2024 Georgia Downtown Conference

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2024 Georgia Downtown Conference

Join us for the 2024 Georgia Downtown Conference in Downtown Thomasville, Georgia!

This year's registration fee includes admission to Opening and Closing Keynote Address, Awards Reception, Conference Educational Sessions/Workshops, Refreshment Breaks, Silent Auction and program materials. To learn more, www.georgiadowntownassociation.org/conference.

Online Registration Deadline: August 9, 2024. All registrations and payments received after this date will be processed as an on-site, and a $50 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, check or money order. 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.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received before August 1, will receive a refund less a $50 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.

https://www.gacities.com/Legal-Disclaimer

When

8/26/2024 7:00 AM - 8/29/2024 11:30 AM
Eastern Daylight Time

Where

Downtown Thomasville Thomasville, GA 31792 UNITED STATES

Registration

Last day to register is 8/9/2024

Event Contact

- Phone:

Program

Select programs by

Monday, 26 August 2024

Description
Electrical Power Category Exhibitors Track Exhibitors Time 7:30 AM - 11:59 PM Spots available 23 7:30 AM
CDP: Business Development and 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 Spots available 26 8:30 AM
CDP: 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 Spots available 19 8:30 AM
Downtown Development Authority 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. Category Training Track Attendees Time 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spots available 39 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). Location: The Covey Nest 210 W. Jackson Street Category Training Track Attendees Time 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spots available 22 8:30 AM
Downtown Development Authority Advanced *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. Location: Best Western 133 Liberty Street Category Training Track Attendees Time 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Spots available 44 8:30 AM
Historic Preservation 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. Location: SASS 420 W. Jackson Street Category Training Track Attendees Time 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spots available 27 9:00 AM
Legislative Advocacy Training This class provides an overview of the state legislative process and helps local government officials understand how they can be effective advocates of issues important to their communities throughout the state. Participants receive ideas for establishing productive year-round relationships with members of the General Assembly as well as practical lobbying tips they can use during the legislative session. The class also includes a hands-on exercise using real-life legislative scenarios. Location: Municipal Building, Reception Room, 144 E. Jackson Street Category Training Track Attendee Time 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Spots available 31 9:00 AM
History Tour: Jack Hadley Black History Museum Tour Discover collectible African-American artifacts dating back to times of slavery, the Buffalo Soldiers, with exhibits on Lt. Henry O. Flipper, Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., Blacks in the Military from the Spanish American War to Desert Strom/Iraq War and the African-American Life on the Southern Hunting Plantation, their life, 1993 Heisman Award Winner Charles Ward, Jr., Black Women, Douglass High School historical era and much more! Location: Jack Hadley Black History Museum 214 Alexander Street Category History Tour Time 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Spots available 48 1:00 PM
History Tour: Pebble Hill Plantation Tour A visit to Pebble Hill in Thomasville, Georgia is sure to result in an awe-inspiring and memorable experience for all who enter the plantation’s gates. Pebble Hill Plantation has been called a Georgia Belle. This stately architectural beauty stands proudly amid the magnolias and long leaf pines of southwest Georgia, and like an alluring belle, it has magnetic appeal and breathtaking beauty. The beautiful and expansive grounds offer many opportunities to enjoy quiet solitude. The Main House, with its extensive collections and wonderful antiques, is sure to captivate and amaze. Location: Pebble Hill Plantation 1251 US-319 Category History Tour Time 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Spots available 73 1:00 PM
History Tour: Thomasville History Center & Lapham-Patterson The Thomasville History Center contains more than thirty-five exhibits about the history of Thomas County, as well as the document, photo, and three-dimensional archives that provide the material evidence of what happened in Thomas County’s past. Seven historic buildings have been restored and are now included in tours of the Thomasville History Center. The Lapham-Patterson House is a 6,000 square foot houses showcasing the eccentrics of Lapham, his architect Tudor Rommerdal, and the late Victorian era in general. Location: 725 N. Dawson Street Category History Tour Time 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Spots available 38 1:00 PM
Welcome Reception hosted by City of Thomasville Item accesible to those attending training only. Location: The Business Exchange 125 N. Broad Street Track Attendees Time 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Spots available 129 5:30 PM

