I’m thrilled to share the tremendous success of the 2026 IDA + CDA Place Matters, held in Long Beach, CA, earlier this month. This year’s gathering brought together 231 downtown leaders from 21 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces, reinforcing the strength, diversity and reach of our place management community.
Early evaluation results tell a clear story: the conference delivered value. Nearly all respondents rated their overall experience as excellent or good, and the 2026 IDA + CDA Place Matters conference earned a Net Promoter Score of 65, with more than 70% saying they would actively recommend the event. Attendees consistently highlighted the quality of speakers, meaningful peer exchange and Long Beach itself as a strong and relevant model for downtown revitalization. These numbers reinforce the importance of engaging as an industry to learn from one another, to evolve and innovate. Look towards 2026 IDA Place Matters in Madison, WI, on May 13–15, 2026, for your next opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals leading change across the industry.
Two moments stood out as true “master-level” talks. The Wednesday Luncheon Keynote by Molly Alexander, Founder and CEO of ITP Consulting, was one of the highest-rated sessions of the conference. Attendees praised her clarity, insight and ability to put language around work many of us do instinctively, leaving participants both affirmed and energized. Equally powerful was our Closing Keynote by Father Gregory Boyle, Founder of Homeboy Industries, whose moving and deeply human message reminded us why this work matters and inspired many to return home recommitted to community, compassion and impact.
Another highlight was the AI Facilitated Forum, which filled a room of approximately 70 attendees. The conversation was dynamic and practical, with participants sharing a wide range of real-world AI use cases spanning marketing, communications, operations and analytics. One moment that truly stopped the room came when attendees were asked who has an approved AI policy. Fewer than five people raised their hands.
To help address this gap, IDA has an approved Artificial Intelligence Policy designed to support innovation while safeguarding people, data and organizational credibility. The policy covers transparency, data privacy, human oversight, intellectual property, bias, security and appropriate use of tools such as AI notetakers. Importantly, IDA members are welcome to use this policy as a resource or starting point for their own organizations.
If you would like a copy, please email Jackie Hill at Jackie@downtown.org. We also invite you to share your favorite AI use case from your organization when you send your request. Your ideas can help shape future conversations and learning opportunities across our network.
Thank you to everyone who made 2026 IDA + CDA Place Matters in Long Beach such a vibrant, candid and forward-looking experience. I want to extend a special thanks to Austin Metoyer, President and CEO, and his team at the Downtown Long Beach Alliance for their incredible support in hosting the event, and to the California Downtown Association for their partnership in making it all possible. The momentum is real, and together, we are shaping what comes next for place management in 2026 and beyond.