by Maria Wherley
This is a late launch of our annual “conference-focused” CenterPiece and there’s no denying that there was good reason. I won’t re-state the reasons why and we certainly won’t focus on the recent past. But, instead, I’ll attempt to paint a picture in words of the conference that will take place in a year from now.
There are some silver linings – and those specific to the conference are that, in most instances, the conference sponsors, speakers, hotel, mobile tours, etc. have re-committed to June 2021. And, for the local conference planning committee, now there’s time to build upon partnerships.
This year’s theme “DESIGN: Beyond the Structures” will be as timely in 2021 as it is today. Actually, now we have the opportunity to expand our planning to include aspects and lessons learned from the current year in various, let’s say, shifting structures. DESIGN – from the structure of buildings to the structure of systems – we’ll explore these topics and more in both classroom sessions and mobile tours in Reading and in neighboring boroughs.
Conference 2020 had already gained great momentum, and, having received a record-number of quality session proposals, we added another track of concurrent sessions (as if it can’t be difficult enough to choose!). There’s no doubt that attendees will garner great value and experience real, useful takeaways at the conference next June. Then there are the mobile tours – always a highlight of conference goers and surely not to disappoint. From Boyertown’s Colebrookdale Railroad Excursion, to Reading’s Goggleworks Center for the Arts tour, a stroll along Dean’s Way Mural Walk and dine around in West Reading, and a tour of downtown Hamburg that will culminate at 1787 Brewing Company, a 2019 Townie Anchor Building award winner.
So, now’s the time to save the date for June 27 – 30, 2021! Sure, it’s a bit later in June but we think it could be the perfect prelude to your 4th of July holiday weekend. Keep an eye on PDC’s communications concerning the conference over the months ahead. Until then, we wish you well and look forward to our time together over the course of the year.
2021 CONFERENCE SESSION SNEAK PEEK
Accessibility and Engagement through Creative Placemaking
Building Bike-Friendly Cities
Building Healthy,
Resilient Communities
Changing the Narrative
Declaring War on Blight
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Happy Streets and Greening Streets
Neighborhoods Within
Old Buildings and
Good Old Buildings
Public Farmers Markets
Stories of our Public Spaces
Safe, Walkable, Democratic Cities
Web Design
Thank you to these current partners for their commitment to our event:
Berks Alliance
Berks County
City of Reading
Derck & Edson
DoubleTree by Hilton Reading
Downtown Redevelopment Services
Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh
PA Council on the Arts
PA One Call System (Pennsylvania 811)
Pennsylvania’s Americana Region Visitors Bureau
PNC
UGI Save Smart
And, to the many speakers who have merely pressed pause and will present in a year from now, thank you!
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