Events
About Southeast Urban District Forum
Join the Downtown Memphis Commission and International Downtown Association for the Southeast Urban District Forum on May 1-3, 2024. This year’s theme – Place Management as an Economic Driver – will address approaches to economic development, placemaking and operations. Join us as we dive deep into entrepreneurial ecosystems, retail development, return to office strategies, placemaking and activation initiatives, and overall operations management covering ambassador programs, homelessness, mental health, and new technologies for tracking in your district.
Downtown Memphis, the soul of the city, serves as the cultural and economic hub of the Mid-South. Boasting climbing residential numbers, a vibrant nightlife, and renowned attractions, it is a robust regional engine driving economic opportunity, equity and culture. Their dedicated commitment to developing a downtown for everyone guides their ongoing progress.
Master Talk & Keynote Speakers
Carol Coletta
President & CEO of the Memphis River Parks Partnership
Carol is leading the relaunch of a nonprofit to develop, manage and program six miles of riverfront and five park districts along the Mississippi River. Most recently she was with The Kresge Foundation where she was a senior fellow in the foundation’s American Cities Practice. She led a $50+ million collaboration of national and local foundations, local nonprofits and governments to Reimagine the Civic Commons in five cities. It is the first comprehensive demonstration of how a connected set of civic assets – a civic commons – can yield increased and more widely share prosperity for cities and neighborhoods.
Liza Wheaton- Hubbard
Street Outreach Supervisor, Hospitality Hub Memphis
Liza is currently the Street Outreach Supervisor with the Hospitality Hub of Memphis. To many of her clients she is a mother, aunt, sister and confidant. Every Day the Hub works to end homelessness in Memphis by connecting individuals with the resources they need to achieve stable housing and better health outcomes. Liza’s main duties include reaching people in their various dangerous environments in effort to provide resources and help to end homelessness. 
George Monger
George Monger, CEO, Normac Media GroupPresident & CEO of Connect Music, the Bluff City native, is using his deep industry relationships and knowledge to bring a data-driven music and technology company focused on empowering independent artists and labels to the Mid-South. Monger stapled his career in the arts and entertainment industry from the start by managing an international touring Opera singer. With a wealth of national and international experience, he launched a non-profit music organization he led for four years. In 2016, he served as Chief Operating Officer for the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
Dana L. Pointer
Chief Executive Officer, Preserver Partners, LLCAs CEO, Dana is responsible for firm-wide management, business development, strategic planning, and investor relations. Dana has spent three decades working in finance, compliance, and management roles in the investment industry. She has been with the firm since its inception in 2009. Prior to joining Preserver, Dana spent 15 years as Vice-President in various roles at FHN Financial Capital Markets, the broker-dealer division of First Horizon Bank, and CCO at Channing Capital Management, a Chicago-based investment management firm.
Dr. Russell Wigginton
President, National Civil Rights MuseumDr. Russ Wigginton serves as the President of the National Civil Rights Museum. He assumed this role in August 2021 and brings vast experience in education, fundraising, operations, and community engagement. Prior to assuming this role, Wigginton served as the Chief Postsecondary Impact Officer for Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) from 2019-2021, where he led the organization’s work for postsecondary access, retention, and completion. Previously he served as vice president for student life and dean of students at Rhodes College from 2017-2019, where he oversaw the college’s co-curricular experience for students.
Conference Details
SEUDF24 will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis Downtown, located at 185 Union Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 and at various locations throughout downtown Memphis.
Ready to visit downtown Memphis? Discover businesses and attractions on the Downtown Directory and explore the Downtown Memphis Commission neighborhoods here.
Get social! What questions will you come ready to ask? Share them on social media using #SEUDF24.
Online registration is now closed for the Southeast Urban District Forum. You may register on-site at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis Downtown, located at 185 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103, May 1-3, 2024.
