Events
About West Coast Urban District Forum
Join the Downtown San Diego Partnership, California Downtown Association (CDA) and the International Downtown Association (IDA) for the West Coast Urban District Forum on February 28, 29 and March 1, 2024. This year’s theme – Pillars of Resiliency – will address how residents, businesses and tourism continue to support the changing urban economy.
We will share best practices and strategies to sustain and grow strong communities and discover new ways to motivate our staff, boards and stakeholders. Hear from industry leaders, and civic and community thought leaders, on engaging and supporting resiliency in communities with an equity lens in retail, office, housing, transportation, public safety, homelessness and behavioral health. Join us in San Diego to network with your peers, exchange ideas and share solutions.
The Downtown San Diego Partnership is a nonprofit organization that serves as the principal voice and driving force behind the economic prosperity and cultural vitality of downtown San Diego. It also serves as the managing organization for several special districts including the Property and Business Improvement District, otherwise known as the Clean & Safe program, which provides essential public services in the 275 blocks of downtown. The organization’s nearly 400 members, representing a variety of business sectors, including real estate, technology, banking, law, defense, insurance, communications, energy, and tourism, are committed to nurturing a downtown that benefits the entire San Diego region.
Plenary Speakers
Grace Bagunu
Program Manager in the Department of Race and Equity, City of San Diego
Kevin Barton
District Attorney, Washington County, OregonKevin Barton was elected to office in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Before becoming District Attorney, Mr. Barton served as a trial prosecutor and attorney in private practice representing people and businesses in civil litigation. Mr. Barton is a graduate of Gonzaga University and the University of Notre Dame Law School. The mission of the Washington County DA’s Office is to seek justice and protect our community. Mr. Barton believes in the importance of holding criminals accountable while providing opportunities for rehabilitation and ensuring crime victims receive justice.
Jason Bryant
Principal, Bryant Government AffairsJason heads up Bryant Government Affairs – a full-service government affairs firm and Jason brings 20 years of legislative, regulatory and political experience in California state government. He has achieved a multitude of legislative and regulatory victories in his career, including passage of CDA’s sponsored legislation in 2022. Jason’s areas of expertise have allowed him to form strong bonds with the various caucuses in the Legislature, including the powerful Moderate Democratic Caucus. His personal relationships with the Senate Pro Tem, the Speaker of the Assembly, the Governor and his leadership team, places CDA in the drivers’ seat to design policy outcomes that give CDA the progress and certainty the organization’s membership deserves.
Julie Coker
President and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA)As President and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA), Julia Coker oversees the organization’s efforts to promote San Diego as a top destination for meetings, conventions, overseas travelers and leisure visitors. Previously, Coker served as the President and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) where she oversaw the 2017 NFL Draft and the 2016 Democratic National Convention. From January 2018 to 2020, she served as co-chair for the U.S. Travel’s Meetings Mean Business Coalition and secretary-treasurer for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events Executive Committee. Additionally, Coker is a member of the San Diego Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. In 2023, she received the Fearless Award from the San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce and was inducted into the All-Time Hall of Fame by Smart Women in Meetings.
Phoebe Cornog
Founder, Pandr Design Co.Phoebe Cornog is the owner of Pandr Design Co. Pandr is a design studio that specializes in creating custom murals for businesses around the globe. Phoebe is best known for her vivid murals and distinctive letterforms as well as her transparency around sharing business and pricing tips with other artists in the industry.
Theresa Cunningham
Director of DEI and Community Engagement, SDTA
Theresa is responsible for creating organizational KPIs, managing the award-winning Tourism Accelerator program, partnering with HR, Sales, Marketing, and
Membership on various initiatives, and representing the organization on different localcommunity boards. Before SDTA, Theresa led strategic planning, board & staff engagement, and community partnerships as Vice President for Reality Changers. She currently serves on the advisory board for the San Diego Perinatal Equity Initiative and has previously served as a board member for YNPN San Diego and the University of San Diego. She has received numerous community awards and is a current member of LEAD Advance. 
