New York State Urban Council

 

In the world of downtown and commercial district revitalization, “place” means everything. Cities, towns, villages, BIDs, CDCs, and Chambers of Commerce are all in the business of creating and managing places that people want to visit and enjoy.

 

The 2015 New York State Downtown Conference is focused on downtown place-making. The 2015 conference is set in downtown Ithaca, home to the brand new Ithaca pedestrian mall, one of only 25 active pedestrian malls in the United States.” The Art & Science of Place-Making “will give you newfound in-sights into the many challenges and opportunities that face downtowns and commercial districts.

 

Eighteen different breakout sessions packaged over two full days will feature place-making subjects ranging from public safety to public art; from business attraction and retail trends to using new technology for managing and marketing your downtown. Over 30 presenters from across the State will share their experiences and perspectives. Participate in special tours of downtown Ithaca—visit retail cooperatives, get an insider’s tour of the new Ithaca pedestrian mall, tour public art, and walk four blocks from downtown into a gorge complete with waterfalls and end up in Collegetown. Enjoy a reception at Colitivare, downtown Ithaca’s new state-of-the-art culinary art’s center. Sessions will be held throughout downtown, including in Cinemapolis, downtown Ithaca’s five screen nonprofit arts cinema. This is truly a special opportunity to learn, share, and experience. Click here to preview the preliminary conference agenda.

 

 

Conference Check-In

On Tuesday morning September 15, attendees will convene at Cinemapolis on East Green Street underneath the Green Street parking garage to check-in and pick up your conference packet. Registration opens at 8:00 am and the official program starts at 9:00 am. A continental breakfast is provided.