Join IDA and Downtown Madison, Inc in Madison, Wisconsin for Place Matters May 13-15, 2026. The conference program will explore economic development strategies and public space management and operations including placemaking and activations. Let’s come together to explore meaningful public private partnerships, strategic visioning and economic development strategies for all. We are looking to have impactful conversations around ambassador programs, public space maintenance and serving the unhoused. 

We invite you to submit session proposals by Thursday, January 8, 2026 Submission details and topic guidelines are below. Joint proposals, including peers from multiple cities will be given higher priority for consideration. Sessions should fit within the following topic areas listed below.

• Economic Development strategies
• Public Space Management and Operations which includes: Placemaking and Activations, Public Safety, Mental Health, and Homelessness. 
• Marketing, Communications and Events
• Policy and Advocacy

If you need assistance please contact Carolyn Dellutri, CAE, CTP, CMSM, Director of Professional Development at carolyn@downtown.org 

Deadline: Thursday, January 8, 2026 11:59PM PT. To get started, please complete the form below. You can stop, save and return to work at any time before the deadline. 

When you've completed the form, please click 'Submit' at the bottom. 

Please remember that speakers are required to register for the conference. Options for daily registration will be available. 

Note: Submitting an idea or panel session does not guarantee selection. IDA reserves the right to select ideas and speakers to fit the needs of our diverse audience. 

Submissions received after the deadline may not be considered. To get started, please complete the submission form by logging into Submittable or easily creating a free account. This is separate from your IDA account login.  You can stop, save and return to work at any time before the deadline. When you have completed the form, please click ‘Submit’ at the bottom. 

The International Downtown Association and co-hosts, the Downtown Toronto BIA Alliance (DTBIAA) and the City of Toronto, will present the 72nd Annual Conference & Marketplace in Toronto, ON, on September 1-3, 2026. Over 1,300 inspired leaders shaping cities from around the globe will convene and discuss emerging trends in place management and walk away with solutions to apply in their respective cities.  

The 2026 conference, themed Intersections: Where Districts, Disciplines & Ideas Converge, will explore how downtowns and city centres are shaped at the intersection of people, ideas and progress. Intersections will celebrate the dynamic convergence of diverse disciplines, lived experiences, cultural identities, and place-based expertise that define our districts. Place managers, placemakers and place leaders of urban place management organizations constantly operate at crossroads — balancing local identity with global change, built form with community needs and tradition with innovation. Whether navigating the emergence of AI, shifting political landscapes or reimagining inclusive public spaces, Intersections will explore how working at these crossroads leads to more resilient, vibrant and equitable urban futures.  

IDA is seeking session proposals that provide tools and solutions to emerging trends related to the following place management domains of professional practice and subject areas.  

Economic Development 

• Entrepreneurship; Business Incubators; Office Conversions and Adaptive Reuse; Attainable and Affordable Housing; Innovation Districts; Future of Work; Nighttime Economy; Cultural Heritage Tourism; Business Recruitment and Retention, Technology Trends and use of AI 

Marketing, Communications and Events 

• Marketing Strategies; Social Media Strategies; Use of AI in Marketing and Communications; Communications Strategies; Storytelling; Events and Festivals 

Public Space Management and Operations 

• Public Safety; Managing Public Space; Ambassador Programs; Technology Trends and use of AI; Placemaking, Activations; and Placekeeping  

Organizational Management 

• Governance; Finance and budgeting; Membership Strategies; Fundraising Strategies; Managing Staff; board management, technology trends and use of AI

Leadership Development 

• Board leadership; external relationship building;  

Planning, Design and Infrastructure 

• Downtown Planning; Infrastructure and mobility; Designing Inclusive Districts; Sustainability 

Policy and Advocacy 

• Government relations; Climate Change; Equity and Inclusion 

The submission details are below. When submitting your session proposal, please remember the committee looks for diversity in topic, geographic region, race, ethnicity and gender in the makeup of a panel. Previous conference session surveys have indicated a need for racial diversity in speakers and content related to small to medium size districts/budgets. Therefore, when submitting your application, we ask how your session will address these needs.  

There are two types of proposals to choose from: 

1. Breakout Session: This consists of a 75-minute session with one moderator and three panelists addressing a topic in a domain of professional practice. This may include case studies, but you must explain the steps of the project and the outcomes. 

2. Workshop: three-hour deep dive workshop on a specific topic where skills, strategies and techniques are shared with the audience. This type of program includes audience participation and interaction. 

3. Other 

Each submitter is limited to two submissions. Each speaker will be limited to two session speaking roles. When contacting speakers for your submission, please be aware if someone is already proposed for another session. All speakers must be confirmed when submitting a proposal. You will be asked to verify they have been notified when you are filling out the form. 

Proposals submitted with a single vendor/consultant will not be considered  

Joint proposals, including peers from multiple-size cities/budgets, will be given higher priority for consideration.  

Full consideration will be given to all complete submissions using the following guidelines:  

• Proposal offers fresh topical ideas and reflects the diversity of IDA’s membership.  
• Proposal includes three learning objectives. Each learning objective should have one measurable action verb (e.g. define, describe, explain, apply), and explain what the attendee will be able to do once the session has ended. 
• Proposal is relevant to the work of place management professionals. 
• Proposal includes innovative approaches and perspectives.  
• Proposal engages the audience and presents forward-looking approaches to new challenges.  
• Proposals may include a moderator and up to three speakers for a 75-minute session.  

You will be asked to identify what level of learning your session will include.  Below are guidelines when creating your session. 

