2026 Georgia Downtown Conference

Share this page

2026 Georgia Downtown Conference

Join us for the 2026 Georgia Downtown Association Conference in Downtown Rome, Georgia. This year's conference registration fee includes admission to Opening Session, Awards Ceremony, Conference Educational Sessions/Workshops, Refeshment Breaks, silent Auction, program materials, and more. To learn more visit, www.georgiadowntownassociation.org/conference.

Online Registration Deadline: August 1, 2026. All registrations and payments received after this date will be processed as an on-site, and a $75 processing fee will be applied. Registration fees must be paid in full prior to participation in the conference. Payments may be made by credit card. You must create or sign into your account to register for the conference. Please use the sign-in/registration form on the right-hand side of the screen to get started.

Hotel Rooms: GDA has reserved hotel blocks at three Rome hotels with discounted conference rates.
Courtyard by Marriott Rome Riverwalk Cutoff date July 17
Hawthorn Suites Cutoff date July 20
Hampton Inn and Suites Rome Cutoff date August 20

Please use this link for information on the hotels and booking links and call-in details. Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received before August 1, will receive a refund less a $75 processing fee. Written notice of cancellation is required. Refunds will be processed approximately 30 days after the event. Cancellations received after August 1 will not be refunded.

GMA strives to accommodate all guest needs at GMA-hosted events, but we cannot guarantee that food available at GMA-hosted events is completely free from allergens. If you have food allergies, please take necessary precautions, as attending means you accept responsibility for any potential reactions. While we do our best, we are unable to assume liability for food-related concerns. GMA has no control over food provided at events it does not host, even when such events take place in conjunction with or in the same venue as GMA-hosted events. You should reach out directly to the host of such events to discuss any food restrictions.

GMA Privacy Legal Disclaimer https://www.gacities.com/general/privacy-policy

Accessibility

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event, please contact our support team as soon as possible. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Terms and Privacy

All registrants and attendees of events managed by GMA or a GMA-Managed Entity are bound by this Privacy Policy and these Terms of Use.

