Place Matters Summit
Place Matters Summit gathers community leaders from various sectors including local government, business, non-profit, and association industries to engage in meaningful discussions, gain valuable insights, and be inspired to take proactive steps in nurturing vibrant communities and neighborhoods.
Date
November 13, 2024
Time
11:30AM–5:30PM
Registration
Early Bird: $60
if registered before October 14, 2024
General Admission: $75
*Lunch included with ticket price
This event is sold out. If you are interested in being added to the waitlist, please email Jill Elliott at elliottj@xyschool.net.
Placemaking means many things to different people – but we can all agree that positive, proactive and strategic placemaking is essential for our communities to prosper.
Our Place Matters Summit will gather community leaders spanning the local government, business, non-profit and association spaces to discuss, learn about and be inspired by ways to actively cultivate their communities and neighborhoods as vibrant places.
Featured Keynote:
"Redefining Community: People, Places, Purpose" - Allyson Brunette
Our social institutions are deteriorating due to digital-induced isolation, poor urban design, and weakened human connections, which impact both community and mental health. To reverse this trend, we need to focus on revitalizing public spaces, redefining 21st-century service, and fostering genuine offline connections. We CAN restore our social fabric and civic engagement!
Lightning Talks:
"Vibrancy Through Activation: Ways to Make Your Public Spaces Come Alive!"
- Gregg Hampshire, Executive Director of Creston Neighborhood Association
- Megan Lavell, Executive Director of Thornapple Arts Council
- Haley Stichman, Director of Ada Township DDA
Panel Discussion:
Growth, Development, and Community Character: You Can Have it All!
- Dan Leonard, Redevelopment Services Director at Michigan Economic Development Corporation
- Emily Petz, Community Housing Expert at W.E. Upjohn Institute
- Ryan Schmidt, Partner at Indigo Design + Development
- Andy Wenzel, Vice President/Senior Development Integration Leader at Fishbeck