Knowledge Center
Marketing, Communications and Events
Place managers narrate and communicate the identity and outward facing mission of the place to residents, tourists, businesses, and other stakeholder groups, thereby communicating the place’s unique brand. By expressing the identity of the place, the brand should invoke a sense of place, leaving individuals with the intangible feelings that one gets when engaging with the authenticity of the place.
The brand is used to market the place to these various stakeholder groups, attracting and inviting them to live, work, play and invest in the place. A diversity of tactics are used to market a place ranging from events, messaging, online engagement, street-level activation and more.
Targeted Sector Strategies That Work
Targeted Sector Strategies That Work provides a practical framework for identifying, prioritizing, and activating downtown business clusters. Examples from Milwaukee and Fort Wayne show how sector‑based events, wellness activations, and tools like DORA increased cross‑district movement, visibility, and business performance.
We’d love for you to see this member-only resource to help make a difference in your district. Make sure you are logged in or join IDA to learn more about how members get sh*t done!
Advancing Places: Energizing Downtown Engagement
Downtown districts are embracing bold new marketing and communications strategies to bring new life to their city centers, strengthen local businesses and reconnect communities with the heart of their cities. This recording spotlights three standout initiatives that leverage digital tools, creative incentives and cultural moments to drive awareness, visitation and activity.
Read MoreBuilding Community with Micro-Events
How do you build community in transitioning districts where the majority of residents are new to the neighborhood? Large-scale events like festivals and farmers markets can be costly and difficult to pull off. Many districts are focusing on micro events – small gatherings designed to introduce neighbors to one another and build a sense of community bit by bit.
Read MoreAdvancing Places: How to Make a Podcast
Unlock the power of audio storytelling and elevate your organization’s voice. This webinar will guide you through the essential steps of creating a compelling podcast. Learn how to leverage the intimacy of audio to share local stories, highlight community initiatives and connect with your audience on a deeper level. Discover how to create a podcast that amplifies your message and builds a loyal following.
Read MoreTop Issues Council Brief: Inclusive Events Primer
Inclusive Events Primer provides a comprehensive framework for planning inclusive downtown events. Featuring case studies such as Smithsonian Folklife Festival (Washington, DC) and CicLAvia (Los Angeles), it offers actionable guidance on community co-design, accessibility, sensory inclusion, mental well-being, sustainability, and impact measurement to increase participation and trust.
Read MoreVanier BIA Rebrand
The rich history and diversity within Vanier inspired the slogan “Richness in Contrasts,” celebrating the wealth derived from these varied cultures and perspectives. The new brand was launched across their social media platforms, encompassing not only graphic updates but also new content such as “Merchant Mondays,” event recaps and promotions.
We’d love for you to see this member-only resource to help make a difference in your district. Make sure you are logged in or join IDA to learn more about how members get sh*t done!
Shopdtvan2Win Contest
The purpose of the ShopDTVan2Win project was to encourage consumers to shop locally in Vancouver’s downtown core, particularly during the high-traffic lead-up to the Taylor Swift Eras Tour. The goal was to stimulate the local economy, support small businesses and increase foot traffic to retail stores and services.
We’d love for you to see this member-only resource to help make a difference in your district. Make sure you are logged in or join IDA to learn more about how members get sh*t done!
Organizational Crisis Communications Plan
The purpose of this crisis communications plan is to provide a structured approach for managing communication during a crisis or emergency. It aims to protect the organization’s reputation, maintain stakeholder trust and ensure a swift, transparent response in times of uncertainty.
We’d love for you to see this member-only resource to help make a difference in your district. Make sure you are logged in or join IDA to learn more about how members get sh*t done!
Bright Nights on the Bluffwalk
Bright Nights on the Bluffwalk is a holiday light attraction that transforms Downtown Lynchburg’s Bluffwalk into a dazzling destination, designed to boost winter tourism, support local businesses and restore a signature downtown tradition.
We’d love for you to see this member-only resource to help make a difference in your district. Make sure you are logged in or join IDA to learn more about how members get sh*t done!
Downtown London Trails
Downtown London Trails is an experiential marketing initiative designed to bring more people into the downtown core while supporting local businesses. Using digital passports, visitors can check in at participating businesses, earning points that can be redeemed for Downtown Dollar Gift Cards. Each trail has a unique theme, creating an engaging and interactive experience that encourages exploration.
We’d love for you to see this member-only resource to help make a difference in your district. Make sure you are logged in or join IDA to learn more about how members get sh*t done!
