One thousand four hundred and eighty-nine inspired leaders set the record last week as the largest attended annual conference in all of IDA history. Not only was the Chicago convening record-breaking in the number of attendees, but preliminary survey results also show the event tied for the highest-ranked learning opportunity and reached an all-time high as the most valuable conference.
We set out last year to counter the misrepresented narrative that cities are unsafe, even dying, and the IDA profession came out in force. Your presence demonstrated the importance of a city like Chicago, and the vibrancy we all witnessed throughout the week was testimony to the benefit of strategic place management. Throughout the neighborhood tours and during the conference activities in the Loop and Magnificent Mile area, IDA members experienced the magical mix of great architecture in a walkable city that embraces its waterfront and delivers outstanding public space.
We all know convenings like this take a village – in our case, the talent from across many cities. I want to recognize and thank all the presenters at this years’ event. The extraordinary Master Talk speakers illustrated the impact of an individual’s lived experience and reminded us of the humanity that drives our passion for improving our communities. They highlighted the facts of how cities are rebounding post-COVID-19 and argued for the imperative that we must evolve as more inclusive mixed-use districts. The breakout session panelists, forum facilitators, and mobile workshop guides each shared keen insights for continuing the recovery efforts we need to be successful. The award program recipients helped us all celebrate our extraordinary journey. Congratulations to IDA’s best practice, excellence, and pinnacle award winners! Thank you to the thought leaders who shared their experience and expertise throughout the week.
It cannot be said enough how fabulous the Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) team has been throughout the year serving as IDA’s host partner. Michael Edwards, CEO and the entire CLA team delivered a remarkable experience for this record-breaking crowd. Thank you, team CLA and also to the IDA staff team, all of whom performed admirably year-round in the development and delivery of an outstanding week. #bestteamever.
IDA continues to expand and refine our educational offerings, which is only possible with input from you – the professional. Are you already submitting a session for the 2024 west coast forum or planning to submit for a slot in next year’s conference program in Seattle, September 11-13, 2024? Please look for recordings of this year’s master talks in the weeks ahead and content from sessions to be posted to the knowledge center along with all the best practice award winning entries.
To all who were able to join us in Chicago, I hope your experience proved valuable, and you are planning to join us again in Seattle for the 70th Anniversary celebration of IDA. From Chicago, where IDA was first established, we will travel to a truly exceptional contemporary city where we will showcase our past together while focusing on the future ahead.