Mia Fiorella
Director of Experiences & Activations, La Jolla Playhouse Mia Fiorella, Director of Experiences & Activations, joined the marketing leadership team at the Tony Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse in 2011 and helped launch their Without Walls (WOW) program that same year. Her passion for this work stems from bringing strangers together to interact with unique experiences that create empathy and joy. Mia has also worked at The Old Globe, as a publicist for touring theatrical productions, and led Marketing and PR for The Noble Fool Theatre and Trinity Irish Dance Company in Chicago. She is a proud graduate of DePaul University’s Theatre Management program in Chicago, and is part of the creative team for a new immersive holiday show, Reindeer Games, which received a workshop at La Jolla Playhouse and will premiere in 2024.
Thien Ho
Sacramento County District AttorneyPrior to being elected District Attorney, Thien Served as Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney for the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. A proven prosecutor with 20 years of experience, Thien Ho will ensure our system of justice is fair to all and doesn’t leave women, children, and victims of crime behind. In 1998, Thien began his career as a prosecutor in the Bay Area and in 2004, he was sworn in as a Deputy District Attorney for the people of Sacramento County. Thien has also been a leader in the Sacramento community against the rise of Asian hate. As Assistant Chief, Thien is the lead prosecutor to engage in outreach regarding hate crimes to vulnerable members of the AAPI community and other groups, including elders and immigrant communities. Additionally, he previously supervised Sacramento’s Gangs and Hate Crime Unit.
Jen LaBarbera
Interim Co-Executive Director at San Diego PrideJen LaBarbera is the Interim Co-Executive Director at San Diego Pride, specifically working with the organization's education & advocacy, programs, and marketing/communications departments. As a queer multiracial neurodivergent nonbinary femme of color, Jen works to advocate for policy to shape and change lives and is invested in the grassroots organizing and community engagement necessary to achieve true social justice and liberation. Jen has nearly 20 years of experience as a librarian, archivist, and political and community organizer and advocate for LGBTQ+ equality and reproductive justice in California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, and Massachusetts.
Summer Stephan
District Attorney, San Diego CountyAs District Attorney, Summer Stephan leads the second-largest DA’s Office in California, managing a professional staff of 1,000 employees, serving as the People’s Prosecutor for San Diego County and its more than three million residents. Summer leverages her extensive courtroom, management, and leadership experience to set clear public safety priorities in collaboration with law enforcement and the community, keeping San Diego County one of the safest urban regions in the United States.
Mai Nguyen
Professor of Urban Studies and Planning and the Director of the Design LabMai Thi Nguyen is a Professor of Urban Studies and Planning and the Director of the Design Lab at the University of California, San Diego. Before arriving at UCSD in 2021, she held academic appointments at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and San Francisco State University. She received her PhD in Urban Planning from the University of California, Irvine in 2004 and her Master’s in Sociology from the Pennsylvania State University in 1998. She received a prestigious dissertation fellowship from the Public Policy Institute of California. She is an award-winning public scholar, researcher, and teacher, garnering teaching excellence awards for undergraduate and doctoral education. Her research focuses on social and spatial equity and examines planning and policy topics related to housing, immigration, and climate change.
Conference Details
WCUDF24 will be held at The Westgate Hotel, located at 1055 2nd Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 and at various locations throughout downtown San Diego.
Want to make the most of your time in downtown San Diego? Explore seven unique neighborhoods, each offering a different vibe and experience. Check out the map to find must–see spots!
Get social! What questions will you come ready to ask? Share them on social media #WCUDF24.
Online registration is now closed for the 2024 West Coast Urban District Forum. You may register on-site at The Westgate Hotel at 1055 2nd Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, February 28-March 1, 2024. (confirm location, is reg at The Westgate Hotel, Normandy Room, 2nd Floor, Wednesday – Friday)
- On-site registration times and rates:
- Wednesday, February 28: noon-5 pm
- Thursday, February 29: 7:30 am-10:30 am
- Friday, March 1: 8:00 am-10:00 am
- On-site Registration Rate: $475 Member | $525 Nonmember
- On-site Registration Rate for Thursday, February 29 only: $300
- On-site Registration Rate for Friday, March 1 only: $275
Daily registration includes access to sessions, meals and/or receptions scheduled for the day of your attendance. Daily registrants are not eligible to attend activities outside their selected day. Session-only registrants are eligible to attend their session only.
