Conference Program
The 2024 NJ Downtown Conference & Excellence Awards will be held at The Mezzanine in downtown Montclair!
Join us December 5th to explore the theme of “Downtown Connections.” Engage with professionals from across the state as we delve into strategies for building inclusive, resilient downtowns through equitable investments, partnerships with Chambers of Commerce, and community-centered development. Discover real-world case studies and actionable insights to drive growth and inclusivity in your community.
Thursday, December 5, 2024 | 8:15AM to 4:30PM
Registration, Breakfast, & Networking (8:15AM - 9:00AM)
Enjoy continental breakfast and networking with colleagues and exhibitors.
Downtown Inclusivity in Action: A Blueprint for Connected Communities (9:00AM - 11:00AM)
Welcome Remarks (9:00am-9:15am)
Vanessa Quijano, President of Downtown New Jersey, will open the conference with a year in review for the organization and downtown revitalization.
Keynote Address – James Rojas (9:15am – 10:15am)
Rojas is an urban planner, community activist, educator and artist; and developed an interdisciplinary, community-healing, visioning process that uses storytelling, objects, art-production, and play to help improve the outreach process.
Rojas is a national expert examining U.S. Latinx cultural influences on urban design and sustainability. He is the co-author of Dream Play Build: Hands-on Community Engagement for Enduring Space and Places, with John Kamp.
He is an international expert in public engagement and has traveled around the US, Mexico, Canada, Europe, and South America, facilitating over 500 workshops, and building over 100 interactive models. His research has appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Dwell, Places, and in numerous books.
During his Keynote, Rojas will share with us his approach to enhancing Main Streets through sensory experiences which can bring all people together and improve their wellbeing.
Plenary Discussion (10:15am to 11:15am)
This session explores how investments in inclusive events, arts programs, and strategic developments have strengthened community ties, promoted diversity, and driven economic growth in various downtowns.
Panelists:
- Ana Milena Torres – Muralist; “Hoboken Kaleidoscope,” Asphalt Mural, Hoboken
- Luis Quinones – CEO, Community Lifestyle, Hoboken
- David Placek – Managing Partner, BDP Holdings LLC
Moderator:
- Janet Ristuccia, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C – Senior Associate; Gensler
- Roxanne Earley, LPM – Executive Director, Hoboken Business Alliance
Title/Keynote Sponsor
Strengthening Local Ties: Building Strategic Partnerships with Chambers of Commerce (11:15AM - 12:30PM)
This session will focus on how downtown districts can collaborate with local Chambers of Commerce to foster economic growth, support small businesses, and create stronger community ties. It will highlight best practices for partnership-building, joint marketing efforts, and advocacy for downtown needs within the broader business community.
Panelists:
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Lew Kimble – Executive Director, Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce
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Luis De La Hoz – Chairman, Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
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Francisco Cortes – President/Co-Founder, Veterans Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
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John Harmon – President & CEO, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
Moderator:
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To be Announced
Session Sponsor
Lunch, Awards, & Networking (12:30PM - 1:30PM)
Enjoy lunch and networking with colleagues and exhibitors. We’ll also present the winners of the 2024 NJ Downtown Excellence Awards during a brief luncheon ceremony.
Resources for your Downtown from NJEDA (1:30PM to 1:50PM)
Learn from our Session Sponsor the New Jersey Economic Development Authority about programs, services and products beneficial to your downtown.
Density, Affordability, and Quality-of-Life in New Jersey’s Downtowns (2:15pm to 3:30pm)
New Jersey’s commercial centers are vital to our state’s economic health and the well-being of our communities. This panel will explore development and the balance needed to ensure that communities remain affordable and that the needs of existing residents and the quality of life of a place are supported.
Panelists:
- David Placek – Managing Partner; BDP Holdings LLC
- Adenah Bayoh – Founder; Adenah Bayoh & Companies
- Arthur A. Linfante – Managing Director; Integra Realty Resources – Northern New Jersey
Moderator:
- Chris Bernardo – President & CEO; Commercial District Services
Session Sponsor
Happy Hour Reception (3:30PM - 4:30PM)
Take a short walk down Bloomfield Ave for a cocktail reception at Pineapple Express – enjoy your first drink on us, and stay for a tour of Lackawanna Station, the future home of the “Montclair Flea”!
Sponsored by:
