2022 Georgia Downtown Conference

2022 Georgia Downtown Conference
Join us for the 2022 Georgia Downtown Conference in Downtown Macon, 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 8, 2022. 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. 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. 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.
When
8/22/2022 8:30 AM - 8/25/2022 11:30 AM
Eastern Daylight Time
Where
Downtown Macon Macon, GA 31201 UNITED STATES

Program

Bronze Sponsors

Description
Bronze Sponsorship includes signage at Refreshment Breaks, listed in the printed program, showcased with company logo on the screen during the Opening General Session and Awards Ceremony.  Sponsors will also be recognized on GDA's social media and website at www.georgiadowntownassociation.org
Category
Bronze Sponsors
Track
Sponsors
When
8/23/2022 8:00 AM - 8/25/2022 11:30 AM
8/23/2022 8:00 AM

Cancellation

Description
Category
Cancellation
Track
Sponsors
When
8/22/2022 8:30 AM - 8/25/2022 12:00 PM
8/22/2022 8:30 AM

Conference Add-ons

Description
Category
Conference Add-ons
Track
Attendees
When
8/23/2022 - 8/24/2022
8/23/2022
Category
Conference Add-ons
Track
Attendees
When
8/23/2022 - 8/25/2022
8/23/2022
Full Conference registration includes one (1) ticket to the  Awards Dinner and Ceremony. You may purchase up to eight (8) additional tickets.  Cocktails from 5:00-6:00 pm and Awards Ceremony from 6:00-7:30 pm.
Category
Conference Add-ons
Track
Attendees
Time
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
8/24/2022 5:00 PM

Exhibitor

Description
Category
Exhibitor
Track
Exhibitors
Time
8:30 AM - 11:59 PM
8/22/2022 8:30 AM
Exhibitor Registration includes one 8-foot table, 2 chairs, trash can, breakfast Tuesday & Wednesday breakfast, lunch on Wednesday, and refreshment breaks for one person. You may purchase a meal package for one additional staff member.
Category
Exhibitor
Track
Exhibitors
When
8/23/2022 8:00 AM - 8/24/2022 4:00 PM
8/23/2022 8:00 AM
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
Exhibitor
Track
Exhibitors
Time
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
8/24/2022 5:00 PM

Gold Sponsors

Description
Gold Sponsorship includes two full registration, signage at the Opening General Session on Tuesday and Closing General Session on Thursday, listed in the printed program, showcased with company logo on the screen during the Opening General Session and Awards Ceremony, and receive an exhibit table, if desired. Sponsors will also be recognized on GDA's social media and website at www.georgiadowntownassociation.org
Category
Gold Sponsors
Track
Sponsors
When
8/23/2022 8:30 AM - 8/25/2022 11:30 AM
8/23/2022 8:30 AM

Mobile Workshops

Description
Fostering artists and creatives takes a village. Learn how partners in Macon are cultivating musicians, performers, and visual artists through creative and inclusive spaces. Tour Guide: Alex Morrison, Executive Director, Urban Development Authority
Category
Mobile Workshops
Track
Attendees
Time
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
8/23/2022 1:45 PM
Most downtowns have one –a vacant shell of a building, an empty lot, or an unused second floor. What seems like a challenge and eyesore can become an opportunity and asset for your community with the right partners and entrepreneurs. On this tour, you’ll visit Macon Rocks Climbing Gym, Maniaxe Axe Throwing, and the future site of the Otis Redding Foundation to see creative uses for once empty spaces. Tour Guide: Emily Hopkins, Director of Place, NewTown Macon
Category
Mobile Workshops
Track
Attendees
Time
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
8/23/2022 1:45 PM
Learn how Macon partners made the case for a downtown hotel and how they’re preparing for more rooms to draw tourists to enjoy downtown Macon’s vibrant nightlife, music scene, and locally-owned businesses. Tour Guides: Josh Rogers, President & CEO, NewTown Macon Gary Wheat, President & CEO, Visit Macon
Category
Mobile Workshops
Track
Attendees
Time
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
8/23/2022 1:45 PM
98% of businesses in downtown Macon are locally-owned and operated, and can only be found in Macon’s urban core. During this tour, meet the business owners and property owners who are shaping downtown Macon’s authentic city experience and learn about the ways NewTown Macon supports and cultivates local entrepreneurs. Tour Guide: Bethany Rogers, Executive Director, NewTown Loans
Category
Mobile Workshops
Track
Attendees
Time
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
8/23/2022 1:45 PM
Learn more about the legacy of Otis Redding, Little Richard, the Allman Brothers Band, and other American music legends on a Rock Candy Tour!  This guided walking tour of downtown Macon showcases the spirit and legacy of Macon's rich music history.
Category
Mobile Workshops
Track
Attendees
Time
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
8/23/2022 7:30 PM
Learn more about the legacy of Otis Redding, Little Richard, the Allman Brothers Band, and other American music legends on a Rock Candy Tour!  This guided walking tour of downtown Macon showcases the spirit and legacy of Macon's rich music history.
Category
Mobile Workshops
Track
Attendees
Time
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
8/23/2022 8:00 PM
Fostering artists and creatives takes a village. Learn how partners in Macon are cultivating musicians, performers, and visual artists through creative and inclusive spaces. Tour Guide: Alex Morrison, Executive Director, Urban Development Authority
Category
Mobile Workshops
Track
Attendees
Time
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
8/24/2022 10:15 AM
The adage “retail follows rooftops” rings true in downtown Macon. Josh Rogers highlights downtown housing projects that have increased the number of residents in downtown Macon and provides a blueprint for how your organization can invest in and increase the number of housing units in your district. Tour Guide: Josh Rogers, President & CEO, NewTown Macon
Category
Mobile Workshops
Track
Attendees
Time
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
8/24/2022 10:15 AM

Platinum Sponsors

Description
Platinum Sponsorship includes four full registrations, signage at all events, recognition at the Award Ceremony, listed in the printed program, showcased with company logo on the screen during the Opening General Session and Awards Ceremony, and receive an exhibit table, if desired. Sponsors will also be recognized on GDA's social media and website at www.georgiadowntownassociation.org
Category
Platinum Sponsors
Track
Sponsors
When
8/23/2022 8:00 AM - 8/25/2022 11:30 AM
8/23/2022 8:00 AM

Registration

Description
Category
Registration
When
8/22/2022 9:30 AM - 8/25/2022 12:00 PM
8/22/2022 9:30 AM

Silver Sponsors

Description
Silver Sponsorship includes one full registration, signage at Refreshment Breaks, listed in the printed program, showcased with company logo on the screen during the Opening General Session and Awards Ceremony, and receive an exhibit table, if desired. Sponsors will also be recognized on GDA's social media and website at www.georgiadowntownassociation.org
Category
Silver Sponsors
Track
Sponsors
When
8/23/2022 8:00 AM - 8/25/2022 11:30 AM
8/23/2022 8:00 AM

Training

Description
*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.
Category
Training
Track
Attendees
Time
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
8/22/2022 8:30 AM
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
8/22/2022 8:30 AM
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).
Category
Training
Track
Attendees
Time
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
8/22/2022 1:00 PM
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.
Category
Training
Track
Attendees
Time
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
8/25/2022 9:00 AM

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