
Worth Cities: Innovation and the Rising City
- When
- June 7th (Evening Reception) & 8th (Summit & Reception)
- Where
- Charleston, SC | The Dewberry Charleston (Reception) & The Mills House Hotel (Summit & Reception)
Speakers
- 8:00 AM Breakfast & Registration Open
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9:00 AM
Conference Begins
Welcome remarks by Worth Media CEO Josh Kampel and 1-800-Flowers.com Founder & Chairman Jim McCann
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Beyond the Skyline: Understanding the State of American Cities
Dan Costa, Worth Media Group
Combining data-driven research and firsthand observations, Worth Media’s Dan Costa will set the stage for a day-long conversation about the economic, social, and technological transformations reshaping American cities.
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Designing Urban Spaces: Strategies for Successful Place-Making
Casey Lavin, Beemok Hospitality Collection; Mark Permar, Permar Inc.; Juan Santos, Tavistock
From innovative storytelling to extraordinary experiences, purpose-driven philanthropy and designing in sync with nature, this panel will explore the successful creation of vibrant and connected communities.
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Understanding the Past, Building the Future
Lissa Frenkel, Gaillard; Henry Beecher Hicks, National Museum of African American Music; Dr. Tonya Matthews, International African American Museum
These two esteemed museum directors will engage in a profound conversation about the complex and nuanced topic of race in America, both in its historical context and its implications for the future. Together, they will explore the role of museums in fostering dialogue, promoting understanding, and addressing systemic issues, while envisioning a more inclusive and equitable future for cultural institutions and the communities they serve.
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Place-Based Entrepreneurship
Moniqua Lane, Citizen Hotel and Downtown Clifton & Femi Oyediran, Graft
Small businesses, with their distinct identities and local bonds, contribute to shaping the cultural fabric and unique character of a city. These two successful entrepreneurs discuss the power of investing in new ventures and the transformative impact of setting down roots in a community.
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Redefining Cities: Promoting Inclusion and Economic Development
Helen Hill, Explore Charleston & Martha Sheridan, Meet Boston
Panelists will explore innovative approaches and best practices to foster equitable opportunities, empower local communities, and drive sustainable economic growth. How can cities better embrace diversity, break down barriers, and create thriving environments that benefit residents and visitors alike?
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Silicon Heartland
Rebecca Fannin, Author
Author Rebecca Fannin spent the pandemic traveling across the country exploring how cities across the Midwest are evolving into thriving technology hubs. She’ll share how these cities are leveraging their unique strengths to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems, attract top talent, and create a supportive infrastructure to drive technological advancements and economic growth.
- 12:30 PM Lunch
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Adapting Higher Education: Preparing Students for an AI-driven Future
Andrew Hsu, College of Charleston
Artificial intelligence is poised to transform the realm of higher education, along with nearly every other industry. What are the necessary adaptations and innovative approaches required to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an AI-driven society.
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Beyond the Shoreline: Transforming Urban Waterfronts into Thriving Community Spaces
Barbara Melvin, South Carolina Ports Authority & Doug Warner, Explore Charleston
From revitalizing industrial port areas to creating mixed-use developments, we’ll discuss the challenges, opportunities, and best practices for fostering resilient, inclusive, and thriving urban environments that harmoniously coexist with natural surroundings.
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Innovation and the Rising City
Patt Talvanna, BCG
Digital twins, artificial intelligence, and data analytics are revolutionizing urban planning, infrastructure management, and citizen experiences. Digital transformation can enhance sustainability, improve operational efficiency, and enable data-driven decision-making in building smarter, more connected, and resilient cities.
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How City Councils Get Stuff DOne
Blaine Griffin, Cleveland City Council; Valarie McCall, City of Cleveland (former); LaMonica McIver, City of Newark
Explore the the pivotal role of city councils in fostering active community participation, empowering residents, and creating a strong foundation for democratic decision-making in local governance.
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Making Connections: Emerging Trends in Travel & Tourism
Gareth Edmondson-Jones, Breeze Airways & Kristen Adamo, Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau
With a focus on underserved routes, Breeze Airlines enhances regional connectivity, promotes economic growth, and opens up opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange between second cities and the rest of the country.
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Urban Canvases: How the Arts are Redefining Cultural Spaces
Mena Mark Hanna, Spoleto Festival; Jen Ross, Gibbes Museum; Joe Wilson, City of Providence
From traditional museums, cultural festivals and creative placemaking initiatives, this panel delves into how artistic expression and cultural interventions are reshaping the narrative and reclaiming public spaces in modern cities.
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Sonic Pairings: The Intersection of Music, Wine, and City Culture
Michael Dorf, City Winery
Exploring the power of sensory experiences with the founder of City Winery, the nations largest independent music venue operator. This chat will explore how the harmonious combination of music and wine can enhance and reflect the unique cultural fabric of cities, creating immersive and memorable encounters for residents and visitors alike.
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Revitalizing Urban Cores: What’s Next for City Centers?
Edith Hsu-Chen, New York City Department of City Planning
Through a combination of innovative urban planning, sustainable development strategies, and community engagement, central business districts can transform into dynamic, inclusive, and resilient economic and cultural hubs.
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Live Better Longer: The Blue Zone Blueprint
Margaret Brown & Dan Buettner Jr., Bluezone Project
Dive into the concept of Blue Zones and their blueprint for promoting longevity and well-being. Expert speakers will share insights on the key factors contributing to the exceptional health and longevity of individuals in Blue Zones around the world, including lifestyle, diet, social connections, and environmental factors.
- 5:30 PM Closing Reception