About the conference

In a critical year for our democracy — the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and another opportunity to choose our leaders — NCoC will convene experts and practitioners to explore what it takes to build civic infrastructure with intention and sustained action.

The national convening for civic health leaders, NCoC's conference reflects the culmination of 80 years of measuring, strengthening, and investing in civic life — all anchored by the belief that democracy requires active citizenship.

This conference is for

• Civic health leaders
• Government leaders and policymakers
• Philanthropic leaders and funders
• Researchers and data experts
• Nonprofit and public sector leaders
• Journalists

What to expect

• Keynotes and fireside chats with civic leaders from across the country
• Collaborative problem-solving and workshops led by thought-leading attendees
• Cross-sector networking
• Actionable tools and resources you can bring home

The unconference

This year's conference is anchored around an unconference format, where session topics are determined by attendees rather than set in advance. There's just as much expertise in the audience as there is on stage, and with the world moving as fast as it is, this format ensures every voice is heard and time together is spent on the topics and issues that are relevant in the moment.

Any registered attendee can propose a question through a two-minute online form. We'll accept ideas through the Monday evening reception on November 16, group them into about a dozen driving questions, and announce the rooms along with session facilitators on Tuesday, November 17, just before sessions begin.

Why Lexington

For the first time, NCoC will host its annual conference in Lexington, Kentucky, at the Grand Ballroom of the University of Kentucky's Gatton Student Center. Named a national model for strengthening American democracy by the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, Lexington boasts an active and engaged civic community. For the conference we collaborate with place-based civic organization CivicLex and our longstanding partners at the University of Kentucky.

Last year at a glance

300+ attendees · 27 volunteers · 28+ states and countries represented.