Illinois Master Academy

4:30-7:30 p.m.

Opening Reception

Join us to learn about resources to help you in your job and to network with other clerks. Refreshments will be served, and prizes will be drawn at 6:30 p.m.

Master Academy

7:30-9:50 a.m.

Topic TBD

Description TBD

Master Academy

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

True Colors®

Enhance your communication, leadership and teamwork skills. Discover your personality style and learn to recognize others’ through a fun, interactive session using the True Colors® model. Tailored for municipal clerks, this workshop offers practical tools to improve relationships with elected officials, coworkers, and the public—helping you lead more effectively and foster a positive, collaborative workplace.

All

12-1 p.m.

Lunch

All

1-2:50 p.m.

Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF): What Clerks Need to Know

Stay current on key changes and requirements related to IMRF in this timely session designed specifically for municipal clerks. We will highlight recent policy changes, reporting updates, contribution adjustments and legislative developments impacting IMRF administration at the local level. Clerks will gain practical guidance on maintaining compliance, supporting employee questions, and fulfilling employer responsibilities. Whether you manage payroll, oversee benefits, or support human resources functions, this session will ensure you’re up to date with the latest IMRF information relevant to municipal operations.

All

3-5:20 p.m.

New Laws, Conflicts & Trends

This clerk-focused session, led by municipal attorney Keri-Lyn Krafthefer, provides a comprehensive update on new laws, legal conflicts and emerging trends directly affecting the duties and responsibilities of municipal clerks in Illinois. From recent legislative changes to evolving best practices, clerks will receive practical guidance on topics such as public records, open meetings, ethics compliance and administrative procedures. Designed to support municipal clerks' knowledge and compliance, this session offers tools to navigate complex legal requirements, addresses potential conflicts and responds to shifting governance expectations with confidence and accuracy.

All

5:30-6 p.m.

Photos

All

6-7:30 p.m.

Annual Meeting

All

7:30-9 p.m.

Networking & Hospitality

All

7:30-9:30 a.m.

Illinois Municipal League (IML) Update

Stay informed on the latest legislative and policy developments impacting municipalities across Illinois. This session, presented by a representative from the Illinois Municipal League, is tailored specifically for municipal clerks and will provide a timely update on state legislation, regulatory changes and key issues affecting local government operations. Participants will gain insights into how recent state actions influence municipal responsibilities, funding, compliance and administrative procedures. The session will also highlight resources available through IML to support the essential work of municipal clerks in navigating ongoing changes in the local government landscape.

Master Academy

9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Keeping Your Sanity on the Front Lines

In the fast-paced world of clerks, every day brings new personalities, challenges and unexpected moments. This high-energy, interactive session will equip you with proven techniques to build rapport, manage difficult customer interactions and de-escalate tense situations—without losing your cool. Through real-world scenarios, hands-on tools and a healthy dose of humor, you’ll learn how to navigate tough conversations with confidence and professionalism. Plus, discover powerful strategies for releasing stress, maintaining balance and reigniting your passion for public service. Walk away with practical skills—and a renewed sense of joy in your work.

All

12-1 p.m.

Lunch

Master Academy

1-5:30 p.m.

Leading in Difficult Political Environments

Using video from real-life board meetings, case studies, interactive exercises and group discussion, this workshop explores the challenges faced by local government leaders when politics reach breaking point, and dysfunction reigns. It examines the personal and organizational impacts of deep and protracted conflict, and in particular it addresses the effect of conflict on leaders when they become the focus of attacks. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of community unrest, gain insight into the leader’s unique role, examine personal and organizational costs, discuss social media’s role and put the “fun” back in dysfunctional. Craig draws on his unique experiences in the national spotlight working for a celebrity mayor who became governor.

All

6-9 p.m.

Banquet

All

8-10:50 a.m.

Media Training: Communicating with Confidence & Clarity

As a municipal clerk, you are often the public face of your local government. This engaging session will equip you with the skills and strategies needed to handle media interactions with professionalism and confidence. Learn what makes news, how to shape public perception and how to use bridging and flagging techniques to stay on message. Discover when to take a proactive communication approach and when a reactive response is more appropriate—along with tips for crafting strong standby statements. You’ll also explore best practices for preparing quotable messages, engaging effectively with reporters and maintaining composure during high-pressure situations. Through hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios, you’ll leave with practical tools to represent your municipality clearly, consistently and credibly.

Master Academy

11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Academy Roundtable