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67th Annual Conference & Marketplace

The International Downtown Association (IDA) and co-host, Tampa Downtown Partnership, will proudly present the 67th Annual Conference & Marketplace on October 20-22, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.

Come together to explore solutions and gain actionable insights to tackle the modern obstacles urban place management organizations face today. This year’s theme, “Modern Momentum,” will focus on the ways in which urban districts have creatively embraced new challenges to better support economic development, placemaking and communications in their community. The brightest industry minds will come together to discuss post-pandemic recovery efforts and carry the momentum of unprecedented times into deploying unique strategies in an ever-evolving economy.

The 2021 conference will highlight Tampa Bay’s transformation from an emerging metropolitan area, to one of the fastest growing regions in the United States. Major Florida cities have activated and invested in their waterfronts, using the natural environment as the ethos for the future, culminating a series of emerging districts with distinct character, purpose and design — this is not the Florida of the past. The eclectic urban areas of Tampa Bay are diverse and vibrant, embracing our cultural heritage while diving deep into a new decade of development.

Attendees will experience a walkable, sunny Tampa’s Downtown, where the average yearly temperature is 73 degrees. Home to the Cuban sandwich, cutting-edge breweries, trophy-winning sports teams, a three-month long pirate-themed celebration named Gasparilla, and the beautiful 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa’s Downtown is happening!

Registration and the waitlist for the 67th Annual Conference & Marketplace are now closed. Please note, there will be no on-site registration. If you have any questions, please email IDA at registration@downtown.org. Thank you!

Master Talks & Welcome

master-talks

Mayor Jane Castor

master-talks

Rob Higgins

master-talks

Heather Hiles

master-talks

Adelee Le Grand

master-talks

Greg Pepitone

master-talks

Kevin Plummer

master-talks

Jeff Vinik

Conference Details

The 2021 Annual Conference & Marketplace will be held at the Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel located at 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, Florida 33602 and at various other locations throughout downtown Tampa. 

Tampa Downtown Partnership fosters Tampa’s vibrant and diverse multi-use neighborhoods and plays a key role in creating a 24-hour urban center where people can learn, live, work and play. Explore Tampa’s interactive map here, and watch videos on our YouTube channel to get Tampa ready!  

Get social! What questions will you come ready to ask? Share them on TwitterFacebook or LinkedIn using #IDATPA21. IDA members can log in to IDEA Connection, IDA’s online virtual community to connect with peers, share best practices, and exchange ideas before meeting in Tampa. Learn more and log in here. 

Registration and the waitlist for the 67th Annual Conference & Marketplace are now closed. Please note, there will be no on-site registration. Thank you!

Adding a Pre-Conference Tour, Pre-conference Workshop or Mobile Workshop: If you have already registered for the conference and would like to add a workshop or tour, please visit the registration/tour desk on-site during the registration times listed in the program below.

IDA places the highest priority on the health and safety of our members, partners and colleagues. We are monitoring information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and will maintain consistent communications regarding the conference protocols (review IDA’s current event protocols). By registering/waitlisting you are agreeing to IDA’s Code of Conduct and Waiver and Release Form.

The full registration fee includes: Plenary Sessions with Master Talks, Breakout Sessions, admission to Marketplace, receptions (2), refreshment breaks (4), and lunches (2). Pre-conference workshops and tours are available for an additional fee.

The daily registration fee includes: access to one day of Plenary Sessions with Master Talks (Wednesday or Thursday only), Breakout Sessions, admission to the Marketplace, refreshment breaks (2), and lunch and/or reception scheduled for the day of your attendance. Tours on the day of your attendance are available for an additional fee. Daily registrants are not eligible to attend activities outside their selected day. 

Spouse / Partner Registration: The partner/spouse fee includes: receptions (2) and lunches (2). Tours are available for an additional fee for registered partner/spouses. The partner/spouse fee does not include session attendance. 

Payment Methods: For your convenience, payments may be made by Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Should you need to pay by check, you will not be able to complete registration online. Please email registration@downtown.org for assistance.   

Cancellation Policy: Written notice of cancellation is required. Cancellations received via email by October 8, 2021 will receive a refund less a $100 USD processing fee. Refunds will be processed approximately 30 days after the event. Cancellations received after October 8, 2021 will not be refunded. Please email the cancellation notification to the International Downtown Association by emailing at registration@downtown.org. 

Attendees Traveling to/from International Countries including Canada: Due to current or future government actions that could be implemented by the Government of Canada or International governments impacting travel to the U.S., such as mandatory testing and quarantine under Quarantine Act, and additional border restrictions/requirements, registrants may be eligible for an event refund. Cancellations received via email by October 8, 2021 will receive a refund less a $25 USD processing fee. Please email the cancellation notification to the International Downtown Association by emailing at registration@downtown.org. 

Substitutions: Substitutions of complete registrations (including tours and workshops) are gladly accepted prior to the event start date. Please submit a written request to registration@downtown.org before October 19, 2021 at 3 pm ET to complete your substitution. Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant and must be transferred to an individual in your organization. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for all financial obligations (any balance due) associated with that substitution. 

Pre-Conference Tour, Preconference Workshop or Mobile Workshop Cancellation: Tours may be canceled without penalty prior to October 8, 2021. After October 8, 2021 no refunds will be given on pre-conference tours, pre-conference workshops or mobile workshops.  If you are planning to cancel your tour or workshop, please email registration@downtown.org 

New Member Pricing: Not already a member of IDA? Save 10% on your new membership, plus register at the member rate by joining today! Contact Rebecca Bishophall for more information. 

Group Pricing: Groups of four or more individuals from the same organization receive an additional 10% off their group registration. Each person being registered/waitlisted within a group must be from the same organization or company to qualify for the group pricing. The registration system will automatically apply the savings during the group registration process. NOTE: A minimum of four individuals must be registered/waitlisted at the same time. If less than four register/waitlist, you CANNOT register the fourth person at a later date to receive the group pricing. This group pricing only applies to full conference registrants and does not include tour or mobile workshops.  

The official conference accommodations will be at the Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel and the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel. The room blocks have been closed at both hotels.

About the Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel
The Hilton Tampa Downtown hotel is located next to the Amalie Arena and downtown Tampa dining and shopping. The hotel has a rooftop pool that boasts views of the surrounding area, sundeck, whirlpool, 24-hour fitness center, restaurant, bar, and on-site Starbucks. The Hilton Tampa Downtown hotel is located at 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, Florida 33602.

About the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel
Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel offers easy access to downtown attractions and waterfront views that linger with you long after you leave. Savor delicious dining at River’s Edge restaurant and modern exercise equipment in our Sheraton Fitness Center. Stroll from the hotel to the Tampa Riverwalk, a two-mile trail along the Hillsborough River lined with artists and Florida’s oldest restaurant. Visit the Tampa Convention Center, Florida Aquarium and other attractions near the hotel. The Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel is located at 200 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602.

Don’t be Scammed by Third Party Housing Companies
The official hotel and overflow properties are listed above. Please beware of other companies soliciting hotel room “deals” over the dates of the 67th Annual Conference & Marketplace. Third party housing companies typically offer a higher rate than the official block rate. These company’s cancellation policies are often harsh and unforgiving. IDA is not working with any third parties to offer attendees accommodations! If you receive a solicitation and are unsure whether or not it is legitimate, please contact Lul Teklit at Lul@downtown.org.

IDA is committed to making our educational sessions accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, and to reasonably accommodating the assistive needs of our members, attendees and partners. We are actively working to increase the accessibility of our offerings. In so doing, we strive to comply with the available standards and guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act and related laws to the greatest extent possible. If you are having trouble accessing an IDA offering, or have a question regarding session accessibility features, please contact IDA at registration@downtown.org for assistance. 