When

8/17/2026 7:00 AM - 8/20/2026 11:30 AM
Eastern Daylight Time

Where

Downtown Rome Rome, GA UNITED STATES

Registration

Last day to register is 7/31/2026

Event Contact

GMA Conferences & Management Services - Phone: (678) 686-6255

Program

Select programs by

Monday, 17 August 2026

Description
Electrical Power Category Exhibitors Track Exhibitors When 8/17/2026 7:30 AM - 8/20/2026 11:59 PM 7:30 AM
CDP 1 Training: Planning & Land Use for Downtowns The purpose of this class is to acquaint downtown development professionals with Georgia's comprehensive planning requirement and the basics of zoning ordinances. Downtown professionals will be able to participate in the city's planning process, insure downtown has appropriate zoning, and focus on implementing the comprehensive plan for downtown. Learning Objectives List the elements of a comprehensive plan in Georgia. Explain what zoning regulates and the process to change local zoning code. *Describe how comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances impact downtown development. Category Training Track Attendees Time 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM 8:30 AM
CDP 2 Training: Funding, Resources, and Tools II TThis class will provide downtown development professionals with an in-depth understanding of how to use funding, resources, and tools for a variety of development projects. Learning Objectives Recognize the difference between community-facilitated development and community-initiated development and when each is appropriate. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the funding sources available to DDA's to support or initiate development in their downtown. Identify resources available through the DDA to incentivize development by private parties in their downtown district. Appraise potential downtown development projects and determine what resources may be available to assist such projects. Category Training Track Attendees Time 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM 8:30 AM
DDA Basic Training This class is primarily directed at those who serve on Downtown Development Authorities, but it is open to all city officials. Topics include: management of downtown as a valuable resource; the role of the authority, board members and staff; DDA laws; and the day-to-day operations of a Downtown Development Authority. This class is limited to 50 participants. Breakfast and lunch will be included. Category Training Track Attendees Time 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM 8:30 AM
DDA Advanced Training *Pre-requisite: Downtown Development Authority Basic Training. This class builds on the Downtown Development Authority Basic Training class with an emphasis on applying downtown development tools. The importance of developing a downtown vision and a plan are discussed. Attendees also hear the basics of navigating Business Improvement Districts, Community Improvement Districts, Tax Allocation Districts, Historic Preservation Tax Credits, the Redevelopment Powers Act and Urban Redevelopment Law. Best practice examples of utilizing federal, state and local partnerships, programs and incentives are shared. Class participants are given an opportunity to immediately apply the tools and programs highlighted in the class through a case study exercise. This class is limited to 50 participants. Breakfast and lunch will be included. Category Training Track Attendees Time 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM 8:30 AM
Main Street 101 As a comprehensive economic development tool, the Main Street Approach® is the foundation many communities in Georgia and nationwide use to strengthen their historic downtown and commercial districts. This session will provide an orientation to the Main Street Approach® for new board and staff, committee volunteers, and those looking to support their downtown with this proven revitalization strategy. All new Main Street Managers and Board Members are required to become Main Street 101 certified within the first 12 months of taking their position. This class will satisfy that requirement. (GEMS communities will receive a $25 discount. Must use coupon code that will be provided) Breakfast & lunch on your own Category Training Track Attendees Time 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM 8:30 AM
HPC Training In partnership with the Georgia Downtown Conference, the Georgia Historic Preservation Division will be sponsoring a full-day of training for members of the state’s local historic preservation commissions. This training will cover a wide-variety of topics related to historic preservation, including what it means to serve on a historic preservation commission, programs and tools that can be utilized to protect and rehabilitate the historic resources in your city or county, and how to use historic preservation as a tool to grow and strengthen your local community. All sessions will be presented by professionals with educational and/or professional experience in or with the field of historic preservation. Although this training is directed primarily towards historic preservation commission members, all local community leaders and city officials are welcome to attend as well. For local governments that are a part of the Certified Local Government program, attending this training will satisfy the training requirements for historic preservation commission members. Breakfast and lunch on your own Category Training Track Attendees Time 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM 9:00 AM
Mentor/Mentee Happy Hour Category Happy Hour Track Attendees Time 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM 4:30 PM
Welcome Reception hosted by City of Rome Item accessible to those attending training only. Track Attendees Time 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM 5:30 PM

