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2023 Economic Development Summit

About the 2023 Economic Development Summit

Join IDA and the Downtown Norfolk Council for the Economic Development Summit on April 26-27, 2023. Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned professional, you won’t want to miss this summit. Come together with like-minded economic development professionals and learn how to tell your story through data, explore creative approaches to entrepreneurship, gain a better understanding of innovation districts and dive into the new frontier of office space and the impact of hybrid work. Exciting and informative Master Talks and breakout sessions will focus on the importance of downtowns as major economic generators for cities. Industry leaders will review national trends and explore the potential for economic growth. Plus enjoy plenty of opportunities for networking and collaboration with other downtown professionals. 

The Downtown Norfolk Council, an award-winning urban place management organization comprised of more than 300 businesses and individual members, serves as the leading advocate for Downtown Norfolk and ensures Downtown’s position as the thriving and essential cultural, dining, commercial and residential hub of Hampton Roads. See you in Norfolk!  

Master Talks

master-talks

Blair Durham

master-talks

Maurice A. Jones

master-talks

Paul R. Levy

master-talks

Ilana Preuss

master-talks

Mel Price

master-talks

Sean Washington

Conference Details

The 2023 Economic Development Summit will be held at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel at 777 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, Virginia 23510 and at various locations throughout downtown Norfolk. 

Downtown Norfolk is THE place to be with a continually growing list of amazing things to do and see. Visit Downtown Norfolk Council’s website to download a PDF map, view an interactive directory or dining guide, explore Selden Market or discover the NEON District.  

Get social! What questions will you come ready to ask? Share them on Twitter #IDAEconDev23

Online registration is now closed for the 2023 Economic Development Summit. You may register on-site at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel at 777 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510 in the Monticello Room Foyer located on the first floor, April 26-27, 2023.  

On-site registration times and rates:  

  • Wednesday, April 26, 2023: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET
  • Thursday, April 27, 2023: 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. ET
  • The on-site registration rate is $250USD Member | $300USD Nonmember

Cancellation Policy: Written notice of cancellation is required. Cancellations received via email by April 5, 2023 will receive a refund less a $100 processing fee. Cancellations received via email after April 5, 2023 will not be refunded. If a tour cancellation is received via email by April 5, 2023, there will be no penalty. Tour cancellations received via email after April 5, 2023 will not receive a refund. Refunds will be processed approximately 30 days after the event. Please send the cancellation notification to the International Downtown Association by emailing registration@downtown.org.   

Substitutions: Substitutions of complete registrations (including tours and/or workshops) are gladly accepted prior to the event start date. Please submit a written request to registration@downtown.org before Monday, April 24, 2023 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.    

Adding a Pre-Conference Tour: Please note, the pre-conference tours sell out quickly. Therefore, it is advisable to add these items at the time of registration. If you are registering for someone else or a group, please find out their selection(s) prior to registering them. Although each person within the group can purchase a tour after they have been registered, they run the risk of the tour no longer being available.

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.  

Outstanding Balance: Please note, if you have an outstanding balance for this event and/or tour(s), you will not receive your badge on-site or be allowed to attend tours until payment is received. Please contact registration@downtown.org prior to your arrival on-site to pay your outstanding balance.  

By registering you are agreeing to IDA’s Event Agreement and Code of Conduct and IDA Attendee Assumption of Risk, Waiver and Release Form.

The deadline has passed for the Economic Development Summit attendee rate at Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, located at 777 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510. To inquire about available rooms, please call reservations at (757) 622-6664, and mention the 2023 IDA Economic Development Summit.

About Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
With inspiring views of downtown Norfolk, Virginia and the Elizabeth River, the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel boasts an eclectic restaurant, well-appointed rooms and 17 impressive event venues. Attractions such as Norfolk Naval Base, Town Point Park and Old Dominion University are nearby. Just outside the hotel, Norfolk is a hub for intriguing sightseeing and entertainment, including Nauticus and Chrysler Museum of Art. Enjoy the convenience of room service along with the luxury of a sleeping experience featuring pillowtop mattresses, soft duvets and hypo-allergenic pillows.

