1 | Main Street IS Economic Development  

Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion Organization 

Location: Ballroom A/B, Main Floor | Convention Center

Economic development is an essential strategy for driving inclusive and sustainable growth in your community. This session will highlight how a strong Main Street Program supports broader efforts by fostering entrepreneurship, creating jobs, and attracting private investment. As a form of place-based, community-driven economic development, Main Street revitalizes downtowns by leveraging local assets, encouraging small business growth, and building long-term local wealth. Attendees will discover practical tools and North Carolina success stories that demonstrate the transformative power of Main Street in advancing long-term economic goals.

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2 | Culture That Clicks: Authentic Events That Drive Downtown Buzz  

Promotion

Location: Grand Ballroom | DoubleTree

Forget cookie-cutter festivals and one-size-fits-all programming. This session is all about creating cultural events that truly reflect your community. Attendees will learn how to design inclusive, meaningful experiences that celebrate local identity, attract diverse audiences, and boost downtown foot traffic. They will also explore practical strategies for evaluating event impact and using those insights to improve future programming. Get ready to rethink what a “downtown event” can be—with personality, purpose, and plenty of local flavor.  

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3 | The Main Street Elected Official Playbook      

Organization 

Location: Berne, Upper Floor | Convention Center

With every election cycle or leadership change, Main Street programs must reintroduce their mission, impact, and value to new elected officials and town managers. This session will explore effective strategies for building understanding and support, from concise onboarding materials to one-on-one meetings and immersive downtown tours. Learn how to communicate your program’s return on investment, align with local priorities, and foster champions at the decision-making table. Ensure your Main Street message stays strong, even as leadership changes.    

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4 | Parks Pay Off: The ROI of Greenspace in Downtowns   

Design 

Location: Ballroom C, Main Floor | Convention Center

Discover how downtown parks serve as more than just beautiful places—they’re powerful catalysts for economic growth and community vitality. This session highlights the ways parks increase foot traffic, attract new businesses, raise property values, and enhance quality of life. Learn from communities that have leveraged green spaces to spark investment and create vibrant, welcoming downtowns. Gain practical insights into planning and maintaining parks that deliver lasting economic and social benefits.

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5 | Math Shouldn’t Be Scary: Unlocking the Economics of Community Building  

Economic Vitality 

Location: Tryon A/B, Upper Floor | Convention Center

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Join Joe Minicozzi for an engaging Q & A session that demystifies the math behind North Carolina’s municipal finance system. Learn how to break down complex tax policies and economic concepts into clear, relatable terms.  Joe will highlight how thoughtful investment in walkable, vibrant downtowns drives economic growth and builds a strong sense of place. Whether you’re a community leader, planner, or advocate, you’ll gain valuable tools to communicate the power of building a smart community.  

6 | Where Main Street Meets the Scenic Route  

Promotion

Location: Bradham | DoubleTree

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Heritage travelers stay longer, spend more, and seek authentic, place-based experiences—making them key to downtown vitality. With 62 scenic byways weaving through North Carolina, many pass right through Main Street communities, offering a powerful opportunity. This session explores how downtowns can position themselves as gateways to these routes by aligning with traveler motivations, leveraging trail initiatives like the Main to Main Trail, and forging strategic partnerships. Attendees will gain practical tools to assess visitor readiness, amplify local stories, and create seamless, high-impact connections between byways, heritage assets, and vibrant downtown experiences.