Tuesday, 18 August 2026

Description
Opening General Session Time 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM 9:00 AM
Concurrent Session: From Permit to Prosperity: Aligning Stormwater Programs with Community Development Goals The City of Lawrenceville transformed stormwater from a perceived barrier into a catalyst for downtown revitalization. Through early collaboration and smart integration, stormwater best practices now support a vibrant destination, active event calendar, public education, and long-term resilience—all while meeting permit requirements. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 11:00 AM
Concurrent Session: From Vision to Vibrancy: Building an Engaged Downtown in 12 Years How do you transform a downtown into a thriving, connected destination in just over a decade? This panel explores a 12-year journey of planning, partnerships, and community activation. Hear from city leaders on key strategies, challenges, and lessons learned, and leave with practical, replicable ideas to drive growth in your own downtown. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 11:00 AM
Concurrent Session: Small City, Big Vision: Placemaking that Transforms Communities Discover how placemaking transforms cities from not simply places that are livable but places that are loveable. Learn practical strategies and hear real-world insights from Fitzgerald, Georgia, where creative partnerships, local leadership, and resourcefulness are driving investment, supporting the arts, and strengthening civic life. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 11:00 AM
Concurrent Session: Why Busy Doesn’t Always Mean Progress Most downtowns are busy, but they keep running into the same issues. This session helps leaders identify where momentum is breaking down and why activity is not translating into results. Participants leave with a clear 90-day priority and a simple framework to guide better decisions and stronger coordination. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 11:00 AM
Concurrent Session: Burnout Is Not a Badge of Honor: Protecting Decision-Making in Downtown Development Downtown leaders face constant pressure to deliver results with limited resources. This session introduces a practical framework to protect decision-making, reduce burnout, and sustain performance. Participants will learn how to identify cognitive overload early and apply strategies that improve leadership clarity, team effectiveness, and long-term. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 2:00 PM
Concurrent Session: Influence Downtown: Partnering with Content Creators to Reach Your Target Audience Learn how the City of Perry partnered with a local influencer to promote downtown retail and reach a targeted audience. This session explores campaign structure, content strategy, and lessons learned, offering practical guidance for communities looking to use influencer marketing to increase visibility, attract visitors and support local businesses. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 2:00 PM
Concurrent Session: Brainstorm: A Big Idea Session Join an interactive brainstorming session designed to spark fresh ideas for downtown events, projects, and community improvements. Using guided prompts and AI tools, participants will share ideas in real time and help generate a post-session report. Leave inspired with practical concepts, new energy, and ideas you can bring home. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 2:00 PM
Concurrent Session: Building Your Brand: Creating a Cohesive Downtown Identity A strong downtown brand drives recognition and engagement. Learn how to create a cohesive look and feel, and build your own branding guide with fonts, colors, and imagery, while applying it to social media and digital marketing to strengthen identity and boost audience connection. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 2:00 PM
Mobile Workshop: Clocktower Tour Tour Rome’s Clocktower, built in the early 1870’s, stands as a symbol of the city’s resilience and renewal. Built by the Noble family-whose iron foundry once powered Rome’s growth and was destroyed during the Civil War. The tower was constructed originally as a reservoir for the volunteer fire department steam pumper trucks. Later it would serve the citizens as a water supply. Rising 104 feet above Academy Hill, it historic clock, bronze bell, and 107 steps leading to panoramic views of downtown. Category Mobile Workshops Time 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM 2:00 PM
Mobile Workshop: Underground/Basement Tour Rome’s underground and basement tours reveal a hidden layer of the city shaped by a series of floods with the most devastating of 1886. After floodwater reportedly rose high enough for boats to float down Broad Street, city leaders raised the street. Today, guided tours open historic basements to explore the remains of old Rome and see how the floods forever changed the city’s landscape. Category Mobile Workshops Time 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 2:00 PM
Mobile Workshop: Clocktower Tour Tour Rome’s Clocktower, built in the early 1870’s, stands as a symbol of the city’s resilience and renewal. Built by the Noble family-whose iron foundry once powered Rome’s growth and was destroyed during the Civil War. The tower was constructed originally as a reservoir for the volunteer fire department steam pumper trucks. Later it would serve the citizens as a water supply. Rising 104 feet above Academy Hill, it historic clock, bronze bell, and 107 steps leading to panoramic views of downtown. Category Mobile Workshops Time 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM 2:30 PM
Cocktail Hour and Sponsor Mingle Time 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM 5:00 PM
Dinner, Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony Time 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 6:00 PM