On-site registration times and rates:
- Wednesday, May 1, 2024: noon – 5:00pm
- Thursday, May 2, 2024: 7:30 am -10:30 am
- Friday, May 3, 2024: 8:00 am – 10:00 am
- On-site Registration Rate: $475
- On-site Registration Rate for Thursday, May 2, 2024 only: $300
- On-site Registration Rate for Friday, May 3, 2024 only: $275
Cancellation Policy: Written notice of cancellation is required. If a cancellation is received via email by April 10, 2024, there will be no penalty. Cancellations received via email after April 10, will receive a refund less a $100 processing fee. If a tour cancellation is received via email by April 10, 2024, there will be no penalty. Tour cancellations received via email after April 10, 2024, 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 29, 2024, 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/Mobile: Please note, the pre-conference tours sell out quickly. Therefore, it is advisable to add these items at the time of your registration. If you are registering for someone else or a group, please find out their selection 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 SEUDF24 attendee rate at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis Downtown located at 185 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103. To inquire about available rooms, call the Reservations Department at 901-528-1800 and ensure you reference the International Downtown Association room block.
About DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis Downtown
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis Downtown, nestled in the heart of Memphis, is blocks away from Beale, the home of the blues! With the Convention Center and Orpheum theatre a few blocks away, enjoy the restaurants and excitement of downtown Memphis.
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 policies are often harsh and unforgiving. IDA is not working with any third parties to offer attendees accommodation! If you receive a solicitation and are unsure whether or not it is legitimate, please contact Lul Teklit at lul@downtown.org.
Travel
Memphis International Airport (MEM) is approximately 17 minutes (11.2 miles) from the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis Downtown. 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 Southeast Urban District Forum, certified Leaders in Place Management will earn 8 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 sessions provide 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 Central 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. For more information about each domain, visit the Career Center.
Conference Program
- Wednesday 01 May 2024
- Thursday 02 May 2024
- Friday 03 May 2024
Wednesday 01 May 2024
- Tennessee Ballroom Foyer (Lobby Level)
- Registration is sponsored by Downtown Decorations.
- $50
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis Downtown, Lobby, 185 Union Avenue
- Public Space Management & Operations
- Located inside a nondescript building in Downtown Memphis, the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) monitors crime hotspots throughout the city by analyzing surveillance, intelligence and data from various real-time sources. Tour participants will be able to view multiple large screen monitors that display maps of where crime is happening as soon as it is reported and an up-to-the-minute “news ticker” showing the last 15 reported crimes in the city. Tour participants will experience a campus located in Downtown Memphis that provides guests with stabilizing resources they need, including temporary shelter, assistance acquiring identification, employment opportunities and more to help people exit homelessness. The Hub also provides a Work Local program that works closely with the Downtown Memphis Commission Clean and Green Team assisting in the beautification of Downtown Memphis. *This tour includes transportation and walking; please plan accordingly.
- $25
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis Downtown, Lobby, 185 Union Avenue
- Public Space Management & Operations
- The Mississippi River Parks tour will showcase the riverfront parks of Tom Lee Park, River Garden, and Fourth Bluff Park. These parks reveal the transformative power of public spaces in Downtown. Attendees will explore the newly renovated Tom Lee Park, Downtown’s largest riverfront park and gathering place for Memphians and visitors worldwide. Get a behind the scenes tour of the park's transformation into a venue as it prepares for its upcoming outdoor music festival. Explore River Garden, home to the region's largest yoga class, and Fourth Bluff Park, a hotspot for Grizzlies playoff watch parties. Witness the impact of these parks in fostering community engagement, and gain insights into the economic contributions of such initiatives to Downtown's growth. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly.
- The Pocket at Tailor’s Union, Basement, 115 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
- Join IDA and Downtown Memphis Commission at The Pocket speakeasy –inspired lounge at Tailor’s Union! The reception is a 4-minute walk (0.1 miles) from the host hotel and takes place indoors.
- All attendees MUST wear their name badges to enter receptions, meal functions, plenary sessions and panels.
- The Opening Reception is sponsored by Premium Parking.
Thursday 02 May 2024
- Tennessee Ballroom Foyer (Lobby Level)
- Tennessee Ballroom Foyer (Lobby Level)
- Registration is sponsored by Downtown Decorations.
- Tennessee Ballroom (Lobby Level)
- Dana L. Pointer, CEO, PreserverPartners
- Liza Wheaton-Hubbard, Hospitality Hub
- George Monger, CEO, Normac Media Group, Learn about innovative work of Connect Music
- Opening Plenary sponsored by EDGE Memphis.
