibitor Hours:
    • Saturday, June 24, 2023, • 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (includes opening reception)
    • Sunday, June 25, 2023, • 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM (lunch served)
  • Exhibitor Move-out
    • Sunday, June 25, 2023, • 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM
  • Ensure you know what staff will attend, as you will immediately receive a housing link to secure your hotel room—only one room per name.
  • Make sure you have all staff that will be working your booth registered.
  • 10 X 10 Booth is $1,400; Equipment Booths are $2,000

Online Marketplace Registration

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