We’re thrilled to announce that Michael Punke, best-selling author of The Revenant (yes, the one that became an Oscar-winning film starring Leonardo DiCaprio), will be joining us as our Keynote Speaker at this year's Annual League Conference taking place at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Billings, October 15 - 17. This is one speaker you won’t want to miss!
Michael Punke isn’t just a storyteller of the American West. He’s also:
- A former U.S. Ambassador to the World Trade Organization
- A top White House advisor and trade negotiator
- A Montana resident with deep roots in local and rural governance
His unique blend of global diplomacy, legal expertise, and Montana know-how gives him rare insight into the real-world risks and challenges facing local governments today.
Punke’s experience captures the spirit of this year's theme, LOCAL MOMENTUM by showing how local governments can drive meaningful change, manage risk with vision, and shape policy from the ground up.
His journey from rural roots to international leadership is a powerful reminder that local leadership is where real MOMENTUM begins.
Michael has held various positions in government and academia, including roles on the White House National Security Council, Capitol Hill, and as an adjunct professor at the University of Montana. He is also the author of Fire and Brimstone: The North Butte Mine Disaster of 1917, Last Stand: George Bird Grinnell, the Battle to Save the Buffalo, and the Birth of the New West, and Ridgeline - Michael's latest book about the fight between Capt. William Fetterman and the Sioux Chief, Crazy Horse.
Punke lives in Montana and is married to Traci Silk Punke. They have two children. And Michael is an avid outdoorsman.
Let’s keep LOCAL MOMENTUM moving forward. Check out the full agenda and all of our speakers on our Conference Website. We’ll see you in Billings this October!
REGISTER NOW for discounted pricing.
Early Bird Registration (expires on September 1st):
- $210 for Past Attendee - $260 after September 1st
- $150 for First-Time Attendee - $200 after September 1st
What’s in store at this year's Conference?
- Breakouts loaded with real-world tools & tips
- Keynote address from Michael Punke!!!!
- Honest convos & peer-led sessions on local leadership
- League & MMIA Annual Meetings
- President’s Reception at the Yellowstone Art Museum
- Thursday Night Social at the historic Billings Depot
Who will be there and when?
- Whether you’re a mayor, council member, clerk, finance officer, or admin staff, this conference is built for YOU. Join over 400 local government peers from across Montana in Billings at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton, October 15 – 17, 2025.
Hotel rooms are going fast!
- Reserve your discounted hotel room today. Full details and room block codes are listed at the bottom of this webpage.