- Tennessee Ballroom Foyer (Lobby Level)
- Visit exhibiting sponsors to learn how they can enhance your district!
- Chelsea Room (Lobby Level)
- Economic Development
- AICP Certification Maintenance Credits: CM | 1.25
- Join us for an exploration of innovative strategies to tackle Organized Retail Crime (ORC), a rising challenge in urban landscapes. This session will offer insights into the evolving nature of ORC and its impact on retail businesses and downtown communities. Expert panelists will delve into the latest technological advancements, legal frameworks, and collaborative efforts between businesses, law enforcement, and community stakeholders that are proving effective in curbing these criminal activities.
- Understand the current trends and evolving dynamics of Organized Retail Crime and its impact on businesses and urban communities
- Explore innovative technological solutions and legal measures being employed by communities to prevent and respond to ORC.
- Learn about successful models of collaboration between retailers, law enforcement, and community groups, and how to apply these models to enhance safety and security in your area.
- Davon Barbour, President & CEO, Downtown Development District of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
- Elliott Cook, Director of Real Estate, Retail Strategies, Birmingham AL
- Jonathan McGraw, President & Founder, Tennessee Organized Retail Crime Alliance, Memphis, TN
- Gary Alexander, Assets Protection Business Partner, Target Corporation, Memphis, TN
- Beale Room (Lobby Level)
- Public Space Management and Operations
- From the benefits of bicycle-friendly business districts to pedestrian-focused sidewalk art to community dance parties in public plazas, human movement is often the lifeblood of a place and the secret behind a district’s social and economic success. Whether walking, bicycling, dancing, gardening, or shooting hoops, movement can also extend the placemaking experience beyond four walls and welcome a wider diversity of people across cultures, ages, and economic backgrounds. Learn about the intersection of placemaking and movement and tools from around the U.S.
- Understand how the element of human movement, both to a place and within it, is essential for placemaking success, as well as social connection and health.
- Understand how pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly districts can be economically successful placemaking-in-motion solutions and improve traffic and parking congestion.
- Learn best practices, including how to drive economic benefit to working class families and ensure people of all backgrounds feel welcome and included in active transportation and placemaking amenities.
- April Economides, President, Holistic Cities, Greenville, SC
- Kate Borders, LPM, President, University Circle Inc., Cleveland, OH
- Susannah Barton, Comprehensive Planning Administrator, Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development (TN)
- Adams Room (Lobby Level)
- Public Space Management and Operations
- There is an adage you’ve likely heard before: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This session will share the challenges and successes of District Bridges' 3-year pilot program "A Civic Plaza For All," and offer tangible strategies for collaboratively deploying place-based services that address housing insecurity, mental health issues, substance abuse disorder, and more. This session will demonstrate the complexity and interconnectedness of people, systems, and place and provide ideas on how to increase capacity/collaboration across sectors to enhance quality of life and foster a more equitable neighborhood.
- Engage and focus elected officials, agencies, other organizations, developers, and residents towards a shared social goal.
- Identify what is and what isn't working, and how it's important to be transparent about both.
- Create win-win-win scenarios that bring more stakeholders to the table and ensure an equitable futur.e for the public space
- Brianne Dornbush, Executive Director, District Bridges, Washington, DC
- Dario Martinez, Director of Community Navigation, District Bridges, Washington, DC
- Tennessee Ballroom Foyer (Lobby Level)
- Visit exhibiting sponsors to learn about tools to help you level up!
- Tennessee Ballroom (Lobby Level)
- Russell Wigginton, President, National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis, TN
- Uncommon Bridges
- Tennessee Ballroom Foyer (Lobby Level)
- Speak with a new exhibiting sponsor to understand how their solution can help your team!
- Adams Room (Lobby Level)
- Economic Development
- Traffic and parking are perennial topics that downtown organizations face. Over the past decade these mobility challenges - and solutions - have evolved thanks to technology and new patterns of living and working downtown. This session will cover impactful trends affecting parking, circulation, wayfinding, and economic activity and the role of downtown associations. Speakers will present efforts in SE Florida leveraging technology for circulators, parking, and transportation demand management.
- Identify emerging trends and technologies affecting downtown mobility and circulation
- Understand the links between parking and transportation technologies and downtown economic vitality.