Don’t be Scammed by Third Party Housing Companies
The official hotel and overflow properties (if applicable) are listed above. Please beware of other companies soliciting hotel room “deals” over the dates of the event. Third party housing companies typically offer a higher rate than the official block rate. These company’s cancellation polices 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.

Travel
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is approximately 20 minutes (9 miles) from the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel. Taxi/Uber/Lyft is approximately $20-30 USD one-way. 

 

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. 

By attending the 2023 Economic Development Summit, certified Leaders in Place Management will earn 6 credit hours toward the renewal of their LPM certification. Please visit downtown.org/certification to learn more about becoming certified or recording continuing education units. 

IDA is an AICP credit provider. AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for sessions. When CM credits are available, they are noted in the program. IDA’s 2023 sessions provide are an easy way for AICP certified planners to earn their CM credits. 

Preview the schedule-at-a-glance below (program is subject to change). To see the full description, click on the down arrow next to the title. The program will be updated in the coming weeks. Please note, all times listed are Eastern Time and all prices are in USD.

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 forums, summits and conferences is organized around this framework. The Economic Development Summit content is organized around the Economic Development domain. For more information about each domain, visit the Career Center. 

Conference Program

  • Wednesday 26 Apr 2023
  • Thursday 27 Apr 2023
  • Friday 28 Apr 2023

Wednesday 26 Apr 2023

program-list
Location:
  • Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, Monticello Room Foyer (First Floor)
Description:
  • Learn about industry-specific solutions by speaking with exhibiting sponsors.
program-list
Price:
  • $25
Meeting Location:
  • Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, 777 Waterside Dr, Hotel Lobby
  • Please meet no later than 12:40 p.m. in the hotel lobby
Description:
  • Visit the region’s first arts district, the NEON District (or New Energy of Norfolk), on the northern edge of downtown Norfolk. Anchored by large cultural institutions, the neighborhood has been the focus of development since a Better Block intervention jumpstarted grassroots, BID and municipal efforts in 2013. A new wave of residential development is poised to change the neighborhood dynamic yet again. The tour will explore an urban area on the cusp of significant residential growth, arts partnerships essential to building a backbone for the community, and the street art that started it all. *This tour is a walking tour; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Meeting Location:
  • Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, 777 Waterside Dr, Hotel Lobby
  • Please meet no later than 12:40 p.m. in the hotel lobby
Description :
  • Tour the historic core of downtown Norfolk and witness firsthand the cycles of development and renewal through centuries of city building. Hear how the post-war boom and bust shaped Norfolk’s fabric and how city leaders used extensive planning efforts to recover from the tide of urban renewal. The tour will dive into the next phases of preservation, from the opportunities for redevelopment of historic buildings into housing, responding to sea level rise, to the challenges of extended BID services, neighborhood connectivity and affordability. *This tour is a walking tour; please plan accordingly.
program-list
Location :
  • Selden Market, 208 East Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Description :
  • Join IDA and Downtown Norfolk Council at Selden Market featuring the area’s up and coming small businesses in retail, food and more. For entrepreneurs, the market provides a supportive space to develop and test new ideas. For consumers, it is a one-of-a-kind experience in a historic downtown venue. *Selden Market is approximately 0.5 mile or a 10-minute walk from the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside hotel and indoors. Please plan accordingly.
Sponsor :
  • The Opening Reception is sponsored by Geocentric.

