Welcome to the IDA submissions portal. Here you will find links to submit projects, proposals and applications. For any submission, you can always save, exit and return to your work at a later time. To begin, please select the category in which you wish to submit. Note, you will need to create a Submittable account (or login to an existing account), which is separate from your IDA account.
IDA + CDA Place Matters in Oakland, CA hosted in partnership between the International Downtown Association, California Downtown Association and Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council on March 10-12, 2027.
The conference program will explore economic development strategies, operations and placemaking best practices, communicationinitiativesand the use of technology in urban place management.Come prepared to network with peers and engage in meaningful dialogue to support the development of downtown and neighborhood districts. Be inspired by industry experts, visionary strategies, transformativediscussionsand practical insights that willempower youto drive positive change in your district.
We invite you to submit session proposals by Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
Submission details and topic guidelines are below based on 2026 survey results. Sessions should fit within the following topic areas listed:
- Organizational Management and Leadership Development: BID growth and expansion; changes in funding models; managing conflict; strategies for accomplishing goals with limited budgets; working with local government and regulations.
- Marketing, Communications and Events: Social media strategies; place branding; public relations; leveraging media relationships; sponsorships; utilizing AI in marketing and communications
- Economic Development strategies: Engaging stakeholders; establishing entertainment zones; business recruitment and retention strategies
- Public Space Management and Operations: Placemaking and activations; public safety; mental health; homelessness; clean team and ambassador programs
Joint proposals from multiple cities, with varied organization size and budget, will be given higher priority for consideration. Based on previous years' surveys, attendees want more practical, actionable content, sessions tailored to different size organizations and budgets, and opportunities for peer learning while sharing real-world experiences.
Please remember speakers are required to register for the event. Options for daily registration will be available. Note: Submitting a panel session does not guarantee selection. IDA and CDA reserve the right to select submissions and speakers to meet the needs of our diverse audience.
The deadline to submit proposals is Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET. If you need assistance or have any questions please contact Carolyn Dellutri, CAE, CTP, CMSM, Director of Professional Development, at carolyn@downtown.org.
Submissions received after the deadline may not be considered.