CDA Members: If you are logged into the system and are not able to see the member pricing as noted above, please contact registration@downtown.org for assistance before proceeding with your event registration.
Cancellation Policy: Written notice of cancellation is required. Cancellations received via email by February 7, 2024, will receive a refund less a $100 processing fee. Cancellations received via email after February 7, 2024, will not be refunded. If a tour cancellation is received via email by February 7, 2024, there will be no penalty. Tour cancellations received via email after February 7, 2024, will not receive a refund. Refunds will be processed approximately 30 days after the event. Please email the cancellation notification to the International Downtown Association at 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, February 26, 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/Pre-Conference Workshop/Mobile Tour: Pre-conference workshop, pre-conference tours and mobile 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 Westgate Hotel is located at 1055 2nd Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101. Currently, rooms are sold out on certain nights. Based on availability, you may reserve your room online by using this link.
An overflow hotel has been secured at the Courtyard San Diego Downtown, located at 530 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101, at the rate of $239 USD per night, plus tax, for standard room for WCDUF24 attendees. The overflow hotel is approximately a 5-minute (0.3 mile) walk from the host hotel. You may reserve your room online by using this link by Friday, February 9, 2024. Should you need further assistance, please call the reservation line at 619-446-3000 and reference the IDA West Coast Urban District Forum Room Block.
About Westgate Hotel
Arriving at The Westgate is to arrive outside of what is ordinary. Easily accessible by freeway, train and trolley, The Westgate Hotel is a 10-minute drive from the San Diego airport, and within easy walking distance of The San Diego Opera and Symphony, The Museum of Contemporary Art and the historic vibrancy of San Diego’s Gaslamp quarter. The Westgate offers access to AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club, featuring 40,000 square feet of cardio, exercise, and strength equipment by Technogym and Precor; saunas and steam rooms; rooftop Gym; and a heated rooftop pool.
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 polices are often harsh and unforgiving. IDA is not working with any third parties to offer attendees accommodations! If you receive a solicitation and are unsure whether or not it is legitimate, please contact Lul Teklit at lul@downtown.org.
Travel
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is approximately 10 minutes (3.4 miles) from The Westgate Hotel. Taxi/Uber/Lyft is approximately $20-35 USD one-way, based on time of day.
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 2024 West Coast 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 2024 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 Pacific 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 28 Feb 2024
- Thursday 29 Feb 2024
- Friday 01 Mar 2024
Wednesday 28 Feb 2024
- The Westgate Hotel, Normandy (Second Floor)
- Registration is sponsored by Vibemap
- $25
- The Westgate Hotel, Lobby, 1055 2nd Avenue
- Public Space Management and Operations
- Tour San Diego’s oldest continuous-neighborhood business district as it works to highlight Italian-American heritage and contributions. As you explore the district's historic plazas and modern architecture, gain insights into the passion and expertise that drive the success of Little Italy's businesses. Witness the harmonious fusion of culinary heritage and modern commerce that makes Little Italy a true San Diego gem, where the aroma of delicious food mingles with the energy of a thriving business district. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
- $25
- The Westgate Hotel, Lobby, 1055 2nd Avenue
- Economic Development
- The historic Gaslamp Quarter is one of the most exciting areas of San Diego, combining business and nightlife entertainment. This tour will highlight exciting completed and future projects, including Phase 1 of the long-awaited 5th Ave promenade. Explore how to promote and manage a business improvement district in a historically designated area and how to achieve its mission of being San Diego’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment district. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
- $25
- The Westgate Hotel, Regency (Second Floor)
- Public Space Management and Operations
- LPM | 3
- With 275 blocks in its care, the Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Clean & Safe program knew the traditional model of dispatching services needed an overhaul. Join the Clean & Safe team for a workshop and tour to learn more about how the team worked to develop a custom app that succeeds as both a customer service and district management tool, and a source of data-driven evidence of the district’s value to its ratepayers. During this workshop, attendees will take a walking tour of the downtown neighborhood to see how the team implements the Clean & Safe app in the field to dispatch maintenance and safety ambassadors within the district 24/7, rain or shine. *This workshop includes walking; please plan accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
- House of Blues Restaurant & Bar, 1055 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
- Enjoy some drinks and apps at the iconic House of Blues San Diego, located in the downtown business district with the ambiance of an old Southern Delta Juke Joint! The reception will be held indoors and outdoors.