Wednesday, 19 August 2026

Description
Concurrent Session: Homelessness: Finding Impactful, Sustainable & Creative Solutions During this engaging presentation we will share how and why Rome developed a multidisciplinary and impactful initiative to address the current nationwide homelessness crisis. Specifically, we will discuss: --Programs & initiatives, --Effective collaboration & communication, --Creative funding, --Replication & implementation. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM 10:15 AM
Concurrent Session: Plan It! Brand It! Build It! Carrollton's Renaissance Story Carrollton’s Altogether Original downtown has something special. Locals want to keep it that way! Explore how a citizen-driven plan inspired a $58 million mixed-use development, millions in grants and streetscaping, and cohesive signage celebrating local identity. Learn the strategies and funding tools that made it happen over just two years. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM 10:15 AM
Concurrent Session: The Ground Floor is the Soul Dead ground floors don't just look bad — they actively kill downtown momentum. This session makes the case that lease-up is not activation, shows what walkable, human-scale retail actually looks like, and gives Georgia DDAs a concrete playbook for curating the operators that make a downtown feel alive. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM 10:15 AM
Mobile Workshop: From Financing to Front Door: A Walking Tour of Downtown Transformation in Rome Explore downtown Rome through a guided walking tour of projects funded by Georgia Cities Foundation and DCA RLF programs. Experience firsthand how financing tools and technical assistance support redevelopment, strengthen businesses, and create lasting economic impact in communities. Category Mobile Workshop Time 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM 10:15 AM
Concurrent Session: Entertainment Districts: Big Impact on Small Towns This panel explores open container entertainment districts using data from a Downtown Rome study and insights from three experienced practitioners. Attendees will learn measurable impacts, implementation strategies, and effective approaches to engaging city councils and addressing public concerns about alcohol in downtown environments. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 2:00 PM
Mobile Workshop: Apartment and Nova Tour Apartment and Nova Tour-Touring Rome’s apartments, including the new Nova River District Lofts, highlights the best of downtown living. Nova offers modern, riverside apartments along the ECO Greenway, just steps from historic downtown. With walkable access to Broad Street, dining, nightlife, and recreation, it blends scenic views with the convenience of a vibrant neighborhood. Time 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM 2:00 PM
Mobile Workshop: Blueway/Greenway Tour Blueway/Greenway Tour (Trails and Riverboat)-Rome’s Rivers & Trails offer a scenic way to explore the city by land and water. Enjoy a relaxing cruise aboard the Sulzbacher Roman Holiday, a 45-passenger excursion boat based at Heritage Park, or take in views along Rome’s multi-purpose trail system. Winding through historic downtown, these trails connect key areas for walking and biking, with interpretive signs that highlight the city’s rich history and natural beauty. Category Mobile Workshops Time 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM 2:00 PM
Mobile Workshop: Cave Spring Trolley Tour The Cave Spring Historic Commercial District is a charming collection of one-story buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This small but lively strip features antique shops, home décor stores, unique local restaurants, and a beloved fudge shop, making it a perfect stop to explore history, shopping, and small-town character all in one place. Category Mobile Workshops Time 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 2:00 PM
Mobile Workshop: Myrtle Hill Cemetery Tour Myrtle Hill Cemetery, established in 1857, is the final resting place of over 20,000 individuals, including Civil War soldiers, U.S. and Confederate congressmen, a U.S. senator, and First Lady Ellen Axson Wilson. Perched atop one of Rome’s seven hills, it offers panoramic views of downtown Rome, the Etowah Valley, and the Appalachian foothills. Spread across six terraced levels above the floodplain, the cemetery combines natural beauty with deep historic significance. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered one of the most unique and scenic cemeteries in the country. Category Mobile Workshops Time 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM 2:00 PM

Thursday, 20 August 2026

Description
CDP 3 Training: Strategic and Master Planning Downtown development professionals will learn a system for establishing a common direction for their organization to help guide future activity. This class will introduce the principles and methods of strategic planning for downtown development authorities and master planning for downtown districts. Learning Objectives: Describe the differences between strategic and master planning. Explain roles of leadership in organizational planning. Detail the benefits of strategic and master planning for downtowns. Identify mission, vision, goals and objectives. *List categories for master planning. Category Training Track Attendees Time 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM 8:30 AM
CDP 4 Training: Business Development & Support This class will facilitate a deeper understanding of how market analysis can be used to enhance business development, identify critical components of a business plan for greatest success, and how to guide perspective entrepreneurs to community and regional resources. Learning Objectives: Interpret and analyze market data to guide business owners in their decision process. Outline the steps necessary to aid the entrepreneur in the startup process. *Identify community and regional resources and the roles necessary in business development. Category Training Track Attendees Time 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM 8:30 AM

CDP 3 Training: Strategic and Master Planning

Downtown development professionals will learn a system for establishing a common direction for their organization to help guide future activity. This class will introduce the principles and methods of strategic planning for downtown development authorities and master planning for downtown districts. Learning Objectives: *Describe the differences between strategic and master planning. *Explain roles of leadership in organizational planning. *Detail the benefits of strategic and master planning for downtowns. *Identify mission, vision, goals and objectives. *List categories for master planning.