Tuesday, 27 August 2024

Description
Silent Auction Category Conference Add-ons Track Attendees Spots available 200
Meal Package for Additional Staff Exhibitor Registration includes one 8-foot table, 1 chair, breakfast and lunch for one person Tuesday, Wednesday breakfast for one person. You may purchase a meal package for one additional staff member. Category Exhibitors Track Exhibitors Time 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spots available 97 8:00 AM
Opening General Session Time 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM 9:00 AM
Blueprints in Action: Interactive Community Planning If you enjoy downtown planning and like to work with your peers in a dynamic hands-on environment then this session is for you! We'll have markers and paper and a downtown to plan in this engaging group exercise. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Spots available 16 11:00 AM
Junior City Council = A Voice for Teens in Your Downtown Engaging the voices of a city’s youth is crucial for the sustainable success of downtown areas. The establishment of a Junior City Council has empowered young people to contribute to downtown programming. Their insights have led to events that foster a sense of investment and connection within their community. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Spots available 62 11:00 AM
Making Tough Choices: Prioritizing Investment Downtown This interactive session will teach participants about scenario planning for mobility, recreation, and public realm. Panelists will provide an overview of scenario planning and "unknowns" affecting the future of downtowns across GA. Participants will complete a scenario planning exercise, developing a fiscally-constrained program of improvements to address their unique scenario. Full Title: Making Tough Choices: Prioritizing Investment in Your Downtown Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Spots available 81 11:00 AM
Scaling Success: Strategies for Cities of All Sizes A panel featuring representatives from Hartwell, Rome, and Macon, GA, will discuss economic development strategies tailored to cities of various sizes. The session explores unique challenges, successful approaches, and practical insights, providing actionable takeaways for local leaders to enhance community growth and development regardless of budget population or size. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Spots available 37 11:00 AM
Championing Your Historic Theatre This session will explore possibilities for rehabilitating historic theatres, schools, or other buildings for use as performing arts centers. The session will share best practices, case studies, and additionally include information including the expansion of Fox Gives. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Spots available 92 2:00 PM
Creating Inclusive Spaces in Rural and Mid-tier Cities Want to create inclusive LGBTQIA+ spaces in rural and mid-tier cities? This session aims to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in these areas and provide practical strategies to foster inclusivity and acceptance. Full Title: Creating Inclusive LGBTQIA+ Spaces in Rural and Mid-tier Cities Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Spots available 73 2:00 PM
Incentives and Funding for Vibrant Placemaking An overview of placemaking and how to creatively fund projects for your community. Various sources will be discussed including grants, community donations, and crowdfunding. Examples from the town of Braselton will showcase how they have incorporated art into public spaces and engaged the community through themed events and practical approaches to Placemaking efforts. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Spots available 24 2:00 PM
Putt, Pour, Repeat: Leveraging Local Resources for Growth Discover how a technology-infused mini golf bar helped revitalized a small town’s economy through innovative public-private partnerships. Learn about collaborative strategies, community engagement, and the transformative impact of blending entertainment and technology to drive local growth and attract new businesses. Full Title: Putt, Pour, Repeat: Leveraging Local Resources and Talent to Revitalize Underutilized Spaces and Spark Economic Growth Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Spots available 59 2:00 PM
Sponsor Showcase Mixer Time 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM 5:00 PM
Taste of Thomasville tour Experience true southern hospitality through history, culture, and architecture. But best of all, experience Thomasville through food. As you walk through downtown Thomasville, taste several state and national award-winning foods not often found in small towns. Category Mobile Workshops Time 6:15 PM - 9:00 PM Spots available 0 6:15 PM
Truffle Making Class A night of fun! Experience firsthand what goes into the making of Sweet Cacao Truffles and create your own masterpiece. Enjoy a snack board and wine tasting with a true maker experience, leaving with your very own handcrafted eight-piece truffle box. Category Mobile Workshops Time 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spots available 14 7:00 PM

