MSES is built specifically for the professionals responsible for delivering events at the municipal level. The Summit focuses on permitting, public safety, operations, and cross-department coordination, led by practitioners sharing real-world experience, not theory. Regardless of scale, MSES maintains a boutique, high-connect environment designed for engagement. Attendees are not lost in large crowds, they are part of a focused group where conversations, collaboration, and practical insight take priority. MSEA is also expanding the scope of the Summit to include film, entertainment, tourism, destination organizations, and the broader experience economy, recognizing the interconnected nature of modern cities. Networking is a defining element of MSES, built into the structure of each day and valued equally alongside the educational program.

MSES27 is designed for professionals responsible for planning, permitting, and delivering public events. This includes city managers, special event offices, permitting staff, police, fire, EMS, emergency management, public works, parks and recreation, and administrative leadership. If your role touches how events are approved, coordinated, or executed, this Summit is built for you.

MSES27 delivers a dynamic mix of keynotes, panels, case studies, and operational deep dives led by practitioners across disciplines. The program also includes tabletop exercises, practical scenarios, and curated site visits that allow attendees to experience event environments beyond the classroom. Content is designed to reflect the realities of municipal event delivery, covering permitting frameworks, enforcement strategies, large-scale coordination, interagency communication, and real-time operational challenges faced in the field.

No. Content is designed to be accessible to those newer to municipal event management while still offering depth and practical insight for experienced professionals. Sessions are grounded in real-world application, not theory.

Yes. A new component of MSES27 is the opportunity to experience event environments firsthand. Site tours are curated to provide practical insight into how venues and districts operate during events.

No. Public safety is a critical component, but MSES is intentionally cross-disciplinary. The program brings together planning, permitting, operations, and leadership to reflect how events are actually delivered, across departments working together.

Yes. Networking is a central part of the MSES experience and a key reason professionals return year after year. Attendees can expect daily opportunities to connect through curated events, informal meetups, and shared on-site experiences. The Summit is intentionally designed to create real conversations and meaningful relationships that extend well beyond the event itself.

A preliminary agenda framework, including tracks and session overviews, will be available during registration to support agency approval and travel planning. This provides a clear understanding of the topics, structure, and overall value of the Summit. The full agenda will be released in advance of the event, with regular updates as speakers and sessions are finalized. Attendees will receive notifications as new content is added, ensuring they stay informed leading into the Summit.

Attendees leave with more than notes. They return with actionable strategies, new professional relationships, and real-world insight they can put to work immediately. From improving permitting processes to strengthening coordination across departments, the Summit is designed to deliver ideas and connections that extend well beyond the event itself.

MSES is intentionally designed as a focused, high-value experience with approximately 200 attendees. This size supports meaningful engagement, direct access to speakers, and stronger peer-to-peer interaction. The Summit is experiencing significant growth as awareness and participation continue to expand across the municipal and event management community. While attendance is expected to increase in the coming years, MSES remains committed to maintaining a curated, high-engagement environment regardless of scale.

Business casual is recommended for daytime sessions. The Summit includes site tours and movement between venues, so comfortable, professional attire and footwear are encouraged. Evening events shift to a more relaxed, social atmosphere. Attendees are encouraged to dress in a way that reflects their personal style while remaining appropriate for professional networking environments. The Summit is designed to foster connection, and many of those conversations continue beyond the sessions.

Attendees are encouraged to come prepared for a mix of professional learning and social engagement. This includes business casual attire for daytime sessions, with the option to bring additional attire for evening networking events depending on personal preference. Comfortable footwear is recommended for site tours and movement between venues. Attendees may also wish to bring business cards or other contact information to support networking throughout the Summit. Most importantly, come prepared to engage, learn, and connect with peers from across the country. For those participating in the swag swap, items may be brought on-site or shipped in advance to the host location. Additional details will be provided prior to the Summit.

The Swag Swap is a favorite MSES tradition where attendees bring items from their city, organization, or events to exchange with others. It’s a fun, informal way to connect, share ideas, and see what others are doing across the country. There’s no need to go out and purchase anything. Most attendees bring items they already have, making it an easy way to share and clear out materials in a meaningful way. Think of it like a festival-style exchange, bring some, trade some, and discover something new along the way. Items can be brought with you or shipped in advance to the host location. Additional details will be provided ahead of the Summit.

Yes. Select presentations and materials will be made available to attendees following the Summit. Distribution will depend on speaker permissions and content type, but our goal is to ensure attendees leave with resources they can reference and share within their organizations.

Yes. MSES utilizes a dedicated event platform powered through Cvent, providing attendees with access to the agenda, session details, speaker information, and real-time updates throughout the Summit. Additional features may include networking tools, messaging, and personalized scheduling.

Session recording is evaluated each year and may be available for select sessions. MSES is designed as a live, interactive experience, and priority is placed on in-person engagement. Updates on recording availability will be provided closer to the Summit.

Yes. MSEA is actively aligning its programming to support continuing education opportunities. For MSES27, sessions are being developed with CEU eligibility in mind, and additional details regarding eligible sessions and documentation will be provided in advance of the Summit.

MSEA is currently working with academic and industry partners to develop a formal certification pathway aligned with municipal event management. While a full certification program is not yet finalized, this initiative is a priority for the organization, with more information expected in future Summit cycles.

Yes. MSES27 is structured with a general session format alongside multiple breakout tracks based on attendance and program development. These typically include planning, permitting, public safety, and expanding into the broader experience economy, including nightlife, entertainment, and tourism. This structure allows attendees to focus on content most relevant to their role while still benefiting from cross-disciplinary learning.