Who attends the IDA conference? IDA conferences are designed to meet the needs of professional place managers from downtown organizations, city agencies, municipalities, and private-sector companies. 

Where is the conference located? The 2021 conference will be held at the Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel located at 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, Florida 33602 and at various other locations throughout downtown Tampa. Select mobile tours and workshops will be held off-site; those location details will be noted in the program. 

Are meals included? For each full day of the conference, a morning continental breakfast and lunch will be included. Dinners are not included, but we will provide a locally curated list of dinner options. 

Is there a dress code? While there is not a specific dress code for the conference, most attendees choose to dress between business and business casual. Individual events (tours, receptions, etc.) throughout the conference may specify and require a certain dress code. Those events will be noted. 

What is the cancellation policy?  Written notice of cancellation is required. Cancellations received via email by October 8, 2021 will receive a refund less a $100 USD processing fee. Refunds will be processed approximately 30 days after the event. Cancellations received after October 8, 2021 will not be refunded. Please email the cancellation notification to the International Downtown Association by emailing at  registration@downtown.org. 

Attendees Traveling to/from International Countries including Canada: Due to current or future government actions that could be implemented by the Government of Canada or International governments impacting travel to the U.S., such as mandatory testing and quarantine, and additional border restrictions/requirements, registrants may be eligible for an event refund. Cancellations received via email by October 8, 2021 will receive a refund less a $25 USD processing fee. Please email the cancellation notification to the International Downtown Association by emailing at registration@downtown.org. 

What is the substitution policy? Substitutions of complete registrations (including tours and workshops) are gladly accepted prior to the event start date. Please submit a written request to  registration@downtown.org before October 19, 2021 at 3 pm ET to complete your substitution. Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant and must be transferred to an individual in your organization. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for all financial obligations (any balance due) associated with that substitution. 

Is there parking? The Hilton Tampa Downtown hotel is valet-only parking. The cost for this is $32 USD plus tax per night. 

Will there be wi-fi at the conference? There will be wi-fi available for IDA attendees at the Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel.  

Do you have a map of downtown Tampa? Please visit the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s interactive map here. 

How do I get to the hotel from the airport? Tampa International Airport (TPA) is approximately 8.5 miles northwest of the Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel. TaxiUber and Lyft fares are approximately $2535 USD one-way. The hotel does not currently provide shuttle servicesThe other area airport includes St. Pete – Clearwater International Airport (PIE)approximately 17 miles southwest of the hotelTaxi, Uber and Lyft fares are approximately $25-50 USD one-way. 

The Annual Conference & Marketplace of the International Downtown Association is the signature gathering of inspired leaders who are shaping cities around the globe. This is the premier event for urban place management professionals to discuss industry trends, share best practices and learn the latest tips of the trade. At previous conferences, attendees continued to advance city building discussions and examine the role of professional place management in shaping prosperous districts. 

2019 by the numbers: 9 Master Talks, 950+ attendees, 22 mobile workshops and tours, 34 breakout sessions, 50+ diverse and exciting sponsors and exhibitors offering services to enhance cities and help your profession. Travelers came from South Africa, Sweden, Belgium, Ireland, England, Ireland, and throughout North America, with a contingent of more than 200 from Canada alone. 

What we heard:

  • “The IDA Conference is an outstanding opportunity to gain expert knowledge and learn from other communities. It is a ‘must-attend’ event for all urban management professionals interested in how to ensure a bright future for our ever-growing cities.” 
  • “This conference was educating, refreshing and inspiring to see the work that’s being done in cities around the world. I encourage staff at varying levels to attend and share what you learned with your colleagues and create a plan of action to produce measurable change in your community.” 
  • “Once again, IDA has brought together the innovators that breathe life and excitement into our downtowns.” 
  • “If your organization is dealing with an issue, IDA conferences are the way to meet directly with a person who has successfully dealt with that issue.” 

Members of the media interested in attending the IDA Annual Conference & Marketplace are welcome during the event’s Master Talks, breakout sessions and select mobile workshops. RSVPs for credentialed media are required for programs and tours. Media are responsible for arranging their own transportation and lodging during the conference.  

To obtain credentials, please contact Allison Shashok, Director of Membership & Marketing, at allison@downtown.org. Please identify your outlet and contact information.

For decades, urban place management professionals have acted as leaders of their communities by undertaking the strategic and visionary work of city building. IDA has developed seven official knowledge domains, recognizing the distinct areas of professional practice used to shape vibrant urban districts which anchor the well-being of towns, cities, and regions around the world. Content for IDA’s Annual Conference is organized around this framework. For more information about each domain, visit the Career Center. 

View the agenda below. To see the full description, click on the down arrow next to the title. To download a PDF version of the program, click here. Note, this program is subject to change. 

Adding a Pre-Conference Tour, Pre-conference Workshop or Mobile Workshop: If you have already registered for the conference and would like to add a workshop or tour, please email registration@downtown.org

Conference Program

  • Tuesday 19 Oct 2021
  • Wednesday 20 Oct 2021
  • Thursday 21 Oct 2021
  • Friday 22 Oct 2021

Tuesday 19 Oct 2021

program-list
Price:
  • $95
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Description:
  • This is a pre-conference optional add-on in St. Petersburg, FL. For attendees who wish to add onto their conference experience, the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership is offering a selection of tours. All tours will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m., and include lunch and bus transportation to and from Tampa.
  • Tour the award-winning Edge District and Grand Central Districts where historic based revitalization and more than 600 murals have enhanced an array of vibrant and eclectic locally owned independent businesses. The districts are in the midst of constant evolution and community leaders have worked diligently to maintain a distinct local identity, eschewing national chains in favor of small local businesses. In 2019, the City of St. Petersburg adopted a Storefront Conservation Corridor along Central Ave. to try and preserve the pedestrian experience and special sense of place. We’ll talk with community leaders and independent business owners about the importance of historic preservation, community activism and plans to address impending changes as the city works to develop the adjacent 86-acre Tropicana Field site as a new mixed-use entertainment, residential and employment center. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Price:
  • $95
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Description:
  • This is a pre-conference optional add-on in St. Petersburg, FL. For attendees who wish to add onto their conference experience, the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership is offering a selection of tours. All tours will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m., and include lunch and bus transportation to and from Tampa.
  • The St. Petersburg Innovation District is home to the largest concentration of Life Science, Marine Science, Education, Data Analytics, Art and Technology organizations in the Southeastern U.S. The burgeoning district combines the research capabilities of Johns Hopkins with the St. Pete campus of the University of South Florida and the USF College of Marine Science. The intersection of Marine Science with Life Science has generated new technologies and businesses. The district is also home to the Poynter Institute a nonprofit research institution and journalism school along with The Dali, the country’s largest single-artist museum and the most visited art museum in Florida. On this tour we’ll look at the intersection between science and academic research coupled with a distinct sense of place and adjacency to the urban center. This combination of smart people, in close proximity with urban amenities, is fueling new technologies, businesses and economic activity. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Price:
  • $95
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Planning, Design and Infrastructure
Description:
  • This is a pre-conference optional add-on in St. Petersburg, FL. For attendees who wish to add onto their conference experience, the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership is offering a selection of tours. All tours will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m., and include lunch and bus transportation to and from Tampa.
  • Explore the intersection between great public space and commercial success along Beach Drive capped off with an insider’s tour of the new St. Pete Pier, described by USA Today as one of the top new attractions in the county last year. St. Petersburg has a long history of piers dating back to 1889. Its seven-mile-long waterfront park system has defined the character of the urban center for decades. Today, the expansive district features fashionable shopping and dining destinations, world class museums and galleries along Beach Drive. The highly anticipated pier opened in July 2020 to wide acclaim and includes a fishing deck, top-notch food and drink, aquatic sunrises, a playground, splash pads, restaurants, Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center and art installations including Janet Echelman’s iconic Bending Arc sculpture that pays homage to the struggle for civil rights. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Price:
  • $95
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Description:
  • This is a pre-conference optional add-on in St. Petersburg, FL. For attendees who wish to add onto their conference experience, the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership is offering a selection of tours. All tours will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m., and include lunch and bus transportation to and from Tampa.
  • The Warehouse Arts District is a cultural destination in the heart of St. Pete and comprised of 300 artists and creators who are dedicated to building a vibrant arts community. The district is adjacent to Deuces Live, a historic Main Street that honors the Black community of South St. Pete from the early 20th century. On this tour, we will visit artist studios and gallery space along with Fairgrounds, an immersive experiential arts attraction that celebrates all things Florida. Fairgrounds is housed in Factory St. Pete, a 6.5-acre warehouse space, home to galleries, maker spaces and artists. We will also visit the Historic Manhattan Casino where Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday once played and the Carter G. Woodson Museum of African American History. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown, Second Floor Atrium, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Sponsor:
  • Registration for the 67th Annual Conference & Marketplace is sponsored by MIG. 