- The House of Blues is .03 miles/6-minute walk from the host hotel, The Westgate Hotel
- Note: All attendees MUST wear their name badges to enter receptions, meal functions, plenary sessions and panels.
- Please note that there will be a brief security check upon entering.
Thursday 29 Feb 2024
- The Westgate Hotel, Normandy (Second Floor)
- Registration is sponsored by Vibemap
- The Westgate Hotel, Versailles Ballroom Foyer and Regency Room Foyer (Second Floor)
- The Westgate Hotel, Versailles Ballroom and Regency Overflow Room (Second Floor)
- Mia Fiorella, Director of Experiences & Activations, La Jolla Playhouse
- Phoebe Cornog, Founder, Pandr Design Co.
- Mai Nguyen, Professor of Urban Studies and Planning and the Director of the Design Lab at the University of California.
- Join this opening plenary session and learn about the splashy and fun well known talk of the town happenings in San Diego that have created a new standard for art, activation and conversation in and about the public realm. Participants will walk away inspirited and empowered to transform their blank canvas spaces into something more fun with the resources and talent already in their own backyard.
- The Westgate Hotel, Versailles Ballroom Foyer (Second Floor)
- Visit exhibiting sponsors to learn how they can enhance your district!
- The Westgate Hotel, Riviera (Third Floor)
- Marketing, Communications and Events
- With the proliferation of social media and the ever-changing cultural dynamics, people are seeking authenticity and tune out promotional messaging. How do we find the right balance between promoting our districts and businesses while being authentic about the place? And add to that the challenge of reaching young professionals – a critical component to return to downtown. Come hear about interesting ways these BIDs are using messaging and getting the word out.
- Assess messaging to find ways to make yours more authentic.
- Experiment with creative content ideas.
- Analyze social media and email metrics through the lens of authenticity.
- Bree von Faith, SVP Marketing and Communications, Downtown Center BID (Los Angeles, CA)
- Johnna Hughes, Sr. Content Marketing Specialist, Downtown Center BID (Los Angeles, CA)
- Shifra De Benedictis-Kessner, Urban Economic Analyst, City of Oakland - Business Development Division, Economic and Workforce Development Department (CA)
- The Westgate Hotel, Regency (Second Floor)
- Economic Development
- CM | 1.25
- Increased office vacancies in downtowns across North America due to economic downturn and the COVID-19 pandemic have required innovative solutions towards revitalization. Calgary's Downtown Development Incentive Program for office conversion had its beginnings back in 2021, while more recently Denver launched their Adaptive Reuse Pilot Program in August 2023. Learn how these two cities are using a variety of strategies to transform their downtowns from business districts to diverse neighborhoods.
- Understand how municipalities have leveraged resources to incentivize the conversion of vacant office space to residential and other uses in the downtown core.
- Engage in collaboration between downtown development organizations, municipalities and other interested parties to understand the best opportunities and tools for revitalization.
- Envision increased vibrancy and diversity in the downtown, moving from a 9-5 central business district to a 24-7 community with services and amenities for a variety of demographics.
- Steve Wirzba, Downtown Planner – Downtown Strategy, City of Calgary (AB)
- Natalie Marchut, Manager of Development & Strategy – Downtown Strategy, City of Calgary (AB)
- Jennifer Ramsey, Adaptive Reuse Senior Development Project Administrator, City of Denver (CO)
- The Westgate Hotel, Versailles Ballroom (Second Floor)
- Organization Management
- Diversified revenue streams are critical for robust, sustainable and successful place-based management districts. Many place-based management organizations maintain a 501(c)3 nonprofit entity. However, only some maximize the potential of creating vibrant districts through a comprehensive philanthropic strategy. In this session, learn how districts across the country successfully manage tax-exempt 501c3 organizations and leverage corporate, individual and foundation gifts to support their districts.