Thursday 27 Apr 2023

program-list
Location:
  • Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, Monticello Room Foyer (First Floor)
program-list
Location :
  • Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, Monticello Room Foyer (First Floor)
program-list
Location :
  • Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, Monticello Room (First Floor)
Master Talk :
  • Paul R. Levy, President and CEO, Center City District (Philadelphia, PA)
Description :
  • Rethinking the Downtown Office Sector: Reports of Its Demise Are Premature: Remote and hybrid work may have challenged many of the assumptions that economic development professionals have made about one of long-term anchors of the downtown economy. But despite claims to the contrary, the office is not dead. What can developers, employers and downtown executives do to rethink and reposition both the buildings and surrounding public spaces that have been the densest containers for the most diverse downtown jobs and a primary source for the revenues that support downtown organizations and municipal governments.
Morning Coffee Talk – Inclusive Economic Development : Moderator:
  • Sean Washington, Interim Director of Economic Development, City of Norfolk, Norfolk, VA
Panelists :
  • Maurice Jones, CEO, OneTen (Norfolk, VA)
  • Blair Durham, Co-Founder and President, Black BRAND (Norfolk, VA)
Description :
  • There was a time in our nation’s history when Black-owned establishments were forced to conduct business in segregated areas within larger metropolitan cities. Known as Black Wall Streets, these areas of commerce were an important component of daily African American life and became thriving sectors of the community. Unfortunately, due their success and the economic empowerment they offered to members of the Black community, many were targeted and destroyed by racist-motivated mobs who looted, burned, and destroyed them and, in extreme cases, killed and maimed business owners and families. For those Black Wall Streets that survived, many were ultimately destroyed or displaced due to targeted racial practices and policies like redlining and urban renewal. As downtowns experience a rebirth, the spirit of Black entrepreneurship remains imbedded in these communities across America. In recent years, efforts have been made to ensure that opportunities for Black entrepreneurship and ownership, a forgotten bedrock, are once again highlighted and included in the rebirth and economic growth of downtowns. Learn from three organizations that are ensuring this voice is heard through initiatives and programming that bring back the spirit of Black Wall Street.
program-list
Location:
  • Table-top Exhibit Area
Description:
  • Learn about game changing solutions for your community. Visit with exhibiting sponsors and share the information with your team.
program-list
Location :
  • Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, Monticello, 1st Floor
Domain :
  • Economic Development  
Session Credits:
  • AICP Certification Maintenance Credits: CM | 1.25
Description :
  • While clean and safe and placekeeping activities remain a strong part of almost all place management organizations, many have begun to focus on building strong and relevant economic development programs specifically addressing the challenges facing downtowns. Often, economic development is not about progressing from simple to complex...it's finding the niche in your community that can best fill and deliver solid results to stakeholders. The variety of economic development activities range from full-scale research and data tracking to small business support and development to policy and advocacy to ensure equity and minority participation in business and commercial ownership. Where does your downtown fit into this continuum? Learn about some of the major trends in economic development and see which approaches are being undertaken by place management organizations. 
Learning Objectives:
  • Learn the various stages of economic development and current trends including research, deal structuring and business assistance. 
  • Explore what tools, resources and programs are available.
  • Gain an understanding of the importance in partnering with your municipality.
Speakers:
  • Claudia Jolin, Vice President, Economic Development, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore (MD)
  • Brett Roler, AICP, Senior Vice President of Planning & Development, Downtown Memphis Commission (TN)
  • Heather Schroeder, Deputy Director and Director of Economic Development, Downtown Committee of Syracuse (NY)
program-list
Location:
  • Slover Library, 6th Floor Flex Room (640), 235 E Plume St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Domain :
  • Economic Development   
Session Credits:
  • AICP Certification Maintenance Credits: CM | 1.25  
Description :
  • Everything a place management district does supports its community, but how can we measure the impact of our efforts? In this session, a multidisciplinary panel of experts share insightful case stories around measuring success. From defining quantifiable objectives, to identifying the right metrics, technologies and means of measurement, attendees will learn from real-life examples of how different sizes of districts with varying resources, budgets and staff effectively use data collection to demonstrate a return on investment for their communities.