Wednesday 20 Oct 2021

program-list
Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown, Second Floor Atrium, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Sponsor:
  • Registration for the 67th Annual Conference & Marketplace is sponsored by MIG. 
program-list
Price:
  • $175
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Description:
  • Established in 1980, Avila continues to be one of the region’s preeminent private golf and country clubs. In 1988, Bob Sierra (developer of Avila) chose Jack Nicklaus, his partner in Nicklaus/Sierra Development Corporation, to redesign the golf course in Avila. Together, the same partnership that created other exceptional communities like Wynstone, English Turn, Country Club of the South, Bear Creek, and Country Club of Louisiana, produced one of the most highly acclaimed golf courses in the region.
Dress Code:
  • Avila adheres to a dress code. For men, shirts must be tucked in at all times, and have a collar. Hats must be worn straight. Golf attire required – no denim, etc. For ladies, shirts may be untucked. If the shirt has sleeves, it does not require a collar (still must be a golf shirt). If it has a collar, it can be sleeveless. *Transportation and lunch will be provided.
program-list
Price:
  • $75
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Description:
  • The City Showcase Tour will give you more than just a glimpse of Tampa. Aboard your own two-wheeled vehicle, you can view for yourself the beauty that makes Tampa an epicenter of sports, arts and culture. You'll see and learn about historical and notable locations throughout the city and enjoy an invigorating ride in the beautiful Tampa weather. Along your journey, you'll explore Tampa's Riverwalk, Downtown, Old Hyde Park, Beautiful Bayshore Blvd, Harbour Island and more, including our vast history of transportation downtown. This fun and informative tour will surely be a treat for visitors and locals alike. *This tour includes biking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Price:
  • $35
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Description:
  • Downtown’s only street dedicated to transit has suffered from years of neglect and needs a new vision with your help! We will walk the corridor with local planners and transit agency representatives to brainstorm ways to breathe new life into a street that most development has turned their back on. Our hope is this once beautifully designed and tree-lined street can evolve to meet downtown’s changing needs. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Price:
  • $75
Location:
  • Bayshore I
Domain:
  • Economic Development
AICP Certification Maintenance Credits:
  • CM | 3
Description:
  • Brick-and-mortar retail strategy has always had to be savvy to succeed. But in 2021, retail environments must be irresistible to compete with alternatives like online shopping, and creating a great shopping street is no small feat. We have gotten much better at describing what walkable, vibrant streets should be like, but we still can’t reliably create them. This workshop will explore how place managers can foster better downtown retail environments with advanced techniques of placemaking and design. Come prepared to learn from two seasoned professionals whose expertise in placemaking and retail design creates a suite of tools and techniques for more active people environments to better support downtown retailers. *Light refreshments will be provided.
Presenters:
  • Tim Mount, Co-Owner, Street-Works Studio (Port Chester, NY)
  • Phil Myrick, CEO, Phil Myrick, LLC (Pleasantville, NY)
program-list
Price:
  • $75
Location:
  • Bayshore V
Domain:
  • Organizational Management
Description:
  • A not-for-profit organization, while driven by its mission, is first and foremost a business. It must remain fiscally strong to survive and profitable to ultimately grow. Consequently, the most important responsibility of any chief executive is maintaining a viable business model contributing to the overall financial health of the organization. Absent financial health, the organization cannot pursue its mission. Therefore, every chief executive must assure proper fiscal planning, monitoring and reporting processes are in place to enable timely decision-making by all leaders. The executive needs not be an accounting professional, however, there are key fiscal practices a good executive must learn and understand. Join this session to learn the basics principles of accounting (e.g., cash v accrual basis); the importance of internal controls; how the strategic plan impacts the budget preparation process; preparation for an audit and other fiscal management tools. *Light refreshments will be provided.
Presenters:
  • Tina Leone, CEO, Ballston Business Improvement District (Arlington, VA)
  • Dewitt M. Peart, President & CEO, Downtown Austin Alliance (Austin, TX)
program-list

Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown, Second Floor
  • Please visit the exhibitor page for more information about the Marketplace Exhibitors.
program-list
Price:
  • $75
Location:
  • Bayshore I
Domain:
  • Public Space Management and Operations
Description:
  • Since March of 2020, we have experienced a pandemic, civil unrest, business closures and openings, and cancelled events. Now, many cities are beginning the process of welcoming back visitors and residents. How do we continue moving forward to ensure we return stronger than ever? Join us as we discuss rebuilding our downtowns and city centers through a new lens. Bring your experiences, knowledge and lessons learned. Participants should be prepared to share in group conversations around public safety and health, communications and operations. This workshop is designed for the CEO/Executive Directors, Operations, Economic Development, and Marketing & Communications staff. *Light refreshments will be provided*
Facilitators:
  • Pat Powell, Senior Director of Operations and Preparedness, Golden Triangle BID (Washington, DC)
  • Shane Zahn, Director of Safety Initiatives, Minneapolis Downtown DID (Minneapolis, MN)
program-list
Price:
  • $60
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Policy and Advocacy
Description:
  • As Tampa's Downtown continues to grow into an urban neighborhood, educational institutions and their students play a major role in the make-up and health of our community and economy. Hear from leaders at each grade level as they discuss how they utilize the urban core as a learning lab for students and how student-focused spaces are attracting students from all over. *This tour includes transportation and walking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Price:
  • $60
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Planning, Design and Infrastructure
Description:
  • Join us as we take a look at three diverse housing options all found within the urban core. Student housing, affordable housing and market-rate blend together to help create a lively downtown filled with a multitude of different residents. Join us as we step inside and experience what living is like at each. Have a realtor on speed dial – you might want to make the move! *This tour includes transportation and walking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Location:
  • Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Ferguson Hall, 1010 N Macinnes Pl, Tampa, FL 33602
Master Talk Speakers:
  • IDA Master Talks present the industry's most engaging and innovative speakers.
  • Welcome by Mayor Jane Castor, City of Tampa
  • Rob Higgins, Executive Director, Tampa Bay Sports Commission
  • Kevin Plummer, Head, Tampa Preparatory School and Chairman, Tampa Downtown Partnership
  • Jeff Vinik, Owner, Tampa Bay Lightning
Note:
  • For those that require assistance, shuttles will be available from the Hilton Tampa Downtown to the Straz Center beginning at 3:00pm. Shuttles will depart from the hotel front lobby drive. After the General Session, shuttles will begin departing at 5:00pm to return attendees to the Hilton Tampa Downtown. The Straz Center is less than a 20-minute (0.8 miles) walk from the hotel.
program-list
Location:
  • Armature Works | The Gathering, 1910 N Ola Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602
Description:
  • Celebrate the 67th Annual Conference & Marketplace kick-off with a p-argh-ty in one of Tampa’s most historic locations. Armature Works is a fully restored mixed-use building with unobstructed views of the Hillsborough River. The landmark structure is one of Tampa’s premier destinations with innovative eateries, Heights Public Market and playful outdoor spaces. This event will give you a taste of Tampa’s history, character and local talent. Keep an eye out, as you may spot some of Tampa’s favorite scallywags!
  • Armature Works is located in the Tampa Heights neighborhood and is easily accessed from the host hotel via a 1-mile walk along the Tampa Riverwalk. For those that require assistance, there will be shuttle transportation from the Hilton Tampa Downtown to the reception destination beginning at 5:30 pm and running on a constant loop until 9 pm