- Apply strategies to better manage traffic, parking, and multimodal transportation.
- Lisa Nisenson, VP, New Mobility & Connected Communities, WGI, West Palm Beach, FL
- Raphael Clemente, Executive Director, West Palm Beach DDA, West Palm Beach, FL
- Beale Room (Lobby Level)
- Public Space Managment and Operations
- AICP Certification Maintenance Credits: CM | 1.25
- Participate in this deep-dive session that explores the economic benefit of investing in downtown placemaking. Investing in both people and public spaces creates a more vibrant business center that attracts small business and inspires development.
- Build private/public partnerships.
- Fundraise and budget for transformational and equitable placemaking.
- Lean two models for effective downtown placemaking and community engagement.
- Kady Yellow, Senior Director of Placemaking & Events, Downtown Vision, Inc., Jacksonville, FL
- Sondra Fetner, Director of Placemaking, Jessie Ball DuPont Foundation, Jacksonville, FL
- Laura Phillips-Edgecomb, Principal, Downtown Public Spaces, Jessie Ball DuPont Foundation, Jacksonville, FL
- Chelsea Room (Lobby Level)
- Public Space Management and Operations
- In the realm of place management, the decision to either establish an in-house ambassador program or to contract out services can significantly influence the effectiveness and sustainability of initiatives aimed at enhancing the vibrancy and safety of public spaces. This session delves into the nuances of each approach, offering insights to empower place management organizations in making informed decisions aligned with their objectives and resources. Attend this session and learn how other organizations are approaching this topic.
- Explore the fundamental differences between in-house ambassador programs and contracting out services, including their structures, responsibilities, and implications for the organization's autonomy and control over initiatives.
- Gain insights into the financial and human resource considerations associated with both models, including upfront costs, ongoing management expenses, and the potential for scalability and adaptability to evolving needs.
- Learn strategies for measuring and evaluating the impact of in-house ambassador programs and contracted services on key performance indicators such as safety, cleanliness, visitor satisfaction, and economic vitality.
- Rena Masten Leddy, LPM, Vice President, Urban Place Consulting Group, San Fransisco, CA
- Rachel Radawec, LPM, Director of Public Space Operations and Programming, Tampa Downtown Partnership, Tampa, FL
- Erin Goodman, Executive Director, SODO Business Improvement Area, Seattle, WA
- Rachel McCall, Vice President, Downtown Norfolk Council, Norfolk, VA
- $50
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis Downtown, Lobby, 185 Union Avenue
- Economic Development
- The Crosstown tour will highlight the vertical village's health, culture, living, dining, shopping, and educational offerings. As we work our way through the building, project experts will discuss the vision and implementation of the Crosstown Concourse. The tour will begin at the Parcels at Concourse, the upper-floor apartments of the building. After viewing the residences, the group will work its way through the building level by level, appreciating the installations at Crosstown Arts, checking out the vinyl collection at the Memphis Listening Lab, getting a glimpse of life at Crosstown High, taking in the massive physical changes represented in the building’s before and after photos, and finalizing the tour with a chat at the Church Health Center. *This tour includes transportation and walking; please plan accordingly.
- $50
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis Downtown, Lobby, 185 Union Avenue
- Economic Development
- Get acquainted with a few Minority and Women-owned Businesses and Enterprises (MWBE) in the Central Business District of Memphis! Over the years, many stakeholders have worked closely with the DMC to spearhead economic development that includes substantial contributions from Minority and Women-owned businesses. This tour will highlight the successes of a few of the Main St. businesses and the neighboring communities while exploring the area’s opportunity for growth. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from local minority and women-owned businesses about how the DMC has supported them, such as achieving MWBE accreditation from local government, or creatively funding business expansion and retention. *This tour includes transportation and walking; please plan accordingly.
- Tennessee Ballroom Foyer (Lobby Level)
- Visit exhibiting sponsors to learn about solutions!
- Adams Room (Lobby Level)
- Economic Development
- 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.
- Nicole Thompson, President and CEO, Downtown Durham, Inc., Durham, NC
- Chelsea Room (Lobby Level)
- 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.
- Melvin Eledge, Director of Operations, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. Grand Rapids, MI
- Beale Room (Lobby Level)
- Public Space Management and Operations
- 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.
