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2 MIN READ -- The International Downtown Association and Chicago Loop Alliance will cohost the 2023 International Downtown Association’s (IDA) Annual Conference and Marketplace, in Chicago October 4-6, 2023. The conference attracts over 1,000 downtown leaders from international urban districts; gathers influential representatives in place management, real estate, community organizing, and public art in various Master Talks; and educates attendees through breakout sessions and mobile tours throughout Chicago and the surrounding area. Full conference details including sessions, workshops, tours, and registration are now available to the public. Learn more about the 2023 IDA Conference and register here.
This year’s conference theme, Community, Culture, Commerce, showcases Chicago through its unique traditions and history, leading public-private partnerships, and world-class business acumen.
“Downtown leaders from around the world chose the Chicago Loop as a prime destination to convene, because of our expertise in placemaking and urban place management,” said Michael Edwards, President and CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. “As a city filled with world-class dining, attractions, retail, office, arts and entertainment, we look forward to hosting international leaders in the fastest growing downtown in the U.S. Together, we will share and learn from the unique challenges downtowns have faced in recent years.”
Over 50 breakout sessions and forums indicate the dynamic mix of place management and urban districts’ needs today, including a unique perspective of how a downturn can spark rebirth; and open streets analysis for downtowns; leadership development forums for young professionals and executive directors; and sessions on place management for BIPOC.
Master Talk sessions featuring speakers from across the country include notable Chicago area representatives Jahmal Cole, activist and founder of My Block, My Hood, My City; Dwight White, multi-disciplinary artist; Leon Walker, managing principal of DL3 Realty Advisors; Darlene Jackson (DJ Lady D), producer and Chicago house music DJ; and Robin Rue Simmons, founder of FirstRepair, the nation’s first government-funded reparations program; and other major urban district leaders such as Paul Levy, President and CEO of Philadelphia’s Center City District and Vincent-Ray Williams, founder of Urban Compassion Project in Oakland, California.
Attendees will get to know many of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods and the surrounding area through mobile tours starting October 3 in historic and innovative Chicago community areas such as Chatham, South Shore, Rogers Park, Fulton Market, the Magnificent Mile, and the Chicago Loop; and suburban districts like Libertyville, Naperville, and Evanston.
“IDA is thrilled to co-host our 69th Annual Conference & Marketplace with Chicago Loop Alliance, where attendees from cities around the world will learn how to harness the power to shape the future of cities everywhere,” said David Downey, President and CEO of IDA. “Our members are eager to have a meaningful journey in Chicago, all while sharing ideas to inspire each other and find solutions to emerging challenges in their city centers and commercial neighborhoods.”
