Each year during the planning phase of the CSAC Annual Meeting, we try to add some new events that enhance the value of the conference. This year, there are a few events that we urge attendees to take full advantage of – both taking place prior to the official Kick-Off Session.

Inaugural Innovation Summit

On Monday afternoon, CSAC will be hosting its inaugural Innovation Summit. Scheduled for Noon to 5 p.m. at the Long Beach Convention Center, the Summit will highlight creative solutions that counties are using to increase efficiencies and improve services.

One panel will feature representatives from Yuba and Kings Counties sharing their experiences implementing programs and strategies that generate revenue, reduce operating costs, optimize capital investment in infrastructure, and improve the environment.

The panelists will reveal how they deployed energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies to modernize critical infrastructure and reduce energy costs. The speakers have implemented energy-efficiency and solar projects that have reduced energy and operating costs and provided budget predictability. The projects were funded without up-front capital, allowing these counties to redirect their budget resources to other important priorities.

Immediately following the Summit, a reception will be held where county officials can discuss the featured innovations with those who implemented them.

To RSVP for the Summit, email John Samartzis at jsamartzis@counties.org.

Port of Long Beach Harbor Tour

CSAC is also hosting a tour of the busy Port of Long Beach – by water. The two-hour harbor tour, set for Tuesday morning, offers an up close and personal look at one of the busiest and greenest shipping terminals in the world.

The Port is providing a large boat so we can see and experience the Port from the water. Coffee and light breakfast will be served. We’ll travel by bus from the hotel to the dock, board the boat and take a tour of the harbor with Port employees. You’ll be back in plenty of time for the kickoff of the annual meeting.

The bus to the boat leaves from the Long Beach Hyatt Regency Hotel at 9:00 a.m.  If you are already going, we’ll see you on Board! There is some space available, but it’s going fast.  If you have already registered for the Annual Meeting, but not the tour, Email your RSVP to lcurrie@counties.org, and we’ll get you on the list. If you haven’t registered for the annual meeting yet, you can do so online.

We look forward to seeing you in Long Beach, Los Angeles County.