PDC’s annual statewide conference in downtown West Chester, “Embracing Change: Empowering the Future of Your Community's Revitalization Effort,” has come and gone but the connections, insight and camaraderie continue to resonate.
With 250 or so attendees, the 2018 gathering proved a great opportunity to showcase our statewide conference in a smaller community. Typically our conferences are held in third class cities at conference hotels and/or convention centers because of the required capacity. Simply stated, downtown West Chester proved to be a wonderful example of how to do just that.
The Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, our venue for educational sessions, provided an example of a tax credit project for downtown West Chester, and also set the ideal stage for this year’s conference Keynote, NPR’s David Greene, in its Bravo Theatre. Across the way, the backdrop of the Chester County Historical Society (CCHS) showcased 20+ vendors, and served as a gathering spot for meals, for networking, for giveaways, and for good ole camaraderie. Just a few blocks away at Chestnut Square, we took in what is touted as ‘edgy elegance’ in this refreshingly modern, sophisticated apartment living complex with an uncompromising focus on service and amenities.
Not only did we travel to Historic Kennett Square once but for some of us, twice! First, to take in the annual Food Truck festival; then, to experience first-hand how, with economic development + craft beer, a town can create a sense of place. Our next stop was neighboring Phoenixville Borough, where the Arts District nurtures creative and community living.
Since downtown West Chester shares this college town with West Chester University, what an ideal setting for our annual awards gala, the Townies. After a lovely reception on the CCHS open air terrace, we wined and dined in Sykes Hall while 12 community programs and their accomplishments were recognized and celebrated.
To round out our conference, Philip J. Merrill of Nanny Jack & Co. shared pivotal historical snippets of an “artifactual” journey both in story, in pictures, and in a downtown walking tour that not only enlightened but captivated us all.
Between each of these noted experiences, we heard from an array of speakers well-versed in their field of expertise. From facts and figures to ‘how-to’, attendees surely went away from the conference with intriguing ideas and examples to ponder.
In closing, may we all resolve to and recognize that indeed there is no one-size-fits-all place or methodology to make for a successful conference and that truly when there’s a will, there’s a way. West Chester Downtown Improvement District is to be commended and feel incredibly proud as the host of our 2018 conference.
