We are excited to welcome you to an action-packed 2026 Spring Convention.
Date: March 16-18, 2026
Location: Edmonton Convention Centre, 797 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 1N9
The RMA hosts two conventions per year, one in spring and one in fall, at the Edmonton Convention Centre in Edmonton, Alberta. Each convention sees a variety of plenary addresses and workshops, as well as the ministerial forum and resolutions session. In addition to these events, the fall convention hosts the opposition party leader plenary, as well as our RMA Board elections. The RMA and Canoe Tradeshow is held during the fall convention to better serve our members as they go through the budget process within their municipalities.
Registration for the 2026 Spring Convention is now open. Please see the relevant registration prices below:
| Registration Type | Cost |
| RMA Full Member | $700.00 + GST |
| RMA Full Member & EOEP Course | $1,125.00 + GST |
| EOEP Only | $425.00 + GST |
| Guest/Other Organization | $960.00 + GST |
| Government | $900.00 |
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ellen Kirkpatrick, Event Coordinator, at 825.319.2387.
The EOEP offers Alberta’s municipal elected officials professional development opportunities to help them effectively serve their communities.
With courses covering topics most relevant to elected officials, the EOEP ensures high-quality learning experiences. Each course is developed by subject matter experts and adult learning specialists, designed to provide valuable insights while respecting the limited time elected officials have for professional development.
The EOEP will offer the courses below during the RMA 2026 Spring Convention. Registration for EOEP courses is included in the general convention registration process, allowing you to select your desired courses when signing up for the convention.
For course attendance requirements and details on course registration cancellation policy, see the EOEP attendance and cancellation policy.
Good planning is essential for improving the effectiveness of public services, supporting community development, and enhancing the quality of life for all. This comprehensive course equips municipal elected officials with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate Alberta’s land use planning process effectively.
Participants will explore the role of council in municipal planning, understand the statutory and non-statutory frameworks, and develop practical skills for evaluating land use applications, engaging the public, and making informed planning decisions.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of land use planning or enhance your ability to shape your community’s future, this course is an invaluable resource.
Course Cost: $425.00 + GST
Municipal service delivery shapes how residents experience local government and their communities. This course equips elected officials with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed strategic decisions about the services their municipality provides.
Participants will explore council’s role in setting service levels, understanding different delivery models and aligning funding decisions with community priorities and long-term sustainability. This course examines a range of service delivery approaches helping councils assess options based on cost, risk and community impact.
Through practical examples and discussion, elected officials will strengthen their ability to oversee service delivery, monitor performance and communicate decisions clearly.
Course Cost: $425.00 + GST
Leadership is at the heart of an elected official’s role, with council members responsible for shaping the long-term goals and priorities of their municipality. This interactive course equips elected officials with the tools and knowledge to lead effectively by separating day-to-day operations from big-picture planning.
Participants will learn the critical role of strategic planning in ensuring the long-term success and resilience of their municipality. They will explore how councils can collaborate to set realistic goals, understand the key elements of a strategic plan, and gain practical skills in the planning process.
Course Cost: $425.00 + GST
The full convention agenda is still being finalized. In the interim, you can find a draft agenda here.
We are pleased to announce David Coletto as the keynote speaker for this spring’s convention. Infinitely curious, passionate, and eternally optimistic, David Coletto is the founder, chair, and CEO of Abacus Data and one of Canada’s best known and most respected public opinion analysts, pollsters, and social researchers. Recently named one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Canadian politics by The Hill Times, Coletto is the official pollster of the Toronto Star, co-host of the podcast Hub Politics, and curator of the popular Substack “inFocus with David Coletto”. In his timely, data-driven presentations, he delivers strategic advice customized to his audiences and the industries they serve, from generational shifts and political trends to consumer behaviour and workplace dynamics. View David’s full biography here.
For every upcoming convention there are room blocks that we recommend for those attending. Please visit our Accommodations page for all the important information for booking your stay.
The deadline to submit resolutions for the 2026 Spring Convention is 4:00 pm on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
All resolutions MUST be emailed in Microsoft Word format to bezawit@rmalberta.com by this deadline. Each district is responsible for ensuring that the resolutions endorsed at their district meeting are provided to the RMA in Microsoft Word format prior to the deadline.
For guidance on resolutions, RMA offers a resolution database, resolution-writing tips, FAQs, and a resolution template [Word].
A wide range of partnership opportunities are available at Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels at both our spring and fall events. Customized sponsorship benefit packages can also be developed in consultation with the RMA convention coordinator to meet your organization’s unique requirements.
To explore sponsorship opportunities for the Spring Convention, visit our Sponsorship page.
Breakout sessions are a highlight of RMA conventions, as they present an important opportunity for members to learn about and discuss key issues. RMA aims to deliver sessions that support the effective operation of municipalities and speak to the roles and responsibilities of local leaders.
RMA is currently seeking breakout session proposals. While priority will be given to proposals from full RMA members, submissions from non-members will also be considered if the content is relevant to the municipal context.
Proposals are welcome on an ongoing basis and will be considered by RMA for future conventions. To learn more and submit a proposal for consideration for future conventions, visit our submission page.
The RMA is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive and harassment free environment for all persons attending events hosted by the association, including conventions, tradeshows, meetings, and networking events. The Event Code of Conduct sets the tone and direction of conduct and ethical behavior that could be perceived as damaging to the trust and confidence of members, suppliers, members of government and, the general public. The RMA expects all attendees to behave in a professional and respectful manner.
Please be sure to notify us of anyone who has passed away during the year so we can honour their contributions.
For more information, please contact Ellen Kirkpatrick, Event Coordinator, at 825.319.2387 or ellen@rmalberta.com.