- Build a successful capital development strategy.
- Create board and stakeholder buy-in for philanthropic support.
- Diversify management district revenues to support thoughtful, sustainable services and programming.
- Jacqueline Robinette, Organizational Development Lead, BDS Planning & Urban Design (Seattle, WA)
- Steven Welliver, LPM, Executive Director, The Hollywood Partnership (CA)
- Raasin McIntosh, VP Active Urbanism, Downtown Austin Alliance (TX)
- The Westgate Hotel, Versailles Ballroom and Regency Overflow Room (Second Floor)
- Jason Bryant – Principal, Bryant Government Affairs
- Summer Stephan, District Attorney, San Diego County
- Kevin Barton is the District Attorney for Washington County, Oregon
- Thien Ho, Sacramento County District Attorney, Sacramento, CA
- This panel session and conversation will focus on key policy areas impacting downtown and businesses. Topics will include: Grants Pass v. Johnson Supreme Court Case, changes to theft laws in California, enforcement of homelessness, drug and substance abuse enforcement and the impacts on businesses.
- $25
- The Westgate Hotel, Lobby, 1055 2nd Avenue
- Public Space Management and Operations
- Petco Park has been named America’s top ballpark! This tour will highlight the activation and management of both the ballpark and the surrounding ballpark district. Learn more about what it takes to operate and manage one of the top cathedrals of America’s Pastime. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
- $25
- The Westgate Hotel, Lobby, 1055 2nd Avenue
- Economic Development
- Attend and view the IQHQ office space at 989 Pacific Highway for a two-part session that opens with a panel discussion and a guided tour of the innovative IQHQ-RaDD campus. RaDD, the largest urban commercial waterfront site spanning over ten acres along California's Pacific Coast, is a transformative life science district reshaping downtown San Diego. With over five acres of green space, premier retail, outdoor dining, public art and premium event space, RaDD aims to redefine the cityscape and elevate the urban experience. The panel explores the profound impact of public art on communities, tourism, foot traffic and social engagement. Emphasizing the transformative potential of integrating public art within office buildings and mixed-use campuses, the discussion focuses on fostering creativity and enhancing tenant attraction and retention in the dynamic real estate market. Post-panel, participants will embark on a guided tour of The RaDD Art Walk (located across the street from the IQHQ office), featuring 18 contemporary public artworks strategically positioned across the 8-acre waterfront campus. Spanning five city blocks, this curated collection provides a firsthand experience of the innovative urban development approach and the practical implementation of public art within RaDD's dynamic landscape. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly.
- The Westgate Hotel, Riviera (Third Floor)
- Marketing, Communications and Events
- Events are a long-standing tool in every downtown's marketing tool kit and are taking on a new importance in a post-COVID world. Whether your district has "bounced back" or is still assimilating to a WFH world, events and programming can start conversations, reposition brands and most importantly – drive foot traffic. Please join us for an exploration of what makes events successful and how to implement your own strategic event program, regardless of budget.
- Learn how to develop a strategic events program that meets the unique needs of your downtown.
- Hear about the role events and programming play in a downtown's resiliency.
- Leave with event ideas for all budgets.
- Ariana Gomez, Director of Marketing & Partnerships, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (CA)
- Kim DeMeritt, Director of Events, Downtown Tempe Authority (AZ)
- The Westgate Hotel, Versailles Ballroom (Second Floor)
- Economic Development
- CM | 1.25
- The 2023 edition of P.U.M.A.'s Global Trends Report highlights opportunities and challenges arising from converging shifts in demographics, lifestyles and disruptive forces that are shaping our cities. The latest edition of the report comes at a pivotal moment for downtowns and urban districts. This session will provide an overview of post-pandemic trends, and how downtown organizations in Sacramento, Long Beach, and Spokane are responding.
