Events
About the 2025 World Towns Leadership Summit
IDA’s World Towns Leadership Summit convenes place management leaders from around the globe in a small group setting to explore key city building issues and learn how different countries and cultures address challenges in their context. A diverse cohort of attendees will be enlightened by key research and inspired presentations, all aimed at initiating deep discussions while exploring real-world professional practice challenges. The event is held using the world café discussion format. The overarching theme will delve into the critical role of effective mixed-use district development in fostering economic stability within a post-pandemic landscape.
This summit is a fantastic way to visit new towns around the globe and appreciate how different customs, cultures, politics and economics impact the work of place management. This year’s World Towns Leadership Summit will take place 24-28 March 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa and will include a study tour inside the city center, throughout the region, and to nearby Tygerberg areas.
Conference Details
The 2025 World Towns Leadership Summit will be held in Cape Town, South Africa. This event is brought to you by IDA and our local host organizations Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID), Voortrekker Road CID, and The Greater Tygerberg Partnership.
Cape Town is a modern, cosmopolitan city surrounded by nature. Centered around Table Mountain, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the Mother City is known for its diverse population, beautiful beaches, stunning biodiversity, award-winning food and wine and sheer variety of experiences. Restaurants, eateries, coffee shops and a vibey nightlife are just some of the things that come to mind when thinking about Cape Town’s “City Bowl.”
For almost two-and-a-half decades, the CCID has helped keep the City Centre economically healthy and clean, making it a wonderful place for living, working and entertainment. Cape Town is an example of what can be achieved through the responsible management of resources and infrastructure. The city was ranked second on the prestigious 2024 Time Out list of “50 Best Cities in the World to Visit” after New York City.
The CBD is much more than just a business centre – it’s the link between our suburbs and the Atlantic Seaboard, and between the mountain and the V&A Waterfront and Cape Town Harbour. It is critical that it remains welcoming and accessible to all, including thousands of tourists who pass through here every day.
On Friday, 28 March, there will be an optional Langa Township Tour and Cape Point Peninsula Tour (including Penguins) for an additional fee.
Registration is now open for the 2025 World Towns Leadership Summit. In order to register for the Summit, you need to either have an account in IDA’s database or you must create one. If you previously registered for an event in the past, you should have an account in the new database. All below prices are USD.
- Late Registration Rate until Monday, 24 March 2025: $475. Please see hotel recommendations information below; these costs are at the attendee’s expense.
- Spouse / Guest Rate: $175 (includes all Summit activities).
Cancellation Policy: Written notice of cancellation is required. Cancellations received via email by 18 February 2025 will receive a refund less a $100 processing fee. Cancellations received via email after 18 February 2025 will not be refunded. 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 registrations are gladly accepted prior to the event start date. Please submit a written request to registration@downtown.org before Thursday, 20 March 2025 at 3:00 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.
Payment Methods: For your convenience, payments may be made by Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Should you need to pay by check in US dollars, 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, 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 Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Complaint Policy, Event Agreement and Code of Conduct and IDA Attendee Assumption of Risk, Waiver and Release Form.
Hotel
The primary hotel is the Southern Sun The Cullinan, located at 1 Cullinan St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa. Rate for a single room per night is 3,500 ZAR (187 USD approximately) and includes breakfast. Please click here to book under the group code.
One Thibault Hotel by ITC Hospitality is located at LG Building, Hans Strijdom Ave, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa. Rate for studio apartment per night is 1,300 ZAR per night (69.25 USD approximately). Additionally, breakfast per person per night is 170 ZAR (10 USD approximately). Please click here to book under the discount code “WTLS25”. Deadline to book is 27 February 2025.
Travel
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is approximately 20 minutes (20 kilometers/13 miles) from both hotels. Uber is approximately 150- 350 ZAR (8 – 20 USD) one-way, based on time of day. For ride pickup, as you exit airport, follow the signs to Parkade 1.
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.
Preview the schedule-at-a-glance below (specific times are subject to change). The program will be updated in the coming weeks. Please note, all times listed are South African Standard Time (SAST).