- Jordan Polon, LPM, Executive Director, Hartford Business Improvement District, Hartford, CT
- Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, 191 Beale St., Memphis, TN 38103
- Join IDA and Downtown Memphis Commission at the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Voted Best Museum in Memphis, Rock 'N' Soul's original exhibit was created by the Smithsonian Institution and tells the complete Memphis music story!
- All attendees MUST wear their name badges to enter receptions, meal functions, plenary sessions and panels.
- The reception is a 7-minute walk (0.3 miles) from the host hotel and takes place indoors.
- The Networking Mixer is sponsored by American Christmas.
- Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum Lobby, 191 Beale St., Memphis, TN 38103
- Public Space Management and Operations
- Experience the vibrancy of "The Most Iconic Street in America" with this tour focused on the activation and operation of the Beale Street Entertainment District. Gain insights into the intricacies of operating and managing one of the premier entertainment districts in the United States. *This tour includes walking and dinner departing from the Opening Reception Location; please plan accordingly.
Friday 03 May 2024
- Tennessee Ballroom Foyer (Lobby Level)
- Grab your morning coffee and pastries before sessions start. Breakfast service will be available near the registration desk starting at 8:00 a.m.
- Registration is sponsored by Downtown Decorations.
- Adams Room (Lobby Level)
- The culture of a city is integral to a community’s well-being and sense of place. More than just a form of entertainment or something to be consumed, Cities have an opportunity to center culture as a modern strategy to address Downtown’s most pressing economic, social, and environmental growth needs. Learn how leaders in Indianapolis and Seattle collaborate across sectors to leverage culture equitably for the future of Downtown’s economic vitality.
- Define and value the unique presence of culture in their local communities.
- Understand the role of culture in Downtown’s economic development opportunities.
- Learn how to form effective partnerships with local cross-sector stakeholders working to center cultural equity in the place management of Downtown.
- Taylor Schaffer, President and CEO, Downtown Indy, Inc., Indianapolis, IN
- Lourenzo Giple, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, Deputy Director, City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development, Indianapolis, IN
- Ishmael Nuñez, Partner, Uncommon Bridges, Seattle, WA
- Chelsea Room (Lobby Level)
- Public Space Management and Operations (Placemaking and Activations)
- LPM | 1.25
- CM | 1.25
- Join this interactive session and learn the basics of how place management professionals can facilitate placemaking in their work to engage communities and foster vibrant, inclusive and authentic places. Learn practical definitions; identify the “why;” explore goals and strategies; discuss community-led processes and co-creation; recognize opportunities for financial and in-kind contributions; and apply the right tools for the project and/or program.
- Sherryl, Muriente, M.U.R.P., LPM, Public Realm Director, West Palm Beach DDA (FL)
- Lisa Middag, LPM, Director of Public Space Engagement, Minneapolis DID (MN)
- Beale Room (Lobby Level)
- Public Space Management and Operations
- Join us for an enlightening session that explores the transformative impact of cutting-edge models on the role of Place Management Ambassadors. The integration of innovative approaches is reshaping the way we perceive and manage public spaces. Learn from experts how they are approaching public safety, homelessness, and panhandling. Come explore the dynamic evolution of the ambassador’s role in shaping the cities of tomorrow.
- Hear firsthand accounts from cities and communities that have embraced new models showcasing tangible improvements in their public spaces.
- Extract lessons learned and best practices for implementing similar initiatives in diverse urban contexts.
- Examine case studies where ambassador have successfully helped to revitalize public spaces.
- Fernando Pujals, Deputy Director, Mid-Market Business Association and Foundation, San Francisco, CA
- John Koch, Division Vice President, Block By Block, Houson, TX
- $25
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis Downtown, Lobby, 185 Union Avenue
- Economic Development
- This tour will give attendees the opportunity to hear about various strategies for incentivizing and attracting new retail tenants to a city’s downtown. The tour will cover past efforts like the Retail Forgivable Loan program, as well as current initiatives like the Retail Tenant Improvement Grant, while providing insights into program administration and challenges. The content will be supplemented with a tour of one strategic retail node located, allowing attendees to see a distinct neighborhood and hear from currently open retail businesses that have been supported by these strategies. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly.
