CSG EAST
61st Eastern Regional Conference
Aug. 14-17 | Manchester, New Hampshire
Each year, CSG East convenes state officials for a three-day conference, the largest gathering of state officials in the East. All of CSG East’s policy committees meet to discuss critical issues affecting the region in the areas of agriculture and rural affairs, Canada-U.S. relations, education and workforce development, energy and environment, fiscal affairs, military and veterans’ affairs, territorial relations, and transportation. CSG East’s Council on Communities of Color and Eastern Trade Council also meet at this conference. Learn more at csg-erc.org/annual-meetings
Eastern Leadership Academy (ELA)
Aug. 21-25 | Philadelphia
Application deadline: May 15
Thirty state and provincial officials from the 19 CSG Eastern Region member jurisdictions gather in Philadelphia each year for the Robert J. Thompson Eastern Leadership Academy. This select group of state officials from all three branches of government receives training to enhance their leadership and communication skills from a variety of experts in media, education and government. If you strive to be an effective leader, an informed decision-maker and an effective communicator, ELA is the program for you.
Held in partnership with the Fels Institute of Government, ELA is a unique opportunity to learn with the best and brightest from across the region. Learn more at csg-erc.org/leadership-training
EASTrain
The EASTrain service — customized legislative development training delivered to your state capital — is one of the major benefits of membership in CSG East. Comprehensive, customizable leadership training sessions are offered to member states by legislative leadership request and delivered in the state capitol at little or no cost to the state legislature. CSG East provides trainers who can work directly with legislative leaders and staff to develop programs tailored to their needs. CSG East seeks to include the following elements in its EASTrain programs:
- Training is always available on a bipartisan basis.
- Flexibility in selecting dates and times to encourage maximum attendance.
- Support in the promotion of the training program.
CSG MIDWEST
76th Midwestern Legislative Conference
July 10-13 | Wichita, Kansas
Each year, CSG Midwest convenes the largest gathering of Midwest state and provincial legislators. The event is designed by and for the region’s legislators and includes a mix of expert-and legislator-led policy sessions, insightful speakers and special events for attendees and their guests. Generations of legislators have taken part in the Midwestern Legislative Conference Annual Meeting where they are able to explore public policy and connect with fellow legislators in a nonpartisan, welcoming environment. Learn more at csgmidwest.org/annual-meetings
The Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD)
Aug. 27-31 | Madison, Wisconsin
Application deadline: April 20
CSG Midwest BILLD is the only leadership training program designed exclusively for Midwestern legislators. BILLD helps newer legislators develop the skills necessary to become effective leaders, informed decision-makers and astute policy analysts. The Bowhay Institute is designed for Midwestern legislators in their first four years of legislative service. Learn more at
Under the Dome
With help and guidance from legislative leadership in individual states, CSG Midwest Under the Dome delivers customized training to lawmakers inside their state capitols or virtually, including briefings covering important policy areas and workshops focused on professional development and consensus building. Learn more at csgovts.info/underthedome
CSG SOUTH
76th Southern Legislative Conference
July 9-13 | Oklahoma City
Each year, CSG South convenes the largest gathering of Southern state and provincial legislators at the Southern Legislative Conference Annual Meeting. The event is designed by and for the region’s legislators and includes a mix of expert-and legislator-led policy sessions, insightful speakers and special events for attendees and their guests. Generations of legislators have taken part in this annual meeting where they are able to explore public policy and connect with fellow legislators in a nonpartisan, welcoming environment. Learn more at csgsouth.org/southern-legislative-conference/
Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills (CALS)
Oct. 15-19 | Little Rock, Arkansas
Application deadline: July 30
CALS embodies the CSG South mission of championing excellence in state government and providing nonpartisan forums for state officials who might rarely cross paths to share ideas. The program brings together Southern state officials from three branches of government in a strictly nonpartisan environment. The class size is capped at 25 maximum state officials — representing all three branches of government — to foster connections among classmates. Learn more at csgsouth.org/CALS
The Staff Academy for Governmental Excellence (SAGE)
Nov. 13-16 | Atlanta
Application opens: April 18
CSG South SAGE is a professional leadership development program for Southern state legislative, judicial, executive and agency staff. In addition to developing their personal and professional leadership skills, participants have the opportunity to build a network of their peers from across the Southern region. Learn more at csgsouth.org/SAGE
CSG WEST
75th CSG West Annual Meeting
July 19-22 | Boise, Idaho
The annual meeting of CSG West is the largest gathering of Western legislators, convening over 500 participants each year. The size and scope of this event creates an intimate and unique environment for attendees to:
- Engage and exchange ideas through policy committee discussions on issues such as workforce development, fiscal affairs and social justice.
- Learn from topic experts by participating in educational forums and leadership skills training opportunities.
- Connect and build lasting relationships with regional, national and international colleagues.
Western Legislative Academy (WLA)
Dec. 13-16 | Colorado Springs, Colorado
Application deadline: April 28
CSG West provides premier capacity building opportunities for Western legislators within their first four years of cumulative service through the Western Legislative Academy. The WLA is an intensive three-and-a-half-day professional development program designed to assist legislators in becoming more effective leaders and to strengthen legislative institutions. The WLA focuses on communications, time management, governing, ethics and consensus building. A highlight of the program is a half day spent at the U.S. Air Force Academy working on personnel assessments and team building. Learn more at csgovts.info/wla
WESTrain
The CSG West WESTrain program provides in-state training for state legislators and staff on a variety of professional development topics. Trainers are leaders in their respective areas of expertise offering non-partisan perspectives and hands-on instruction on a range of relevant topics including communication, time management, stress management, as well as negotiation, consensus-building and conflict resolution. Learn more at csgovts.info/westrain