- Gain an understanding of the top post-pandemic trends shaping cities and downtowns.
- Understand implications from key trends for downtown management organizations and practical ideas for navigating the years ahead.
- Explore how these trends are shaping cities and how organizations are responding.
- Brad Segal, President, Progressive Urban Management Associates, Inc. (Denver, CO)
- Michael Ault, Executive Director, Downtown Sacramento Partnership (CA)
- Austin Metoyer, President & CEO, Downtown Long Beach Alliance (CA)
- Emilie Cameron, President & CEO, Downtown Spokane Partnership (WA)
- The Westgate Hotel, Regency (Second Floor)
- Economic Development
- CM | 1.25
- Looking to learn how to spur investment in your district by using data? Join this session and hear from seasoned practitioners in the field of place management and economic development about leading collaborations with stakeholders to develop a strategy to build what their respective districts deserve. Walk away learning how to conduct a comprehensive market analysis for your district and how to use it to spur investment, development and recruitment by making it accessible to everyone.
- Understand why a Comprehensive Market Analysis is important to entice developers.
- Explore engaging all stakeholders in the CMA process to create the results your city deserves.
- Discover how to use the data to spur investment, strategic planning and development.
- Julie Reinhardt, Community Development Director, Downtown Lansing, Inc. (MI)
- Cathleen Edgerly, Executive Director, Downtown Lansing, Inc. (MI)
- Jennifer Lindley, Downtown Development Manager, Town of Queen Creek (AZ)
- The Westgate Hotel, Versailles Ballroom Foyer (Second Floor)
- Visit exhibiting sponsors to learn about solutions!
- The Westgate Hotel, Versailles Ballroom (Second Floor)
- Leadership Development
- Join this open discussion forum and share your experiences to gain insight into everyday challenges you are facing. This session will be facilitated by your peers.
- Betsy Brennan, President and CEO, Downtown San Diego Partnership, San Diego, CA
- Erin Goodman, Executive DIrector, SODO BIA, Seattle, WA
- The Westgate Hotel, Regency (Second Floor)
- Public Space Management and Operations
- Join this open discussion forum and share your experiences with public safety, ambassador programs and homelessness to gain insights. This session will be facilitated by your peers.
- Chloe Shipp, Deputy Director, San Jose Downtown Association, San Jose, CA
- Matt Allen, Director of Operations, SoMA West Community Benefit District, San Francisco, CA
- The Westgate Hotel, Riviera (Third Floor)
- Marketing, Communications and Events
- Join this open discussion forum and share your experiences to gain insight into everyday challenges you are facing. This session will be facilitated by your peers.
- Mackenzie Carter, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, The Hollywood Partnership, Hollywood, CA
- James Ahumada, Senior Vice President Deputy CEO, Downtown Long Beach Alliance, Long Beach, CA
- Elizabeth Zurita, Director of Marketing, LA Fashion District, Los Angeles, CA
- The Guild Hotel, Poppy Patio and Grace Ballroom, Ground Floor, 500 W Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
- The Guild Hotel is .03 miles/7-minute walk from the host hotel, The Westgate Hotel.
- The Guild Hotel is a reimagination of the iconic, historic Armed Services Building with a rich YMCA history in the heart of downtown San Diego. Born in 1924 and reborn in 2019, The Guild seamlessly blends historic charm and modern amenities for an inspiring experience in America's Finest City. Join CDA, Downtown San Diego Partnership, and IDA for the networking mixer, taking place both indoors and outdoors in the original historical gymnasium and Poppy Patio.
- The Networking Mixer is sponsored by SafeCity Connect.
Friday 01 Mar 2024
- The Westgate Hotel, Normandy and Versailles Ballroom Foyer (Second Floor)
- Grab your morning coffee and pastries before sessions start. Breakfast service will be available in the Versailles Ballroom Foyer and Regency Room Foyer starting at 8:00 a.m.