Wednesday, 28 August 2024

Description
Grant Writing in a Rural Setting This grant writing class focuses on downtown revitalization for rural cities. Participants will learn to identify relevant grants, craft persuasive proposals, and manage awarded funds. Ideal for community leaders aiming to enhance downtown areas through effective grant applications and secure funding for local projects and improvements. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM Spots available 57 10:15 AM
Homerville's Renaissance: Reviving a Small-Town Downtown There's no place like Homerville! Learn how this small South Georgia city (population 2,317) brought private foundations, tax credits, and master planning process together to attract $2.6 million in redevelopment since 2003. Two dedicated community-focused small business owners will share their experiences transforming vacant store fronts into thriving downtown destinations. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM Spots available 59 10:15 AM
Leadership, Public Works, and Enhanced Services in Perry Creating an atmosphere in your downtown that appeals to both the businesses that reside there and the customers that visit can be challenging. Having an approach to strategic public investment, including enhanced services, is imperative. Garner a better understanding of the importance of offering strategic services to enhance experiences. Full title: “Strategic Planning: Leadership, Public Works, and Enhanced Services in Downtown Perry” Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM Spots available 43 10:15 AM
Money! Money! Money! Creative Deal Making Resources Discover innovative deal-making strategies to ignite downtown revitalization! Join our expert panel to explore creative financial approaches, real-world case studies, and actionable insights for community mobilization. Gain valuable knowledge on leveraging partnerships, securing funding, and driving impactful downtown development. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your downtown revitalization efforts! Full Title: "Money! Money! Money! Creative Deal Making Resources to Mobilize Your Downtown Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM Spots available 89 10:15 AM
1861 Distillery Recognized by James Magazine as the #1 Distillery in Georgia, sip local and experience history in a bottle. Since its inception, 1861 Distillery has crafted spirits rooted in tradition and flavored by a gentler pace of life, a true nod to the past. Optional maker experience includes bottling and labeling of your very own Amaretto. 3 groups of 25 (75 Total). *Optional bottling and labeling your own Amaretto @$35 pp. Category MOBILE WORKSHOP Time 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Spots available 62 2:00 PM
Debunking the Perception of Parking Problems Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Spots available 63 2:00 PM
Events Management - HELP! Are you struggling to generate revenue for your community events; juggle all the daily duties of your job as well as act as event planner; stressing over attendee acquisition; and needing more from your sponsor community? This session lays out the event management tips and techniques to help. Category CONCURRENT SESSIONS Time 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Spots available 55 2:00 PM
Living the SouthLife Get a behind the scenes tour of the business industry of SouthLife Supply Company, located in Downtown Thomasville. SouthLife goods are made with the finest materials, beautifully unique due to the differing grain patterns that appear in the tanning and manufacturing of the products. As you enter the shop, you’ll find makers designing specialty products right in front of you. You too will be able to leave with a product you’ve had a hand in making during this tour. Also apart of the tour, you’ll see firsthand the redevelopment of one of the most unique properties in downtown and discover the vision behind it all. 1 group of 25, tour of business, new development and maker experience. Category MOBILE WORKSHOP Time 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Spots available 12 2:00 PM
T·velo Brewing Company Clay roads & craft beer: Two passions come together to launch Thomasville’s first craft brewery, T·velo Brewing Company. Discover the history behind it all and tour not only the brewery, but Hubs & Hops Tasting Room and Bike Shop, both having back porches that face one of the cities entertainment venues, The Ritz Amphitheater, where community gathers and visitors mingle as locals! 1 group of 25; tour of brewery and development + tasting. Category MOBILE WORKSHOP Time 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Spots available 14 2:00 PM
Extra Tickets for Awards Ceremony Full Conference registration includes one (1) ticket to the Awards Ceremony & Reception. You may purchase up to eight (8) additional tickets. Cocktails from 5:00PM-6:00PM and Awards Ceremony from 6:00PM-7:30PM Category Conference Add-Ons Time 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM Spots available 193 5:00 PM
Tickets for Awards Reception and Ceremony You may purchase up to two (2) tickets for the Awards Ceremony. Cocktail hour is 5:00-6:00 pm and Awards Ceremony is 6:00-7:30 pm. Category Exhibitors Track Exhibitors Time 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM Spots available 200 5:00 PM