- $50
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis Downtown, Lobby, 185 Union Avenue
- Economic Development
- Embark on a tour of the South City neighborhood on a bike ride from the conference hotel using bikes through local business Explore Bike Share. Vance Avenue is an east-west corridor that can potentially connect South City to the vibrant South Main area and other entertainment destinations and employment opportunities. Along this major corridor, you’ll see new and reactivated businesses, Foote Park's affordable housing development, and an emerging project set to create a walking/biking path from an old rail spur. Pop into the NAACP to learn about their work. Listen to music in the top-of-the-line recording studio at Memphis Magnetic. Hear from a local artist of the imaginative project she is dreaming up to transform an old rail spur. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly.
- Tennessee Ballroom Foyer (Lobby Level)
- Visit exhibiting sponsors to learn how they can enhance your district!
- Chelsea Room (Lobby Level)
- Economic Developement
- Downtowns face unprecedented responsibility, and opportunity, to serve as citywide and regional economic engines, shaped by transformational trends projected to extend past 2040. This panel will focus on effective tools diverse downtowns are employing to enhance citywide and regional competitiveness for knowledge economy jobs and investment, paired with robust equity agendas.
- Identify the specific ways in which the next stage of downtown planning and development can enhance citywide and regional economic competitiveness.
- Recognize shared economic development strategies of value to most downtowns and unique strategies relevant to different geographic, social, economic and other contexts.
- Build equity and economic inclusiveness into downtown economic development initiatives to ensure that they are of full value to the full spectrum of their city and region.
- David Dixon FAIA, Stantec's Urban Places Fellow, Stantec, Boston, MA
- Jennifer Hensley, Executive Director, Downtown Boise Association, Boise, ID
- Eric Anthony Johnson PhD, President and CEO, AEON: Housing Partnership Network, formerly Chief, Economic Development, City of Dallas, Minneapolis, MN
- Joe Gudenrath, Executive Director, Downtown El Paso Management District, El Paso, TX
- Beale Room (Lobby Level)
- Public Space Management and Operations
- Does your organization have plans sitting on a shelf? Are you looking for ways to get started? Ready for action? Cities around the world are using flexible, artistic, and short-term projects to advance long-term goals related to street safety, enhanced public spaces, and resident participation. This session outlines ways to identify lighter, quicker, cheaper projects and explores ways to improve your community from engagement to material choices to long-term maintenance.
- Learn how to identify projects that create connectivity, comfort, creativity, and access in your own community.
- Learn alternative ways to creatively engage the public in the planning process.
- Learn how to leverage intervention or demonstration projects to make long-term investments..
- Tony Garcia, Principal, Street Plans, Miami, FL
- Teal Thibaud, Principal, Little Things Lab, Chattanooga, TN
- Adams Room (Lobby Level)
- Economic Development
- LPM | 1.25
- CM | 1.25
- While clean and safe placekeeping activities remain a vital part of almost all place management organizations, many have begun to focus on building solid and relevant economic development programs specifically addressing downtowns challenges. 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 ranges 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. Join this interactive session and learn about some of the major trends in economic development to see which approaches are being undertaken by place management organizations.
- Learn the various stages of economic development and current trends including research and business assistance.
- Explore available tools, resources and programs.
- Gain an understanding of the importance of partnering with your municipality.
- Claudia Jolin, Executive Director, Baltimore Peninsula Community Benefits District, Baltimore (MD)
- Heather Schroeder, Deputy Director and Director of Economic Development, Downtown Committee of Syracuse (NY)
- Nicole Thompson, President and CEO, Downtown Durham, Inc., Durham, NC
- Tennessee Ballroom Foyer (Lobby Level)
- Mingle with exhibiting sponsors to learn about industry-specific solutions!
- Tennessee Ballroom (Lobby Level)
- Carol Coletta, President and CEO, Memphis River Parks Partnership
- Equity at the heart of public space.
Sponsors
Urban Champion
District Advocates
Ambssadors
Interested in Sponsoring?
Develop your business through IDA’s trusted platform. Review the Forum opportunities to become a sponsor.
Interested in Hosting?
If you are interested in hosting a future event, contact Lul Teklit, IDA’s Meeting Planner.
Questions?
For assistance or further information, please contact the IDA registration team.