- Registration is sponsored by Vibemap
- $50
- The Westgate Hotel, Lobby, 1055 2nd Avenue
- Economic Development
- Tour the Pacific Beach Business District, a vibrant hub where innovation thrives amidst the allure of the Pacific Ocean. Discover a diverse array of businesses, from tech startups to established retail shops, all interconnected by a shared passion for growth and community. Witness the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels the district's success, as you learn about the stories behind the businesses that shape its identity. Immerse yourself in the laid-back beach culture that permeates the district, where the rhythmic lull of the waves provides a soothing backdrop to your exploration. Experience the harmonious blend of urban energy and coastal charm that makes the Pacific Beach Business District a true San Diego gem. *This tour includes transportation and walking; please plan accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
- $25
- The Westgate Hotel, Lobby, 1055 2nd Avenue
- Economic Development
- Delve into the captivating transformation of San Diego's City Center, the heart of downtown, where the echoes of the past resonate with the innovative spirit of the present and a flourishing live-work-play environment. As the city's oldest Business Improvement District (BID), the area has witnessed a remarkable evolution from its financial and government roots to a vibrant hub of commerce, culture, and residential living, embracing an urban renaissance that is redefining the very essence of downtown San Diego. *This tour includes walking; please plan accordingly.
- The Westgate Hotel, Regency (Second Floor)
- Economic Development
- CM | 1.25
- Inclusivity in downtown housing is usually framed as a question of who can afford to live in the finished product. But development is entrepreneurship, and for inclusive entrepreneurship, we think more about who’s selling than who’s buying. Who is pioneering strategies to nurture an inclusive pipeline of entrepreneurial new developers who come from marginalized communities and backgrounds? What can we learn from this work?
- Explore how to extend inclusive entrepreneurship programs to the business of development.
- Learn about partnerships with equitable real estate financing organizations.
- Gain an understanding of spotting and cultivating emerging developers.
- Elliott Balch, CEO, Downtown Fresno Partnership (CA)
- Justin Smith, Principal, RELEQUITY Enterprises LLC (San Francisco, CA)
- Amanda Bornstein, Interim Co-Director, Real Estate and Training, Community Vision (Oakland, CA)
- The Westgate Hotel, Versailles Ballroom (Second Floor)
- Public Space Management and Operations
- CM | 1.25
- As part of COVID revitalization efforts, three unique programs were created in downtowns across the country –Seattle Restored (Seattle), Arts on the Ave (New York), and Pop-Up to Storefront (Austin) – that activated spaces with arts and culture at the forefront to boost local economies. Explore each program’s implementation and economic impact, tracking strategies that can lead to diverse small business retention in downtowns.
- Understand the relationship between arts & culture and local economy.
- Learn to successfully launch and support an arts & culturally informed activation program that leads to long-term leases.
- Discover how to measure the economic impact of your program.
- Jennie Kovalcik, Project Manager, BDS Planning & Urban Design (Seattle, WA)
- Barbara Anderson, Founder, Art on the Ave NYC (New York, NY)
- Chris Guillot, Founder and CEO, Merchant Method (Seattle, WA)
- Molly Alexander, Founder and CEO, ITP Consulting (Elgin, TX)
- The Westgate Hotel, Riviera (Third Floor)
- Economic Development
- Guided by the "first of its kind" Public Realm Action Plan for Downtown SF, the Downtown San Francisco Partnership (DSFP) began designing and launching physical and programmatic improvements to reinvent how people relate to and use this historic – yet underappreciated – economic center. Learn about principles and specific "how to's" from a recent case study called Landing @ Leidesdorff and its unique project structure (and some good old fashion politicking) to achieve immediate results.
- Learn about the advantages of setting a district-wide vision and strategies for public realm improvements as economic and social resiliency building tools.
- Explore ways to make the case for public realm projects by tying into city-wide initiatives and current opportunities.
- Discover the importance of creating an alliance and building partnerships with the champions of a place (property owners, artists and ground floor businesses) to drive interest, investments and support in each step of the implementation process.