Learning Objectives:
  • Develop a solid understanding of the relationship between events and activations and how they support local economic development initiatives. 
  • Level set on what can and should be used as metrics and common KPIs for measuring the impact of placemaking and programming.
  • Learn tools, tactics and technologies for tracking the economic impact of events, and reporting back out to your constituents and stakeholders.
Speakers:
  • Ted Baroody, CEO, Festevents (Norfolk, VA)
  • Mary Pattison, Co-founder, ShopLocal2Win (Toronto, ON)
  • Josh Yeager, Partner, Bright Brothers (Philadelphia, PA)
program-list
Location:
  • Table-top Exhibit Area
Description:
  • Learn about district enhancements and solutions your team should be aware of in order to level up.
program-list
Location :
  • Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, Monticello, 1st Floor
Keynote Speakers :
  • Mel Price, Principal, Work Program Architects (Norfolk, VA)
Description:
  • The Missing Middle – There is a mismatch between what the market wants, what cities allow, and what developers build. For the past 70 years, American cities have focused on providing housing at the two extremes – single-family homes and large apartment buildings. Household demographics are changing, and many people can no longer afford single-family homes, but they don’t want to live in large apartment buildings. Missing Middle is about house-scale buildings that have multiple units, provide diversity in housing choice, create a strong sense of community, and are affordable by design. Norfolk’s history provides a case study on innovative Missing Middle solutions meeting present needs. 
program-list
Location:
  • Table-top Exhibit Area
Description:
  • Meet innovative products and services and spend time with companies that reinvest in the place making industry.
program-list
Location:
  • Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, Monticello, 1st Floor
Domain:
  • Economic Development   
Session Credits:
  • AICP Certification Maintenance Credits: CM | 1.25
Description:
  • Downtowns were once anchored by department stores – one-stop shops where buyers could come to peruse washing machines and workwear before spilling out into other businesses. What are today’s destinations that draw people to the urban core? Hear about the “alternative anchors” of today – from libraries to coworking facilities and entertainment venues – that drive consumer traffic to your district. 
Learning Objectives:
  • Gain an understanding of how traditional cultural amenities are playing new roles in downtown districts.
  • Learn how coworking creates new economic opportunities.
  • Reimagine drivers of foot traffic to the central business district. 
Moderator:
  • Merike Treier, Executive Director, Downtown Committee of Syracuse (NY)
Speakers :
  • Adale Martin, Executive Director, Slover Library Foundation (Norfolk, VA)
  • Randy McKay, President and CEO, Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc. (NC)
  • Drew Ungvarsky, Founder and CEO, Assembly (Norfolk, VA)
program-list
Location:
  • Slover Library, 6th Floor Flex Room (640), 235 E Plume St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Session Credits:
  • AICP Certification Maintenance Credits: CM | 1.25
Description:
  • We’re still evolving the ways we live and work, and the issue of return to the office has had a lingering and profound impact on the future of our cities. While there is no one size fits all solution to the challenges the evolving office sector is having on our downtowns, there are proactive steps and an important role downtown managers can play. In this facilitated dialog, we’ll explore a range of trends, challenges, and potential solutions to address a wide range of issues we are facing, no matter the size or make-up of the downtown.
Learning objectives:
  • To help attendees become acquainted with the cross-cutting issues, trends, and potential solutions to address the evolving office sector.
  • Highlight the different roles that downtown managers, municipalities, property owners and businesses have in shaping the future of our cities.
  • Provide a facilitated forum to discuss ideas to address a wide range of challenges, including impacts on safety, retail, public transit, vacancy, and vibrancy of the public realm. 
Speakers:
  • Paul Levy, President and CEO, Center City District, Philadelphia, PA
  • Mary-Claire Burick, Rosslyn Business Improvement District, Rosslyn, VA
  • Gary Ferguson, Executive Director, Downtown Ithaca Alliance, Ithaca, NY
program-list
Location:
  • Table-top Exhibit Area
Description:
  • Invest in new solutions; explore options for your next budget cycle. Sponsors came to share ideas and meet you.
program-list
Location:
  • Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, Monticello, 1st Floor
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Session Credits:
  • AICP Certification Maintenance Credits: CM | 1.25
Description:
  • No longer just about catching the big fish, the next wave of economic development is about developing local talent and building capacity from the ground up. Startup businesses are breaking new ground but need a supportive ecosystem to flourish; whether tech, retail or micromanufacturing – community matters. Incubator programs can provide the foundation needed for entrepreneurs to build powerful partnerships, preserve capital, access funding, and share resources and facilities. Three incubator case studies from varying industries and settings will demonstrate the benefits and struggles that accompany spaces devoted to nurturing startup businesses.
