First Timers Guide to ENGAGE: What to Expect & Reasons to Attend

ENGAGE is CentralSquare’s largest and most anticipated user event of the year. More than just a conference, it’s where innovation meets collaboration. ENGAGE is where public safety pros, public administrators, and product experts come together to learn, connect, and shape the future of the public sector.

ENGAGE 2026 marks a milestone for our annual user conference. Following our recent Hero-Grade rebrand, the event will showcase the next chapter in CentralSquare’s story—built on a renewed commitment to everyday heroes like you.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a returning customer, ENGAGE offers hands-on training, educational sessions, and real-world insights designed to help you maximize your use of CentralSquare solutions.

Keep reading to see what you can expect at ENGAGE 2026, and discover the top three reasons you need to be there.

Reason 1: Why Cloud Now

ENGAGE is the perfect opportunity to invest in your technology investment. Whether you’re a new customer or a long-time user, the conference is designed to help you unlock the full potential of your CentralSquare solutions.

You’ll have access to product-specific training sessions, roadmap updates, and live demos—all led by the experts who build, support, and continuously improve your software. These sessions dive deeper than standard tutorials, giving you practical insights you can take back to your agency right away.

Learning how to use your products often translates to real savings. A few hours at ENGAGE can reveal new ways to streamline workflows, reduce manual work, and maximize your existing investment.

Tip: Bring a list of questions. Our experts are ready to help you find answers, solutions, and new opportunities.

Reason 2: Connect with Your Peers

ENGAGE brings together 1000+ public sector professionals from across the country, all united by a shared mission: building safer, stronger communities. It’s your chance to meet people who understand the challenges you face every day and exchange ideas that can spark real progress.

From networking sessions to product-specific meetups, ENGAGE makes it easy to connect. Join a peer-to-peer session or user community meeting to share ideas. Stop by the Welcome Reception and Customer Celebration Night to unwind with fellow attendees. Whether you’re looking to collaborate with another agency or share success stories, there’s a conversation waiting for you at ENGAGE.

Tip: Start conversations whenever you can. You’ll notice different lanyard colors to identify attendees, employees, and sponsors, as well as product-specific stickers to help you find others using the same CentralSquare solutions. One quick hello could turn into your next great partnership.

Reason 3: See Hero-Grade Innovation in Action

At ENGAGE, innovation is an experience, not just a theme. Attend keynote sessions to see how govtech is transforming public operations through cloud computing, AI, and advanced analytics. Learn how agencies like yours are using CentralSquare to modernize workflows, improve service delivery, and strengthen community trust.

Then, head to the expo hall to see it all in action. Explore live demos from CentralSquare and our technology partners. Ask questions and discover new tools designed to make your agency more efficient and resilient.

Tip: Download the ENGAGE app (available soon) to plan your sessions, see who’s in the expo hall, and make the most of your time onsite.

Bonus Reason: The New CentralSquare

ENGAGE 2026 marks the debut of CentralSquare’s new Hero-Grade brand. Hero-Grade represents our renewed commitment to those who serve their communities with courage, care, and consistency. It’s about building technology that rises to your level of dedication.

Attending ENGAGE puts you at the center of this new chapter. You’ll see how Hero-Grade comes to life through our products, conversations, and shared purpose.

Tip: Visit the CentralSquare booth to meet our team and experience the rebrand firsthand. See how it comes to life across our products and visuals to support your agency’s mission.

Make the Most of Every Moment

ENGAGE 2026 is your chance to grow, connect, and be inspired. You’ll walk away with deeper product knowledge, a stronger professional network, and fresh ideas to bring back to your agency. Not to mention, a firsthand look at the new CentralSquare and what Hero-Grade innovation means for you.

Join us March 15–18 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, DC for three unforgettable days of learning, collaboration, and fun. Learn more about ENGAGE 2026 and sign up today—you don’t want to miss it!