About ENGAGE

Whether you’ve attended for years or this is your first look at CentralSquare®, ENGAGE is a place to learn, connect with peers, share feedback, and have your voice heard.

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Attendees

combined in the past 30 years

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Years

running since 1985

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States

represented, plus Canada, Australia, and U.S. territories

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Cities

hosted across the country

What is ENGAGE?

For more than 40 years, ENGAGE has been the place where public sector professionals come together to learn from one another, share ideas, and solve real-world challenges.

CentralSquare’s annual user conference brings customers, industry experts, and product teams together for meaningful conversations, practical learning, and valuable connections. From educational sessions and training to peer networking and product insights, ENGAGE is designed to help you maximize the value of your technology and support the communities you serve.

Backed by Hero-Grade™ technology, ENGAGE equips public servants with the tools, knowledge, and partnerships to move their mission forward.

Our Story

From HUG to ENGAGE, one thing has remained constant: bringing customers together to learn, collaborate, and make a greater impact in the communities they serve.

1985-1988

HUG

HTE establishes HTE User Groups (HUG) as a customer education and networking event, bringing users together to learn, share experiences, and get more from their software.

1989–2011

HUG, Inc.

Customers take ownership, incorporating HUG as an independent nonprofit built around peer collaboration, product feedback, and advocacy.

2012-2017

SUGA

Several user groups come together under SunGard Public Sector User Group Association (SUGA), creating a larger conference community for customers to learn and connect.

2018-2020

Spark

The conference evolves to Spark, bringing customers from  four legacy conferences under one name for the first time.

2021

CentralSquare®

For the first time, the conference and the company share one name.

2022–Today

ENGAGE

ENGAGE opens the current chapter, carrying forward more than 40 years of customer connection and product education.

What You'll Gain

No matter your role or experience level, ENGAGE provides opportunities to expand your knowledge, explore new possibilities, and gain practical insights that help you make a greater impact in your day-to-day work.

Hands-on Product Training

Product training led by our experts, with courses ranging from introductory to advanced across public administration and public safety and justice solutions. Build practical skills, gain confidence, and get more value from your technology.

Thought Leadership

Explore the challenges agencies face today, from staffing shortages to cybersecurity and modernization. Led by public sector leaders, our experts, and customers, these sessions deliver actionable insights and proven strategies.

Roadmap Previews

Get an early look at what’s ahead for our solutions and hear directly from the teams building them. Learn about upcoming innovations, ask questions, and better understand how future enhancements can support your goals and priorities.

Networking Opportunities

Connect with peers, industry leaders, and our teams through structured networking and informal conversations. Build valuable relationships and exchange ideas with professionals facing similar challenges and opportunities.

I would have to say that the ability to engage in person with the support team to not only resolve but brainstorm ideas is the most beneficial.  I usually walk away with a better understanding of the software’s capabilities and best practices for optimal use.

Captain Jon Moses

John’s Creek Police, GA