Next City’s gathering of the best and brightest rising urban leaders will meet in New Orleans, September 12 through 15, 2018. Applications for the 2018 Vanguard conference are open from April 1, 2018, through May 31, 2018. The application is here.

The conference is free to attend, but you must apply here. The application process is competitive and Next City is only able to select 40 leaders to become Vanguards. You do not need to live in the United States to apply – we're looking for Vanguards from all over the world. We strongly encourage entry and mid-career professionals to apply and there is no age limit. All participants must pay for their own travel and accommodations, however a travel stipend may be available to some participants. Next City will announce the Vanguard class in early July 2018.