- Claude Imbault, Deputy Director, Downtown San Francisco Partnership (CA)
- Stella Kim, Associate, SITELAB urban studio (San Francisco, CA)
- Amy Cohen, Business Generation Manager, Real Estate & Development, Port of San Francisco (CA)
- Julie Flynn, Senior Project Director, Street Plans (San Francisco, CA)
- The Westgate Hotel, Versailles Ballroom Foyer (Second Floor)
- Visit exhibiting sponsors to learn how they can enhance your district!
- The Westgate Hotel, Regency (Second Floor)
- Public Space Management and Operations
- Practical placemaking programs play a key role in the activation of public spaces. Join this session to learn about two case studies on The Tepatitlán River in México and Vancouver, Canada. Gain insights into best practices, common characteristics, and innovative placemaking strategies. Bring ideas from your own city to gain creative solutions to placemaking.
- Acquire practical skills to promote community activation and cultivate a stronger sense of belonging and social cohesion within diverse neighborhoods.
- Learn to set up citizen laboratories to rescue and activate neighborhoods and cities through placemaking.
- Discover what steps should be taken to promote citizen participation in the rescue and activation of cities.
- Clare Warner, Manager, Placemaking and Public Spaces, Downtown Van (Vancouver, BC)
- Elizabeth Gomez Ibarra, CEO, Ortopedia Urbana/CDE (Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico)
- The Westgate Hotel, Riviera (Third Floor)
- Public Space Management and Operations
- Get a glimpse of how successful partnerships come together to produce the award-winning Downtown SLO Farmers' Market. Learn how you can leverage partnership opportunities with your city to support a vibrant downtown environment. In this session, you will hear more about identifying City resources, realizing the financial benefits of working together, and empowering partnerships in order to provide your community with the best experience possible.
- Take steps to collaborate with city departments or other organizations to support your event.
- Get buy-in from your stakeholders to produce this type of activation.
- See the financial benefits that come with collaboration with city departments or other organizations.
- Maggie Kovach, Events Manager, Downtown SLO, San Luis Obispo, CA
- Ali Bailey, Fundraising Director, Downtown SLO, San Luis Obispo, CA
- The Westgate Hotel, Versailles Ballroom (Second Floor)
- Public Space Management and Operations
- Managing district operations can be rewarding yet challenging at times. Join this session learn how three practitioners develop and maintain service agreements within their respective cities. The importance of establishing a baseline of understanding from property and business owner’s expectations of security services vs ambassadors. Understand your “why” for tracking services and the importance of data collection and how it relates to telling your story to your constituents.
- How conversations and relationship building is a key part of the equation.
- Explore different tools and techniques for managing your district.
- Understand the importance of service agreements.
- Samuel Reyes, MPA, Public Space/Operations Manager, The Hollywood Partnership, Hollywood, CA
- Ivan Villegas, CPP, Director of Operations, LA Fashion District BID, Los Angeles, CA
- Jeremy Ferguson, Operations and Placemaking Director, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.
- The Westgate Hotel, Versailles Ballroom Foyer (Second Floor)
- Mingle with exhibiting sponsors to learn about solutions!
- The Westgate Hotel, Versailles Ballroom and Regency Overflow Room (Second Floor)
- Julie Coker, President and CEO, San Diego Tourism Development Authority
- Theresa Cunningham, DIrector of DEI and Community Engagement, San Diego Tourism Development Authority
- Grace Bagunu, Program Manager in the Department of Race and Equity, City of San Diego
- Jen LaBarbera,Interim Co-Executive Director at San Diego Pride
- This session will focus on key leaders in the San Diego Area with key initiatives focused on greater equity and inclusion within their respective tourism spaces, event planning and government. Participants will walk away with inspiring program ideas and additional tools to incorporate inclusivity and equity in their day to day work.
Sponsors
Urban Champion
District Adovcate
Ambassadors
Interesting in Joining CDA? CDA’s membership is diverse, representing hundreds of small businesses and property owners on main streets and in the historic downtowns and business districts. View CDA’s Membership website for more information.
Interested in Sponsoring?
Align your company with a strong network of placemakers to grow your business.
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.
