The first full day of the conference will be capped off with a hosted networking reception. This social event is designed to get our multi-disciplinary audience talking and networking with each other early in the conference.
Networking Activities
When Things Don’t Go as Expected!
Friday, February 2, 2018 | 7:30 – 8:45 AM
Come meet your colleagues working on planning, health and built environment issues around the country to network and talk about common struggles.
This will be a unique forum where challenges are valued for the insight and creativity they inspire. Participants will decide on topics for small group discussions, which may include difficulties in navigating turf issues, facilitating clashes between advocates and local government, or maintaining momentum for projects with massive delays. Arrive with a problem, share a solution or surprising outcome, and leave with support from a new network of colleagues who are in the same boat.
Grab your breakfast and join us!
Smart Growth in Rural Communities and Small Towns: Making the Rural-Urban Connection
Friday, February 2, 2018 | 7:30 – 8:45 AM
Smart growth is happening all across the country – from rural communities and small towns to big cities and suburban areas.
Do you already work on smart growth issues in a rural region or small town, and want to know what others are doing? Are you an urban dweller interested in rural towns near your city and the role rural places play in your urban economy? Do you want to learn more about how to forge meaningful partnerships between rural communities and urban areas? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then this networking session is for you! The session will include small group discussions on economic diversification, demographic change, rural-urban connections, and more, and will build on the themes discussed during the conference. Please join us to contribute and learn from these rich conversations, and to connect with others who care about smart growth in small towns and rural communities.