Conference Registrant Online Portal
Click a session name below to watch the recording and view other resources.
Thursday, February 10th
The first day of the conference included virtual discussions with industry experts about equity and inclusion, as well as best practices in integrating technology downtown.
Click a session name below to watch the recording and view other resources.
Welcome & Keynote (Watch Recording)
Keynote Sponsor
Robert Zuckerman, President of Downtown New Jersey, opened the conference with a year in review for the organization and downtown revitalization.
Keynote Address: Inclusive Strategies for Economic Resilience
Downtowns must evolve to both serve and attract diverse interests by becoming more welcoming and economically inclusive. Lyneir Richardson kicked off the conference, making the case for how inclusive strategies lead to economic resilience.
Panelists (Speaker bios):
Our keynote speaker was then joined by a panel of distinguished practitioners to discuss real world examples of equitable and inclusive best management practices.
- Aisha Glover, Vice President, Urban Innovation, Audible, Inc.
- Rafael Mata, Senior Consultant, SBDC New Jersey
- Natalie Peneiro, Executive Director, Downtown Somerville Alliance
- Lyneir Richardson, Executive Director, CUEED at Rutgers Business School
- Moderator: Emily Manz, President EMI Strategy
Powerpoint>
Quick Reference Resource Page>
Becoming a Tech Savvy Downtown (Watch Recording)
Session Sponsor
Managing technology is becoming a large part of efficiently managing downtowns. From scooters and bike share to parking to staff supervision, savvy downtowns are making the user experience better and management easier by integrating new technology. Learn about some of the technologies being deployed in NJ’s downtowns.
Panelists (Speaker bios):
- Chris Bernardo, President and CEO, Commercial District Services
- Jef Buehler, Administrator, NJ Neighborhood Preservation Program
- Michael Manzella, Deputy City Manager, Asbury Park
- Vanessa Quijano, SVP of Business Development, Invest Newark
- Moderator: Bob Zuckerman, Executive Director, Downtown Westfield
Powerpoint>
Quick Reference Resource Page>
Friday, February 11th
The second day of the conference featured a virtual discussion among real estate and redevelopment experts about reimagining 20th Century space for 21st Century demand. The morning also included a virtual opportunity to network with sponsors and colleagues.
Click a session name below to watch the recording and view other resources.
Reimagining the White Elephant (Watch Recording)
Session Sponsor
Many of our towns and cities are home to ‘white elephants’ – large scale developments that were conceived in decades past and have become unloved and underutilized due to changes in society since they were constructed. Learn the approaches designers and developers are taking to rethink and repurpose these projects to not only create new spatial typologies, but also respond to critical shifts toward equality and sustainability.
Panelists (Speaker bios):
- Richard Heapes, Co-founder and Partner, Streetworks Development
- Michael G. McGuinness, Chief Executive Officer, NAIOP NJ
- Jonathan Schultz, Co-Founder and Managing Principal, Onyx Equities
- Ralph Zucker, President, Somerset Development
- Moderator: Roger S. Smith. Design Director, Gensler
PowerPoint>
Quick Reference Resource Page>
Virtual Exhibit Hall & Networking (Event Over)
This session provided an opportunity to chat with exhibitors, catch up with colleagues, and discuss hot topics with your peers.
Approved for 4.75 AICP CM continuing education credits.