Introductory 

• Session will introduce terminology and basic concepts related to the topic area 
• 101 type session 
• Suitable for attendees who are new to this profession 

Intermediate 

• Session will provide more in-depth coverage of a topic and may focus on a specific area of place management 
• Session may provide guidance on implementation and application of knowledge or share lessons learned 
• Suitable for attendees who have mastered the fundamentals of the content and would like to gain more extensive knowledge 

Advanced 

• Session may provide technical information, new or cutting-edge developments, or discuss strategic considerations 
• Session will provide information suitable for experienced place management professionals 
• Suitable for attendees who are experienced or have advanced knowledge in this content area 

The deadline to submit proposals is Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 11:59 pm ET. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Carolyn Dellutri, CAE, CTP, CMSM, Director of Professional Development, at carolyn@downtown.org. You will be asked to confirm that your session and speaker submission are complete.  Only complete sessions will be considered for review by the committee.   

Submissions received after that date may not be considered. To get started, please complete the submission form (link to Submittable). You can stop, save, and return to work at any time before the deadline. When you’ve completed the form, please click ‘Submit’ at the bottom.  

Please remember that speakers are required to register for the conference. Options for daily registration will be available.  

Note: Submitting a session does not guarantee selection. IDA reserves the right to select ideas and speakers to fit the needs of our diverse audience. Registration will open in late spring of 2026. If you’re looking forward to Toronto, start the conversation now on social media using #IDATO26. 

The IDA Emerging Leader Fellowship is a week-long experiential program that brings together a cohort of IDA professionals from within the place management profession. The fellows will learn essential leadership and place management skills and gain practical tools in the areas of place-based economic development, the live-work-play experience, and public-private partnerships.

Who is eligible to attend?
   This program is for mid-career place management professionals who are currently employed by a place management organization as a CEO new to the industry; a senior staff member in a large organization; or an executive director of a small to mid-sized organization looking to advance their skills. If you aspire to lead an organization one day, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss. Consultants or vendors who provide services to place management organizations are not eligible to participate in this program.

How are applicants accepted?
    IDA is looking to create a diverse cohort of fellows with a variety of professional backgrounds, organization size, geographies and demographics. It is important to IDA that we are successful in our efforts to have a diverse cohort. Space is limited to 30 professionals. Attendees must be IDA members.

When, where and cost?
  IDAELF26 will take place June 7-12, 2026 in New York City, NY.  The program cost is $3000 and includes expert speakers, program materials, meals each day and a subway pass for the week. Price does not include hotel, airfare, airport transfers, or any other incidentals you may incur.

Applications
  Applications are due to IDA by December 10, 2025 at midnight ET. Applicants must complete several brief essay questions and submit the following:
 

• Two references who will provide letters of support,
• Updated resume and bio, and
• Recent high-resolution color headshot.

Please contact Carolyn Dellutri, CAE, CMSM, CTP  IDA Director of Professional Development, at carolyn@downtown.org with any questions about the program.

How will I know if I’m accepted?
  The final cohort will be selected by February 2026.  You will be notified via email from Carolyn Dellutri, CAE, CMSM, CTP, IDA Director of Professional Development.
Details
      Space is limited to 30 professionals. Attendees must be IDA members. The hotel accommodations and travel are at the expense of the attendee. Attendees will be required to stay at the IDA selected hotel during the week of the program. A room block has been secured by IDA and will be announced once attendees have been accepted and notified.
ELF Program 

This program is a sample and subject to change. 

Past ELF Cohorts 

To see past Emerging Leader cohorts, click here.

 

Are you an expert in your field? IDA’s Top Issues Councils address a selection of the most pressing issues facing downtowns and city centers. This year’s Top Issues Council briefs cross a variety of topics that UPMOs face.  Applications to join the 2026 Councils are open now and due by Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 11:59 pm ET. Council work will commence no later than February 2026.  

To be eligible for a Top Issues Council position, the applicant must be an IDA member. Further guidelines can be found below on the application. Questions? Contact Cathy Lin, AICP, Director of Research, at cathy@downtown.org.  

1. Adapting to the Future of Commercial Office 

As office property values decline across North American cities, many municipalities and UPMOs face financial uncertainty due to budgets tied to assessments. The Council will lead research to identify strategies for stabilizing and increasing downtown office values, and quantifying the scale of the challenge. Key questions could include: How are UPMOs collaborating to attract tenants and reinvigorate office markets? What innovative approaches are mitigating financial impacts? 

2. Growing Membership Organizations

Membership programs are essential for UPMOs, offering financial support and engaged stakeholders. This research will explore how to grow and sustain membership, focusing on revenue generation and cultivating organizational champions. Key questions could include: What drives individuals and businesses to join and stay active? How can UPMOs better communicate value and tailor benefits? What role do events, referrals, and digital tools play? 

3. Sustaining Partnerships

UPMOs play a key role in fostering “radical collaboration” across public, private, and philanthropic sectors to tackle complex urban challenges. As funding tightens, partnerships become increasingly vital—smaller-budget UPMOs may focus on maximizing impact with limited resources, while larger ones rely on sustained collaboration for major initiatives like large-scale amenities. Key questions could include: How are these partnerships structured and maintained? What governance, funding, and accountability mechanisms ensure their durability?

4. Amplifying Impacts of Events

With fewer daily office workers, visitors—tourists, event-goers, and day-trippers—are vital to downtown economies. In 2026, the World Cup and America’s 250th birthday represent unique global events spanning multiple cities that could create new opportunities. This research will examine how UPMOs amplify event impact and sustain momentum. Key questions could include: How can UPMOs collaborate with tourism partners? What sponsorship models drive long-term revenue? How can events align with broader district goals?