The first major gathering of the Young Elected Officials Network took place in Washington, D.C. on January 14-15, 2006.

The event enabled young elected leaders to network and exchange ideas, strategies and common practices for promoting a progressive agenda. The National Convening featured education and training workshops co-facilitated by issue and policy experts and young elected leaders. A diverse Host Committee of fourteen officials from different regions of the country worked with YEO staff to plan the event, select topics and identify high quality speakers and panelists.

Program speakers included Ralph Neas, President of People For the American Way Foundation; United States Congressman Kendrick Meek; Monica Russo of the Service Employees International Union; communications expert Zina Pierre and a host of presenters from state, regional and progressive partner organizations.