CIS Annual Conference

Learning, Connection, Excellence

CIS Annual Conference Earns High Marks Once Again

The 23^rd CIS Annual Conference held Feb. 26–28, 2025, at the Salem Convention Center once again proved why it’s considered a standout event for Oregon cities and counties. A total of 648 participated either in person, virtually, or both. The conference received glowing marks, with 94% rating their overall experience as Excellent or Good and an average rating of 4.69 out of 5.

From compelling keynote speakers and relevant breakout sessions to top-notch meals and a seamless hybrid platform, attendees consistently praised both the substance and style of this year’s event. “No other event even comes close to the CIS Annual Conference,” wrote one attendee. “It’s more than just a conference; it’s an experience.”

The conference hit its mark with dynamic keynote speakers Jennifer Moss, Dr. David Burkus, and Chief Deputy Matthew Thomas, all of whom were called “thought-provoking and inspiring.” Breakout sessions were also praised for offering practical insights across a wide range of topics — from family leave and AI to employment law and public safety. “Very informative! Nice special treat is the coffee lattes on Thursday morning,” noted one attendee. Another added, “Every session I attended was great, and the food was very good.”

Networking remained a core value, with many members calling it the best part of the event. “The networking opportunities and engagement are top-notch,” said one participant. “The content is relevant, sparking conversations to lead to innovative ideas and professional growth.”

Accessibility and affordability continue to be key goals of the event. With one complimentary registration and hotel stay available to every CIS member, the conference remains an excellent opportunity even for those with tight budgets. “I was grateful for the opportunity to attend virtually,” one member shared. “For those managing tight budgets, the online version is a great option.”

As in previous years, the conference’s strong organization stood out. “All sessions run so smoothly from a technology standpoint. This is always an excellent experience,” said one member. Another added, “The conference was seamless from start to finish.” The attendee app, session recordings, and on-time scheduling were highlighted as valuable tools that helped maximize learning and engagement.

Even the catering received high praise. “I have never had food this good at any conference I've ever attended,” raved one attendee. The meals received a 97% satisfaction rating overall.

CIS Communications and Events Manager Julie LaMarche summed up the team’s intent: “Our goal is to exceed expectations — delivering an exceptional learning experience and making it seamless, accessible, and welcoming for everyone.”

Planning is already underway for next year’s conference — mark your calendars for Feb. 25–27, 2026, again in Salem. Based on feedback, members can expect more practical sessions, more networking, and the same high standard of hospitality that makes the CIS Annual Conference the one not to miss.

SESSION RECORDINGS NOW AVAILABLE
To support ongoing learning, recordings of all breakout sessions are now available to members in the CIS Learning Center. Whether you want to revisit a session you attended, catch one you missed, or access content if you missed the event altogether, the recordings make it easy to continue the experience on your schedule.

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