MEDIA RELEASE: Secretary Pate to host Secretaries of State conference in August

DES MOINES – Many of the top election officials from around the country will meet in Iowa this summer. Secretary of State Paul Pate will host the National Association of Secretaries of State’s (NASS) annual summer conference in-person, August 13-16 in Des Moines.

“I’m very happy to be hosting the NASS Summer conference in the Hawkeye State. We have many informative sessions and great family-friendly events already planned. I look forward to welcoming my fellow Secretaries in just a few short months,” said Paul Pate, Iowa Secretary of State and NASS Immediate Past-President.

NASS is the nation’s oldest, nonpartisan professional organization for public officials. This marks the first time in its 117-year history that NASS has held a conference in Iowa. Approximately 300 Secretaries of State, Lt. Governors, senior state staff, vendors and media outlets attend the annual gathering.

"After two virtual conferences, NASS and its members are ready to safely convene in lovely Des Moines, Iowa. We are thrilled to come together as a body and discuss the important work we’ve all done in our respective states during this unprecedented time,’” said NASS President and New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver. "I would like to thank my colleague, Secretary Pate and his staff for preparing to host us in August.”

The conference will feature committee meetings, discussions and various workshop sessions on election administration, cybersecurity, business services, state heritage and more. In addition, an expo area will have a limited number of NASS Corporate Affiliates on-site showcasing their products and services.

“It will be fantastic to host the National Association of Secretaries of State in person this August,” said Greg Edwards, President and CEO at Catch Des Moines. “After a challenging year, it’s great to be able host a prestigious event like this and show off what a dynamic, vibrant, and resilient city that we have.”

There will also be a limited virtual component for those unable to attend in person.

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