Conference Program
- Sunday 23 Mar 2025
- Monday 24 Mar 2025
- Tuesday 25 Mar 2025
- Wednesday 26 Mar 2025
- Thursday 27 Mar 2025
- Friday 28 Mar 2025
Sunday 23 Mar 2025
- TBD
- Join fellow attendees for a casual welcome gathering. Whether this is your first international summit or one of many, delegates quickly network with one another to begin learning and sharing experiences from across the world. Settle into the week and make new friends at one of Cape Town’s renowned venues.
Monday 24 Mar 2025
- TBD
- The opening day of the Summit will provide a full orientation tour of the Cape Town region while attendees learn how city improvement districts function in South Africa. The tour will traverse the region from the City Center south to the national botanical gardens, visit an area winery and experience the coastal working village of Hout Bay. Throughout the day, attendees will learn about one another and begin to appreciate the unique setting that is Cape Town, South Africa.
- *Light breakfast will be provided at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, lunch and wine tasting at Groot Constantia.
- TBD
- TBD
Tuesday 25 Mar 2025
- Southern Sun The Cullinan, 1 Cullinan St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
- Day 2 will kick off the Davos style discussions aimed at shaping a global declaration for the industry. Based on prior summits (most recently in Stockholm, Sweden), delegates will refine draft statement on the value, role, responsibilities and opportunities public-private place management can deliver to communities of all sizes across the globe.
- TBD
- Southern Sun The Cullinan Lobby, 1 Cullinan St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
- Explore the beauty of the City Centre while learning about key commercial development and public space management projects shaping Cape Town. The session includes a tour through the historic area.
Wednesday 26 Mar 2025
- Southern Sun The Cullinan Lobby, 1 Cullinan St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
- Day three will transition delegates to nearby Belville area to learn how the Greater Tygerberg Partnership and Voortrekker Road CID are working to reshape the economic development landscape while addressing fundamental challenges of public safety, homelessness and other daily needs. Bellville is an important economic node that lies about 20 kilometres north of Cape Town, South Africa. The Greater Tygerberg Partnership is mandated to promote and accelerate the regeneration and upliftment of Bellville and surrounding areas, to drive its future as a prosperous, successful and attractive commercial centre for business owners, and a vibrant, inclusive, safe and modern hub for residents, students and the general public. While outside Cape Town proper, summit attendees will visit the adjacent wine country which has become a vital part of the region’s economy and global identity.
Thursday 27 Mar 2025
- Southern Sun The Cullinan Lobby, 1 Cullinan St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
- This last formal Summit session will focus on finalizing the global declaration prepared on Tuesday and discussing the near-term issues impacting recovery. Fitting within the evergreen framework established on Day Two, the group will shape a current issue agenda and action agenda aimed at extending lessons learned in all nations to professionals back in each home country as we aspire to better inform our community of professionals throughout the world.
- TBD
- This curated walking tour will address public space management, placemaking, and attraction and retention of retail.
- TBD
Friday 28 Mar 2025
- $90
- TBD
- Discover a cultural welcoming and learn about the lives of the friendly people of Langa Township. All tour guides are township locals who share the inside scoop about the history and cultural traditions that create the vibrant community life within Langa Township. Hear their stories of overcoming adversity to rebuild their communities. The townships are known for being underdeveloped due to apartheid, but few know about the tenacious people who strive to make every day a celebration of life and are eager to share it with others. Meet locals and children who are excited to connect and show off their community’s livelihood. Taste the local cuisine or visit the local shebeen (pub), both of which are unique to South Africa.
- *This tour includes transportation and walking indoors/outdoors; please plan accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
- $90
- TBD
- Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are often referred to as the romantic meeting place of two mighty oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian. Located at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, this Cape Point & Peninsula Tour is the ultimate in covering the most scenic parts easily, conveniently and safely. Join a local enthusiastic, knowledgeable English-speaking guide for a unique and memorable day to see Cape Town’s very best. You will fall in love with the Cape whilst you explore! This tour offers lots of "off the bus" time to explore Cape Point Cape Town, the Cape of Good Hope and the Boulders Beach penguin colony.
- *This tour includes transportation and walking indoors/outdoors; please plan accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
Exhibitors
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