Learning Objectives:
  • Discover a range of services incubator programs can provide for entrepreneurial success. 
  • Gain a holistic perspective on advancing small business owners as they find their footing, from recruitment to daily operations to growth beyond the incubator.
  • Target key partnerships that can elevate an incubator into a major economic driver. 
Moderator : Speakers:
  • Matthew B. Easley, Assistant Director for Finance and Operations, Fairfax City Economic Development (VA)
  • Carrie Gartner, Executive Director, The Loop Community Improvement District (Columbia, MO)
  • Careyann Weinberg, Selden Market Director, Downtown Norfolk Council (VA)
program-list
Location:
  • Slover Library, 6th Floor Flex Room (640), 235 E Plume St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Domain:
  • Economic Development
Session Credits:
  • AICP Certification Maintenance Credits: CM | 1.25
Description:
  • Nightlife is a key element of the downtown economy but can present significant challenges if not managed and regulated in an effective way for all parties. Learn how the communities of Arlington, Virginia, Dallas, Texas, and Norfolk, Virginia are working with businesses and city representatives to identify a plan with beneficial outcomes for all that will support the vibrancy of their downtowns.
Learning Objectives:
  • Discover how a relationship-based approach to managing nightlife can support the industry.
  • Learn how to open lines of communication between DIDs, city offices, and the business community.
  • Gain knowledge on how to shift the perception of safety in both downtown and individual business.
Speakers:
  • Master Police Officer Dimitrios (Jim) Mastoras, Ret., Co-Founder and Executive Vice President, Safe Night LLC, (Madison, CT)
  • Mary Miller, LPM, President and CEO, Downtown Norfolk Council (VA)
  • Samantha Brien, Restaurant and Nightlife Liaison, Arlington County Police, Arlington, VA
program-list
Location:
  • Table-top Exhibit Area
Description :
  • Curated and invited because they can solve industry-specific issues; meet with exhibiting sponsors.
program-list
Location:
  • Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, Monticello, 1st Floor
Keynote Speaker:
  • Ilana Preuss, Founder & CEO, Recast City (Takoma Park, MD)
Description :
  • Equity, Inclusion & Storefronts: What it Really Means to Act Post-Pandemic
  • Vacant storefronts, changing retail patterns, empty office buildings are some of the challenges we face daily in our districts. These same challenges are an opportunity to rebuild our districts purposefully to create more equitable outcomes - to create space for small business owners who have historically been excluded or business types that have been underserved in these spaces. It's not just about talking about it, it's about taking action too. This closing session will take us through the hard discussions of what it means to act on these intentions, share specific techniques and actions every district can take, and send you off with the knowledge that your intentional work can make a real difference in who has the opportunity to build wealth in your community.
program-list
Location:
  • Table-top Exhibit Area
Description:
  • Stop by to learn about solutions that could make you more efficient and save you time.
program-list
Location:
  • Assembly, Rooftop Deck, 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Description:
  • Assembly is an iconic building campus and community of inspiring creators and technology innovators, headquartered in downtown Norfolk. Close out the 2023 Economic Development Summit with a few appetizers and drinks on Assembly’s Rooftop Deck and a beautiful Norfolk city view! *Assembly is approximately 0.8 mile or 16-minute walk from the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside hotel, with both indoor and outdoor space. Please plan accordingly.

Friday 28 Apr 2023

program-list
Price:
  • $50
Meeting Location:
  • Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, 777 Waterside Dr, Hotel Lobby
  • Please meet no later than 8:40 a.m. in the hotel lobby
Description:
  • Visit the hot up-and-coming neighborhood, the Railroad District, for an inside look at new residential developments, breweries, restaurants and retail. Centered on the tracks of the Norfolk and Western Railroad, this district encompasses a historic industrial area of Norfolk and is home to a growing number of young residents and innovative businesses. *This tour will include bus transportation and walking; please plan accordingly.

Sponsors

District Advocates

Ambassadors

Interested in Sponsoring?

Develop your business through IDA’s trusted platform. Review the Summit opportunities to become a sponsor.

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Interested in Hosting?

If you are interested in hosting a future event, contact Lul Teklit, IDA’s Meeting Planner.  

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Questions?

For assistance or further information, please contact the IDA registration team.

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