Thursday 21 Oct 2021

program-list
Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown, Second Floor Atrium, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Sponsor:
  • Registration for the 67th Annual Conference & Marketplace is sponsored by MIG. 
program-list
Location:
  • Location: Hilton Tampa Downtown, Second Floor
  • Renew friendships and expand your network of like-minded professionals!
program-list
Price:
  • $60
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Public Space Management and Operations
Description:
  • The artwork at Perry Harvey Park is unique and contextual. The public art installations work together in an attempt to tell the full and complex story of the abundant contributions of the African American community and Historic Central Avenue. This tour features grand gateway sculptures, lenticular tile installations, large-scale wall installations, a bronze sculpture of Mr. Harvey and more. Melissa Davies, Project Coordinator for the City of Tampa, Division of Arts & Cultural Affairs, will lead this tour. *This tour includes transportation and walking; please plan accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection and bring a hat and water.
program-list
Price:
  • $60
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Description:
  • Through the creation of a lifestyle community designed around public health, connectivity and sustainability, Water Street Tampa is transforming the Tampa MSA from a traditional workplace into a dynamic, emerging urban epicenter. One of the largest mixed-use urban development projects under construction in the U.S., the project is backed by Jeff Vinik, former Fidelity Magellan fund manager and current Tampa Bay Lightning owner and Cascade Investments, LLC. Spanning 56-acres, the Water Street Tampa Neighborhood will include office, hospitality, residential, cultural and retail uses. Join us for a tour of Water Street Tampa’s state-of-the-art Marketing Center and development. *This tour includes transportation and walking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore I
Domain:
  • Organizational Management
Track:
  • Intermediate
Domain:
  • As communities and districts evolve, place management organizations must follow suit. This panel will explore initiating and managing change from the inside/out on both the organizational and district level. The panelists will share the positives and challenges of renaming and expanding districts, rebranding efforts, expanding programmatic focus, measuring impact and building an inclusive organization culture.
Panelists:
  • Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, President and Executive Director, National Landing, Arlington, VA
  • Matt Brown, President and CEO, Centro San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
  • Steve Cramer, President and CEO, Minneapolis Downtown Council, Minneapolis, MN
program-list
Location:
  • Palma Ceia Ballroom
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Track:
  • Intermediate
AICP Certification Maintenance Credits:
  • CM | 1.5
Description:
  • Three different BIDs relate how they work with their cities on both day-to-day and project-based economic development. Learn how each BID has created its own working relationship with key city leadership, and how they work together on everything from business attraction to project formulation.
Panelists:
  • Gary Ferguson, Executive Director, Downtown Ithaca Alliance, Ithaca, NY
  • Georgette Steffins, Executive Director, Downtown Albany BID, Albany, NY
  • Merike Treier, Executive Director, Downtown Committee of Syracuse, Syracuse, NY
program-list
Location:
  • Garrison Suites
Domain:
  • Economic Development
AICP Certification Maintenance Credits:
  • CM | 1.5
Description:
  • Colleges and universities are America’s economic engines in towns, cities and metropolitan areas. Typically, large employers, ed’s and med’s are the economic backbone, creating jobs, supporting business, bolstering tourism and innovation districts and collectively fueling the economy. These institutions and host communities need each other to be successful. How do they work with diverse but conflicting stakeholders to maintain mutually beneficial partnerships?
Panelists:
  • Lucia Garsys, Senior Advisor to the County Administrator for Community Partnerships, Hillsborough County, Tampa, FL
  • Jeff Murrison, President and CEO, Hillsborough Street Community Service Corporation, Raleigh, NC
  • David Dixon, FAIA, Stantec’s Urban Places Fellow, Boston, MA
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore V
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Track:
  • Intermediate
AICP Certification Maintenance Credits:
  • CM | 1
Description:
  • Every downtown faces the challenge of vacant and blighted commercial buildings. These problems often appear intractable and frankly beyond the reach of an urban place management organization. Learn how two cities decided to step up and tackle this problem head-on with a data-driven approach using both carrots (incentive outreach) and sticks (litigation). Hear about what worked well and what didn’t.
Panelist:
  • Brett Roler, AICP, Vice President of Planning & Development, Downtown Memphis Commission, Memphis, TN
  • Alex Balloon, Director, Tacony Community Development Corporation, Philadelphia, PA
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore II
Domain:
  • Marketing, Communications and Events
Track:
  • Introductory
Description:
  • Marketing is central to our work as downtown leaders. Understanding how the media works is key to getting your message out and making sure that your community is represented in the best light possible. Learn how to position yourself as a thought leader and become an effective and persuasive communicator.
Panelists:
  • Kimberly Bares, President and CEO, The Magnificent Mile Association, Chicago, IL
  • Mary-Claire Burick, President, Rosslyn Business Improvement District, Arlington, VA
program-list
Location:
  • Esplanade Suites
Description:
  • When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, many cities pivoted quickly to on-street dining to help their downtown businesses survive. However, this shift accelerated consumer demand for more outdoor-oriented opportunities for dining and entertainment. Can your city meet this demand by converting on-street parking to other uses? This session will explore parking utilization, trends in consumer demand and different strategies for rethinking the “horizontal space” of your downtown streets and sidewalks to keep your community centers vibrant for your visitors, residents and businesses alike.
Panelist:
  • Roger Zalneraitis, Chief Executive Officer, MODSTREET (Durango, CO)
program-list

Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown, Second Floor
  • Please visit the exhibitor page for more information about the Marketplace Exhibitors.
Sponsor:
  • Networking Break sponsored by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
program-list
Price:
  • $60
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Policy and Advocacy
Description:
  • Learn about Port Tampa Bay, Florida's largest and most diversified seaport, on this informative educational tour. This tour will follow Hooker's Point peninsula and provide a look into the numerous businesses located along the berths that support the Port. Guests will hear the history of the commodity at each locale and the future development being planned and executed along the way. Bring your questions as this tour will be interactive with Q&A throughout. *This tour includes transportation and walking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Price:
  • $35
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Planning, Design and Infrastructure
Description:
  • Where does the organ go when the movie starts? Why is there a stuffed peacock perched near the proscenium? (And, for that matter, what is a “proscenium” anyway?) Learn the historic Tampa Theatre’s secrets, stories, art and architecture, and witness its recent restoration efforts with a “balcony to backstage” tour of Tampa’s majestic movie palace and demonstration of the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. *This tour features multiple sets of stairs and alternating periods of standing and sitting; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Price:
  • $35
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Planning, Design and Infrastructure
Description:
  • Find out how connected, data-driven infrastructure may improve the quality of urban life — and how business improvement districts use public private partnerships to create lasting smart cities programs. Hear from the Tampa Downtown Partnership and IKE Smart City as they delve into smart cities’ best practices and unique public partnerships to roll out and manage a digital kiosk program in Tampa to enhance urban development and the downtown experience. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Location:
  • Esplanade Suites
Description:
  • The pandemic fundamentally disrupted downtown economies, but the recovery is presenting downtowns with an opportunity to position themselves for long-term success. Ian will reveal how many BIDs, downtowns, EDOs and cities are leveraging new types of mobile location data to identify and maximize opportunities. Learn how data is being used to optimize a range of operations from retail attraction and marketing, to measuring and reporting growth in districts across the country.
Panelist:
  • R.J Hottovy, Head of Analytical Research, Placer.ai, Los Altos, CA
program-list
Location:
  • Palma Ceia Ballroom
Domain:
  • Marketing, Communications and Events
Track:
  • Intermediate
Description:
  • There's never been a greater need to quickly bring our districts back on track. Digital advertising is the most efficient channel for increasing foot traffic, event attendance and sales, but only when it's done right. Learn how Downtown Norfolk used digital ads during the pandemic to become the country's top travel destination, shattered Restaurant Week records and emerged with extraordinary momentum.
Panelists:
  • David Romako, Founder, Bright Brothers Strategy Group, Phoenix, AZ
  • Sam Black, Marketing & Digital Manager, Downtown Norfolk Council, Norfolk, VA
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore V
Domain:
  • Planning, Design, and Infrastructure
AICP Certification Maintenance Credits:
  • CM | 1
Track:
  • Intermediate
Description:
  • Parking always represents an immediate issue. Cities are interested in avoiding or minimizing the need for expensive parking to support new investment as well as reducing automobile trips. This panel will explore near-term mobility strategies to address parking, including innovative, comprehensive suites of transportation demand management (TDM) tools. Well planned and implemented, these tools provide increasingly effective alternatives to driving. These tools also offer low-cost alternatives to expensive auto-centric infrastructure and instead focus on more readily achievable alternative options.
Panelists:
  • David Dixon, FAIA, Stantec’s Urban Places Fellow, Boston, MA
  • Ralph DeNisco, co-Leader, Stantec’s Urban Mobility Group, Boston, MA
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore II
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Track:
  • Intermediate
AICP Certification Maintenance Credits:
  • CM | 1.5
Description:
  • How do we build great urban places in unexpected locations? And can we use mercantile diversity to drive larger conversations forward? This session highlights the stories of two communities, one suburban and one urban, and how their redevelopment success is built upon curated diversity and the homegrown business innovation of restaurants and retail entrepreneurs.
Moderator:
  • John Yung, Senior Project Executive, Urban Fast Forward, Cincinnati, OH
Panelists:
  • Kathleen Norris, Principal and Managing Director, Urban Fast Forward, Cincinnati, OH
  • David Waltz, City Manager, City of Blue Ash, Blue Ash, OH
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore I
Domain:
  • Planning, Design and Infrastructure
Track:
  • Introductory
AICP Certification Maintenance Credit:
  • CM | 1.5
Description:
  • UPMOs can achieve operational savings, bring benefit to stakeholders and catch a competitive edge by focusing on sustainability. This session will introduce the business case for sustainability as outlined the IDA Sustainability Top Issues Council’s 2021 report. The heart of the session will focus on strategies that are most relevant to small- to medium-sized UPMOs and how sustainability can benefit their districts.
Panelists:
  • Audrey Leous, Senior Project Manager, Planning & Sustainability, Central Atlanta Progress, Atlanta, GA
  • Lori Foster, Chief Strategy Officer, Downtown Tempe Authority, Tempe, AZ
  • Samantha Jackson, Deputy Director, Downtown Mesa Association, Mesa, AZ
program-list

Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown, Second Floor
  • Learn about innovative solutions for your district during lunch! Please visit the exhibitor page for more information.
program-list
Description:
  • Join these open discussion forums and share your experiences to gain insight into everyday challenges you are facing. These sessions will be facilitated by your peers.
Topic:
  • CEO/Executive Director Forum
  • Location: Location: Palma Ceia Ballroom
Topic:
  • Homelessness Forum
  • Location: Bayshore V
program-list
Description:
  • Join these open discussion forums and share your experiences to gain insight into everyday challenges you are facing. These sessions will be facilitated by your peers.
Topic:
  • Communications Forum
  • Location: Esplanade Suites
Topic:
  • Economic Development Forum
  • Location: Bayshore I
Topic:
  • ELF Alumni Forum 
  • Location: Garrison Suites
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Location:
  • Tampa Theatre, 711 North Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
  • The Tampa Theatre is a short 6-minute walk (0.3 mile) from the host hotel. * Please plan accordingly. Shuttles will not be provided.
Master Talks:
  • IDA Master Talks present the industry's most engaging and innovative speakers. The Downtown Achievement Awards highlight the most innovative and engaging projects from around the globe.  
  • Adelee Le Grand, CEO, Hillsborough Area Transit Authority (HART)
  • Greg Pepitone, Senior Economist, Tourism Economics
  • Heather Hiles, Managing Partner and CEO, Black Ops. Ventures
program-list

Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown, Second Floor
  • Please visit the exhibitor page for more information about the Marketplace.
program-list
Price:
  • $35
Meeting Location:
  • **Tampa Theatre Lobby, 711 North Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
Domain:
  • Planning, Design and Infrastructure
Description:
  • Franklin Street is Tampa’s historic main street but has declined over the decades. A Vision Plan was completed with much stakeholder input. Many block by block and overall recommendations were made. Help the Tampa Downtown Partnership prioritize the implementation plan by visiting the sites firsthand. Hear directly from the planners and property owners involved in the process. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Price:
  • $60
Meeting Location:
  • **Tampa Theatre Lobby, 711 North Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Description:
  • Visit Downtown's Tempo District and explore the rich history and culture of ENCORE! Tampa. This tour features a look at the affordable and workforce housing options available along with the sustainable LEED development as a whole. Additionally, this mobile workshop offers the opportunity to view the new 2-acre Meacham Urban Farm and public art installations. *This tour includes transportation and walking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Location:
  • Esplanade Suites
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Track:
  • Introductory
AICP Certification Maintenance Credits:
  • CM | 1.5
Description:
  • Linking innovation and technology to place has emerged as a compelling strategy for district growth and economic development. This panel provides a retrospective from secondary markets on the rise that are fast transforming into cutting-edge innovation districts. Panelists will discuss the role that transportation, catalytic tenants, educational anchors, technology and real estate play in the creation of a smart city.
Moderator:
  • Larisa Ortiz Managing Director, Public Non-Profit Solutions, Streetsense, Bethesda, MD
Panelists:
  • Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, Executive Director/President, National Landing BID, Arlington, VA
  • Patrick Bannon, President, Downtown Bellevue Association, Bellevue, WA
  • Elizabeth Lusskin, President, LIC Partnership, Long Island City, NY
program-list
Location:
  • Palma Ceia Ballroom
Domain:
  • Planning, Design and Infrastructure
Track:
  • Intermediate
AICP Certification Maintenance Credits:
  • CM | 1.5
Description:
  • How can mixed-use downtowns build on learnings from COVID-19 to enhance the public realm and boost commercial vibrancy? This session explores opportunities for BIDs to adapt pilot projects developed in the last year (shared/pedestrian priority streets, temporary plazas and outdoor dining) into long-term initiatives to increase foot traffic, retail activation and entice office tenants to return to the workplace.
Moderator:
  • Nur Asri, AICP, Assistant Director, Public Non-Profit Solutions, Streetsense, New York, NY
Panelists:
  • Regina Myer, President, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, Brooklyn, NY
  • Jennifer Falk, Executive Director, Union Square Partnership, New York, NY
  • Jessica Lappin, President, Alliance for Downtown New York, New York, NY
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore II
Domain:
  • Public Space Management and Operations
Track:
  • Intermediate
Description:
  • Managing parks takes time, resources and people determined to succeed. From operations and maintenance to planning for programs and events, employing the assistance of cutting-edge technology can quickly yield results. Dynamic management systems can make every site a case study unto itself. The lessons learned from one park can be scaled and applied to other public places as well.
Panelists:
  • Jason Radcliff, Principal dwg., Austin, Texas
  • Matt Macioge, Director of Operations, Downtown Austin Alliance, Austin, Texas
  • Dustin Bullard, Executive VP of Economic Development and Place, Downtown Dallas, Inc., Dallas, TX
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore V
Domain:
  • Policy and Advocacy
Track:
  • Intermediate
Description:
  • The future of downtowns, urban centers and commercial neighbors, while uncertain, will clearly have to evolve to address the public health endemic, reverse the effects of climate change and create truly just and complete communities. The federal government will play a key role in supporting these efforts, but it requires IDA to be strong advocate in the Capitol. Join us for a discussion of federal-level public policy and the lobby efforts needed to restore the core for our cities.
Moderator:
  • Andrew Goldberg, Principal, Agora, Washington, DC
Panelists:
  • Jason Ilstrup, President, Downtown Madison Inc., Madison, WI
  • Zack Matheny, President, Downtown Greensboro, (NC)
  • Samantha Jackson, Deputy Director, Downtown Mesa Association, Mesa, AZ
program-list
Location:
  • Garrison Suites
Domain:
  • Leadership Development
Track:
  • Introductory
Description:
  • After years of work to codify our profession, IDA’s Professional Development Committee, and newly created Leadership in Place Management (LPM) Commission, has launched the premier certification program for urban place management professionals. Join this session and learn more about the program and why it’s important to the urban place management profession and industry.
Panelists:
  • Jennifer Brown, Principal, Principles Passion Place LLC (Montclair, NJ)
  • Chad Emerson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Downtown Huntsville, Inc.
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore I
Description:
  • COVID has become the single biggest shock to downtowns and retail destinations since WWII, and the changes in consumer behavior it has wrought could influence downtown performance for decades to come. But will it? Springboard is delivering insights on changes in consumer behavior across the U.S. as we emerge from the pandemic, using data derived from a monthly consumer survey combined with the Springboard Downtown Index. This session will provide an overview of the three key themes examined by the survey and will establish those aspects that downtown practitioners are able to influence to drive positive performance and a greater ROI on interventions.
Panelists:
  • Jonathon Davis, Downtown Development Specialist, Springboard Research, San Diego, CA
  • Chip, Executive Director, Downtown Boulder, Boulder, CO
program-list

Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown, Second Floor
  • Companies offering innovative solutions and programs to enhance your district are onsite and ready to answer your questions. End the day with a beverage and say hello to colleagues and friends.
Sponsor:
  • Marketplace Cocktail Hour sponsored by Florida Downtowns

Friday 22 Oct 2021

program-list
Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown, Second Floor Atrium, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Sponsor:
  • Registration for the 67th Annual Conference & Marketplace is sponsored by MIG. 
program-list
Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown
  • Renew friendships and expand your network of like-minded professionals!
program-list
Price:
  • $60
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Description:
  • Through the creation of a lifestyle community designed around public health, connectivity and sustainability, Water Street Tampa is transforming the Tampa MSA from a traditional workplace into a dynamic, emerging urban epicenter. One of the largest mixed-use urban development projects under construction in the U.S., the project is backed by Jeff Vinik, former Fidelity Magellan fund manager and current Tampa Bay Lightning owner and Cascade Investments, LLC. Spanning 56-acres, the Water Street Tampa Neighborhood will include office, hospitality, residential, cultural and retail uses. Join us for a tour of Water Street Tampa’s state-of-the-art Marketing Center and development. *This tour includes transportation and walking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Price:
  • $35
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Public Space Management and Operations
Description:
  • The Tampa Downtown Partnership has operated a Clean & Safe program internally for over two decades. This tour will give a behind the scenes look at their operational model, staffing structure and special projects that have developed over the years. Aspects of the clean and maintenance program will be showcased including a customized pressure washing system for tight urban spaces and the maintenance crew’s planter program that encompasses over 200 planters district wide. Additionally, Partnership staff assigned to city parks will discuss working hand in hand with the Parks Department to offer high-quality experiences. And the ambassador program will showcase initiatives that include digital cross communication, green transportation programs and a growing homeless liaison program. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Location:
  • Esplanade Suites
Description:
  • Join this lively, fast-paced session to learn the behind-the-scenes of how these Downtown Achievement Pinnacle award winners worked through the pandemic to produce award-winning projects.
Moderator:
  • Jake Gordon, CEO, Downtown Vision, Inc., Jacksonville, FL
Panelists:
  • Lisa Middag, Director of Nicollet Activation, Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District, Minneapolis, MN
  • Nick Griffin, Executive Director, Downtown Center BID, Los Angeles, CA
  • Jean Cooney, Director, Arts & Culture, Times Square Alliance, New York, NY
  • Mary-Claire Burick, President, Rosslyn BID, Arlington, VA
  • Kimberly Van Driel, Director of Public Space Management, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc, Grand Rapids, MI
  • Joe Rudemiller, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, 3CDC, Cincinnati, OH
program-list
Location:
  • Garrison Suites
Domain:
  • Organizational Management
Track:
  • Introductory
Description:
  • Equity, diversity and inclusion are popular buzzwords, but how are organizations really implementing these initiatives? This roundtable discussion is about diversifying the place management industry from the inside out. We want to uncover the personal experiences of minorities and highlight organizational challenges and successes around increasing staff and board diversity as well as efforts to support minorities.
Facilitators:
  • Ebony P. Walton, Senior Operations Administrator, Downtown DC BID, Washington, DC
  • Gerren Price, Director of Public Space Operations, Downtown DC BID, Washington, DC
  • Samantha Jackson, Deputy Director, Downtown Mesa Association, Mesa, AZ
program-list
Location:
  • Palma Ceia Ballroom
Domain:
  • Marketing, Communications and Events
Track:
  • Intermediate
Description:
  • Downtown leaders and marketing professionals around the world have been exploring new recovery strategies and storytelling like never before. The depth and range of techniques used to elevate one’s district vary. In this session, panelists will share a variety of tactics from their own experiences and participants will examine which approaches might work best for their district.
Moderator:
  • Ariella Gibson, Marketing & Communications Assistant, Chicago Loop Alliance, Chicago, IL
Panelists:
  • Kiana DiStasi, Marketing Director, Chicago Loop Alliance, Chicago, IL
  • Tiffany Tauscheck, Chief Strategy Officer, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Des Moines, IA
  • Tiffany Faublas, Marketing Director, West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, West Palm Beach, FL
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore II
Domain:
  • Planning, Design and Infrastructure
Track:
  • Introductory
Description:
  • The advent of affordable, "cloud controlled", color changing, low voltage LED lighting in its various forms creates a whole new dimension for city managers and park directors to enliven spaces, delight constituents, promote economic development, celebrate accomplishments, support local, national and team events, generate revenue and enhance safety and security.
Panelist:
  • Vince Palasota, CEO, Inception Lighting and Palasota Enterprises, Denton, Texas
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore I
Domain:
  • Public Space Management and Operations
Track:
  • Introductory
Description:
  • The session will focus on public art murals in our downtowns with an emphasis on public and private partnerships to help finance the murals. Included will be simple instructions on how BIDs can manage the process for mural installation with an emphasis on regional artists to complete the murals and gaining access to funding and the walls in your community.
Panelists:
  • Stephanie Coppula, Director of Marketing and Communications, Bethesda Urban Partnership, Bethesda, MD
  • Gabe Holmstrom, Executive Director, Downtown Little Rock Partnership, Little Rock, AR
program-list

Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown, Second Floor
  • Please visit the exhibitor page for more information about the Marketplace.
Sponsor:
  • Networking Break sponsored by Tampa Bay Buccaneers
program-list
Price:
  • $60
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Description:
  • Mid-Town welcomes IDA to join them for a history of this revolutionary project and all the concepts that came before. While onsite, attendees will have the opportunity to see the Novel apartments, Midtown West and the Commons along with art features. Mid-Town will provide insights into what it took to change a district. *This tour includes transportation and walking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Price:
  • $60
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Description:
  • With its historic charm and modern flares, Hyde Park Village encompasses the ideas of transforming for the future and embracing the intricacies of the past. This community hub, owned and operated by WS Development, is a modern oasis for decerning shoppers, travelers and Tampa residents looking for the very best. Here, you’ll find six city blocks in the heart of the Historic Hyde Park District filled with beloved local shops, restaurants and indie brands as well as top names in fashion and fitness known around the world. You’ll be surrounded by vibrant works of art, 19th century architecture and endless ways to see the effects of Hyde Park Village’s beautification. Attendees on this tour will learn about the redevelopment project of Hyde Park Village led by WS Development, highlights on leasing philosophy and tenant mix, activating spaces, art on property and more. *This tour includes transportation and walking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore I
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Track:
  • Intermediate
Description:
  • Downtowns are struggling to address the retail challenges and trends accelerated by the pandemic, including changes in shopping habits and fewer downtown workers. Hear how two BIDs approached finding solutions that acknowledge hard truths and identify opportunities for action while working with stakeholders to resolve long standing policies and regulatory issues that stand in the way of downtown recovery.
Moderator:
  • Larisa Ortiz, Managing Director, Public Non-Profit Solutions, Streetsense, Bethesda, MD
Panelists:
  • Mary Miller, President & CEO, Downtown Norfolk Council, Norfolk, VA
  • Mike Smith, Director, Real Estate Strategies, Streetsense, Bethesda, MD
  • Kathleen Rawson, CEO, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., Santa Monica, CA
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore II
Domain:
  • Public Space Management and Operations
Track:
  • Intermediate
Description:
  • Marc Chagall said, "Great art picks up where nature ends." Public art in cities transforms public spaces, connects people and revitalizes communities. Hear from three cities utilizing the power of public art in ambitious ways, inspiring long-term positive change. Any community on any budget can benefit from the strategic targeted implementation of public art.
Moderator:
  • Jacob Gordon, CEO, Downtown Vision Inc., Jacksonville, FL
Panelists:
  • Andrea "Andi" Rodriguez, Vice President, Cultural Placemaking, Centro San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
  • Diana Donovan, Executive Director, Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, FL
  • Ed Janoff, Deputy Director/Chief of Staff , Union Square Partnership, New York, NY
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore V
Domain:
  • Organizational Management
Track:
  • Intermediate
Description:
  • This session will dive into strategic planning and what it looks like coming out of the pandemic. Panelists will reflect on their experiences leading strategic planning processes during this once-in-a-generation disruption. We’ll also look forward to what’s already changed, what hasn’t, and what needs to change when it comes to strategic planning for organizations.
Moderator:
  • Erin Laetz, Associate Vice President, Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA), Denver, CO
Panelists:
  • Brian Kurtz, President & CEO, Downtown Tulsa Partnership, Tulsa, OK
  • Nicole J. Thompson, President & CEO, Downtown Durham, Inc., Durham, NC
  • Austin Metoyer, Economic Development & Policy Manager, Downtown Long Beach Alliance, Long Beach, CA
program-list
Location:
  • Garrison Suites
Description:
  • Dive into what makes a memorable experience and ways to drive value for local businesses through a curated passport platform. From identifying your assets to thinking about all aspects of your downtown experience, level up your programming with these unique tips. Learn how Tampa has driven measurable spending and supported local economic growth through their downtown passport program.
Panelists:
  • Mo Parikh, CEO, Bandwango, Salt Lake City, UT
  • Taylor McGurk, VP of Sales, Bandwango (Cedar Rapids, IA)
program-list
Location:
  • Esplanade Suites
Domain:
  • Planning, Design and Infrastructure
Track:
  • Introductory
AICP Certification Maintenance Credits:
  • CM | 1
Description:
  • Following the pandemic health crisis, cities need to rethink how to attract new residents and retain current residents. They will need proactive design to address housing, climate change, equity, transit and human-centric experiences. Using insights from Gensler’s latest research, this session will explore design strategies and planning solutions that create sustainable and equitable urban experiences to empower and connect people.
Panelists:
  • Higor Arruda, Design Director, Gensler, Tampa, FL
  • Leith Oatman, LEED-AP, NCIDQ, Workplace Practice Leader, Gensler, Tampa, Florida
program-list
Location:
  • Palma Ceia Ballroom
Domain:
  • Public Space Management and Operations
Track:
  • Intermediate
Description:
  • Discover how a downtown pedlet program in Montana and streeteries in Maryland promoted local placemaking efforts, created public spaces, and spurred an outside dining movement that increased business revenue, supported local business, and created jobs. Attendees will gain the knowledge of how to establish these programs in their communities, learn of the wider economic impact in a downtown commercial district and how these can be viable tools in the post-pandemic recovery process.
Moderator:
  • Kellie Pierce, Director of Operations, Downtown Great Falls Association, Great Falls, Montana
Panelists:
  • Jeff Burton, Executive Director, Bethesda Urban Partnership, Bethesda, MD
  • Joan Redeen, Community Director, Great Falls BID, Great Falls, MT
program-list

Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown, Second Floor
  • Learn about innovative solutions for your district during lunch! Please visit the exhibitor page for more information.
program-list
Description:
  • Join these open discussion forums and share your experiences to gain insight into everyday challenges you are facing. These sessions will be facilitated by your peers.
Topic:
  • Equity and Inclusion
  • Location: Bayshore I
Topic:
  • Human Resources
  • Location: Garrison Suites
Topic:
  • Events and Activations
  • Location: Palma Ceia Ballroom
program-list
Description:
  • Join these open discussion forums and share your experiences to gain insight into everyday challenges you are facing. These sessions will be facilitated by your peers.
Topic:
  • Safety and Security
  • Location: Bayshore II
Topic:
  • CEO/Executive Director Forum Part 2
  • Location: Bayshore V
program-list
Location:
  • Esplanade Suites
Description:
  • As cities reopen, driving economic growth by attracting tourism, residents, real estate development and business is essential. But the pandemic has changed the way people live, work and play. Online experiences are more important than ever in creating destination awareness. Discover new ways for districts and destinations to build immersive virtual online experiences. Learn how Downtown Los Angeles leveraged the Vistity platform to win the 2021 IDA Pinnacle award for economic development. Peek inside the hottest new tool for destination storytelling that integrates maps, drones, images and information into beautiful online experiences that entice businesses, tourists and residents to explore your downtown.
Panelists:
  • Jamie Schwartzman, CEO, Vistity, Los Angeles, CA
  • Nicholas Griffin, Executive Director, Downtown Center BID, Los Angeles, CA
program-list
Location:
  • Palma Ceia Ballroom
Domain:
  • Leadership Development
Track:
  • Introductory
Description:
  • ... and if we get that right, our people make great places! We have an opportunity to use experience, a pandemic and data to inform how we cultivate our greatest assets, our people. Before we can "reopen" our districts (as if they were ever closed), we must address the anxieties, fears, languishing, burnout and uncertainties of the past year. If we don't, then we are asking people to walk out of a burning building, shake it off and build a new building. We can do better. Be prepared to talk about processing emotions and understanding weaknesses as well as utilization of data and recognition of history.
Panelists:
  • Kate Borders, Executive Director, Downtown Tempe Authority/Foundation, Tempe, AZ
  • Michael Smith, President & CEO, Charlotte Center City Partners, Charlotte, NC
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore I
Domain:
  • Planning, Design, and Infrastructure
Track:
  • Intermediate
AICP Certification Maintenance Credits:
  • CM | 1.5
Description:
  • Greening is a challenge for many cities. UPMOs can propel greening efforts forward through capital expenditures, public-private partnerships, and property owner engagement. This session will explore innovative approaches to installing green infrastructure in downtown right-of-ways, when traditional options have been exhausted. Solutions include leveraging public-private partnership, reimaging the public realm, and doing a complete and total overhaul.
Moderator:
  • Nancy Locke, Principal, Stantec, Denver, CO
Panelists:
  • Amanda Miller, Senior Specialist, Downtown Environment, Downtown Denver Partnership, Denver, CO
  • Ben Shardlow, Director of Urban Design, Mslp DID, Minneapolis, MN
  • Mark Hutflesz, Director of Streetscape, Downtown Phoenix Inc., Phoenix , AZ
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore II
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Track:
  • Intermediate
AICP Certification Maintenance Credits:
  • CM | 1.5
Description:
  • Economic development is foundational for downtowns guiding recovery efforts and combating rising vacancy rates, and partnerships are the key to an effective program. We’ll discuss the most important partnerships, offer tips and tactics for building these distinct relationships, and share stories and examples to serve neighborhoods now and into recovery.
Panelists:
  • Mary-Claire Burick, President, Rosslyn Business Improvement District, Arlington, VA
  • Nicole Thompson, President & CEO, Downtown Durham, Inc., Durham, NC
  • Dave Diaz, Senior Business Development Officer, Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, Ashburn, VA
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore V
Domain:
  • Policy and Advocacy
Track:
  • Introductory
Description:
  • The number of individuals experiencing homelessness continues to increase. Legislation to address this issue is also growing, especially with the funding received through the American Rescue Plan Act. Hear from practitioners on how they are navigating and influencing policy with elected officials in their local cities and states.
Moderator:
  • Samantha Jackson, Deputy Director, Downtown Mesa Association (AZ)
Panelists:
  • Jimmy Cerracchio, President & CEO, Downtown Fresno, Fresno, CA
  • Tom Harris, President, Times Square Alliance, New York, NY
  • Amie Pospisil, Vice President of Programs, Breaking Ground, New York, NY
program-list

Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown, Second Floor
  • Please visit the exhibitor page for more information about the Marketplace.
program-list
Price:
  • $35
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Planning, Design and Infrastructure
Description:
  • Tampa’s Downtown is growing its sustainability story. Participants will tour an adjacent urban infill development including features such as a 4-acre urban farm, traffic calming/bioswale project, butterfly habitat garden, stormwater vault, chiller plant and solar array – not to mention a strong commitment to their residents, local businesses and preservation of history. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Price:
  • $35
Meeting Location:
  • Hilton Tampa Downtown Hotel, First Floor Lobby, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, FL
Domain:
  • Public Space Management and Operations
Description:
  • Participants will head to the Tampa Riverwalk to learn about its cultural and historic aspects; connections to parks, museums and restaurants; and the importance of public art programming and installations. Learn how the Riverwalk functions as a multiuse trail/alternative to vehicular transportation and how it has helped generate economic development along the waterfront and throughout downtown. This tour will feature information on planning, design and programming of the waterfront park system. Along with demonstrating how the downtown waterfront has been a catalyst for development, explore waterfront activations connecting people to the river and alternative safe modes of transportation. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Location:
  • Esplanade Suites
Domain:
  • Leadership Development
Track:
  • Introductory
Description:
  • So, you’ve landed the position of President/CEO or Executive Director, now what? Join this session and learn from two professionals who have transitioned into leadership roles of urban place management organizations. Learn how to navigate your first year and set reasonable expectations for success for years to come.
Moderator:
  • Jennifer Hensley, Executive Director, Downtown Boise Association, Boise, ID
Panelists:
  • Brian Kurtz, President & CEO, Downtown Tulsa Partnership, Tulsa, OK
  • Matt Brown, President and CEO, Centro San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
program-list
Location:
  • Palma Ceia Ballroom
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Track:
  • Intermediate
AICP Certification Maintenance Credits:
  • CM | 1
Description:
  • Brick and mortar retail, especially with the pandemic, is changing drastically but our downtown recruitment efforts aren't keeping up. Moving forward, shared spaces, studio/retail mixes, pop up retail, a diversity of business owners--and an understanding that retail must be different to disaster-proof our districts--will be key to keep retail and businesses alive in our downtowns. These shared spaces and new real estate models lower the barriers for micro-businesses to grow and are an essential way to increase opportunities for women and product business owners of color. Join this session to learn about why these changes are happening, discuss key business sectors to tap like small-scale manufacturing, and engage in a discussion about the range of shared spaces opening with varying retails models--art coops, shared kitchen, community video/photos studios, makerspaces, micro-retail and others. The panel will also discuss funding mechanisms, how to use ARPA dollars to achieve these outcomes, and policy mechanisms to allow and support these uses.
Panelists:
  • Carrie Gartner, Executive Director, The Loop Community Improvement District, Columbia, MO
  • Skyra Rideaux, Owner, Rideaux Economic Development Co., Austin, TX
  • Ilana Preuss, Founder & CEO, Recast City, Takoma Park, MD
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore I
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Track:
  • Introductory
AICP Certification Maintenance Credits:
  • CM | 1.5
Description:
  • With Millennials entering family formation stage and increasingly looking to the suburbs, our Downtowns will be shaped in the years ahead by the Gen Z'ers. In this session, you'll learn about who they are and what they expect, in terms of shops, services, Third Places and public spaces, as well as what kinds of themes and messages they respond to.
Panelist:
  • David Ramako, Founder, Bright Brothers Strategy Group, Phoenix, AZ
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore II
Domain:
  • Policy and Advocacy
Track:
  • Intermediate
Description:
  • There are many layers of government involved in Downtown and BID management. The more layers, the more complicated it is to deliver efficient and effective public services to your stakeholders. With this challenge comes great opportunity to develop inter-governmental relationships, agreements to facilitate the delivery of services within districts, and expansion of services through enhanced cooperation.
Moderator:
  • Joe Gudenrath, Executive Director, El Paso Downtown Management District, El Paso, Texas
Panelists:
  • Vincent Martinez, Director, Downtown Operations, Downtown Denver Partnership, Denver, CO
  • John Wiebenson, Operations Director, Georgetown BID, Washington DC
program-list
Location:
  • Bayshore V
Domain:
  • Planning, Design, and Infrastructure
Track:
  • Introductory
Description:
  • Downtown Milwaukee needed to update their outdated wayfinding for Summer 2020 events and to orient visitors in 2021 as COVID-19 travel restrictions lifted. While the timelines and budgets for these signage initiatives were very different, the end results have welcomed new visitors by improving these downtown environments. Our session will discuss the process and lessons learned during these gateway and wayfinding signage projects.
Moderator:
  • Shelley Steele, President, Corbin Design, Traverse City, MI
Panelists:
  • Gabriel Yeager, Downtown Environment Specialist, Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, Milwaukee, WI
  • Jeff Frank, Lead Designer, Corbin Design, Traverse City, MI
program-list
Location:
  • Tampa Museum of Art, 120 West Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
Description:
  • What better way to close out the 2021 Annual Conference & Marketplace hosted in Tampa’s Downtown than at one of the most popular arts and cultural institutions at the heart of the Tampa Riverwalk. The Tampa Museum of Art features a vast cantilever terrace facing the Hillsborough River and the iconic University of Tampa campus. After dark, the building’s metal façade is illuminated in a mesmerizing 14,000 square foot LED installation by artist Leo Villareal. Enjoy an evening of riverfront city views, world-renowned art exhibits, and local music with new friends.
  • The Tampa Museum of Art is a short 8-minute walk (0.4 miles) from the host hotel, Hilton Tampa Downtown. Please plan accordingly. Shuttles will not be provided.

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