Nationally-acclaimed educator joins slate of annual conference keynote speakers

Former Harvard debate coach Brandon Fleming and musician Valerie Vigoda will join governance expert Matt Lehrman as keynote speakers at the 2023 Annual Conference and Expo. The yearly event brings together city officials from throughout the state for three days of learning, collaboration, and celebration.

During the Thursday morning general session, attendees will learn from Brandon Fleming. Brandon Fleming is a nationally-acclaimed educator, award-winning author of MISEDUCATED, former debate coach at Harvard University, and Founder & CEO of The Veritas School.

Fleming will share insights from his journey from an at-risk youth and drug-dealing dropout to a nationally-acclaimed author and Harvard educator. Drawing on his experiences, Fleming will teach city officials how to defy the odds, reach back, and pull others up to success.

Fleming’s story demonstrates the transformative power of equity. His work to close performance gaps at Harvard is one that academic and corporate institutions have sought to replicate. His speech will leave the audience challenged and charged.

Closing out Friday is Valerie Vigoda, an award-winning singer, songwriter, musical theatre artist, and six-string electric violinist. Her work has taken her around the world with Cyndi Lauper, Joe Jackson, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Her works have been played on the theatrical stages of New York City and she has won the hearts of millions as a prolific Disney songwriter.

Vigoda will share how to reconnect with our innate confidence and creativity, as well as with one another. Punctuated with powerful songs, Vigoda’s keynote address will show city leaders how to face crisis, change, and fear with agility and grace.

Individuals falsely claiming to be the housing bureau/service for the 2023 Annual Conference and Expo may attempt to contact you. Cal Cities has contracted with LiveCon as the official housing service for the annual conference. Official emails regarding the conference will come from a calcities.org or live-con.com email account and the actual hotel.