UMAST 2026 Annual Leadership Conference
Register here!
The UMAST Annual Leadership Conference will take place on Wednesday, November 18th at the UTSA Downtown Campus for a full day of professional development, learning, and networking opportunities.
This year's conference theme is "Resilience Through Collaboration: Building Strategic Partnerships, Navigating Change, and Maximizing Resources."
This theme explores how cross-sector collaboration, effective change management, and strategic resource allocation can strengthen organizations and communities in times of uncertainty.
Registration
Registration Pricing Tiers:
- UMAST Members Rate: $160
- Non-UMAST Members Rate: $180
- Student Members: $50
Questions
Please contact info@umast.org.
Program & Schedule
2026 UMAST Conference
Resilience Through Collaboration: Strategic Partnerships, Managing Change, and Budgeting
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Location: UTSA Downtown Campus
Address: 501 W. César E. Chávez Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78207
Join us for the 2026 UMAST Conference as we explore how collaboration, strategic partnerships, effective leadership, and responsible resource management help build resilience across local government and our communities.
Through interactive activities, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and professional development opportunities, attendees will gain insights into strengthening partnerships, navigating change, improving organizational processes, advancing leadership skills, and understanding the city budgeting process.
MORNING SESSIONS
8:00 – 8:45 AM | Networking Breakfast
Start the conference by connecting with colleagues, meeting fellow local government professionals, and building relationships across departments and organizations.
8:45 – 9:00 AM | Welcome and Opening Remarks
Kick off the 2026 UMAST Conference with opening remarks from City leadership and an introduction from UMAST President, Olympia Cuellar Perez. Learn more about the conference theme and the importance of collaboration in building resilient organizations and communities.
9:00 – 9:45 AM | Professional Development and Collaboration Activity
Start the day with an engaging, interactive session focused on teamwork, collaboration, and resilience. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with colleagues, strengthen working relationships, and explore how collaboration can help teams navigate challenges and achieve shared goals.
9:45 – 10:00 AM | Morning Break
Take a short break before the first round of breakout sessions
10:05 – 11:00 AM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS — ROUND 1
Room A: UMAST — A Pipeline for Local Government Leadership
Discover how UMAST supports professional development, networking, and career advancement in local government. This session will highlight the organization's purpose and member benefits, share ways to maximize engagement, and explore how involvement in UMAST can help professionals grow into leadership and executive roles.
Room B: Foundations of Lean Six Sigma and Process Improvement
Explore the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma and learn how process improvement tools can help identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, streamline workflows, and improve organizational performance. This introductory workshop will provide practical insights into creating more effective and efficient processes in local government.
Resource Room: Professional Development Office Hours
Take advantage of professional development resources designed to support your career growth. Services and information will be announced soon!
11:00 – 11:15 AM | Morning Break and Refreshments
Enjoy a short break and refreshments before the mid-afternoon panel discussion
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | PANEL: Building a Resilient Community Together
Explore how collaboration across departments, agencies, and community organizations helps communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from challenges. This discussion will highlight the importance of partnerships, coordinated response efforts, and shared responsibility in strengthening community resilience and supporting long-term recovery.
12:15 – 1:30 PM | Lunch and Networking
Enjoy lunch while connecting with colleagues and exchanging ideas, experiences, and perspectives from the morning sessions
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
1:30 – 2:30 PM | BREAKOUT SESSIONS — ROUND 2
Room A: Transportation — The Power of Partnerships
Discover how strategic partnerships across city, county, and state agencies help advance transportation initiatives and infrastructure projects. This panel will explore collaboration among public transportation providers, city departments, and regional partners, highlighting how coordinated planning and shared resources can improve transportation outcomes and better serve the community.
Room B: Leading Before You Have the Title
Leadership is not limited to a formal position. This session will explore how emerging professionals can influence decisions, build trust, communicate effectively, and contribute to organizational success from any role. Attendees will gain insights into taking initiative, developing leadership skills, and creating opportunities for professional growth.
Resource Room: Professional Development Office Hours
Continue exploring resources to support your professional and financial goals. Available opportunities will be announced soon.
2:30 – 3:00 PM | Networking Break and Afternoon Snack
Recharge with an afternoon snack while continuing conversations and making connections with fellow attendees
3:00 – 4:00 PM | KEYNOTE PANEL: The Power of Collaboration in City Budgeting
Gain a better understanding of how the City of San Antonio's budget is developed and how budget decisions influence city operations, programs, and services. This session will explore the roles departments and employees play in the budget process, the importance of collaboration between departments and financial teams, and how strategic partnerships, planning, and responsible resource allocation can support organizational priorities and community needs.
The keynote panel will feature City of San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh, with additional panelists to be announced.
4:00 – 4:15 PM | Afternoon Break
Take a short break before the conference closing remarks
4:15 – 4:30 PM | Closing Remarks
Conclude the conference with reflections on key takeaways, the value of cross-sector collaboration, and opportunities to apply new insights to professional development and local government service.
4:30 – 6:00 PM | UMAST Networking Mixer
Join fellow attendees for conversation, networking, and refreshments as we celebrate collaboration and strengthen relationships across the local government community.