What Not to Miss

Why Come to the Conference?

The City:

Chicago — Chi-Town. The Windy City. The Second City. The City That Works. Its many memorable monikers just hint at the inspiration authors architects, and, yes, planners the world over have drawn from this storied Midwest city. Come draw your own inspiration this spring as you discover all Chicago has to offer.

Its skyline is legendary, its lakefront iconic, and its jazz-and-blues scene unmatched. But that's really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to discovering Chicago. The 2013 National Planning Conference offers the opportunity to explore both the enduring aspects of the city and its environs — including the Columbian Exposition, Burnham's Plan, and Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural masterpieces — and the more modern ones, from Millennium Park and Navy Pier to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel's initiatives to expand and improve Chicago's biking and mass-transit networks.

The Opening Keynote, "Inventing the Next American Economy: Why Planning Matters and Where the Pitfalls Lie," will be delivered by Xavier de Souza Briggs, former associate director of the Office of Management and Budget and a member of the MIT sociology and urban planning faculty.

The Program:

It's a fact — the expanded, five-day program at the 2013 National Planning Conference offers more learning and networking opportunities beyond the traditional sessions and workshops than ever before. From the illuminating keynotes and the popular Resume Clinic to the new daylong forums and symposia, you may well discover that the hardest part of attending the 2013 conference is just determining your daily agenda.

AIA, ASLA, and APA Presidents Forum:
Professional Exchange

Sunday, 5:30-6:45 p.m.

From sharing big ideas to partnering on advocacy, the design profession associations have built a unique relationship. Hear Mark A. Focht, FASLA, President-Elect of the American Society of Landscape Architects, Jeffery Potter, FAIA, Past President of the American Institute of Architects, and Mitchell J. Silver, AICP, President of the American Planning Association discuss the current state of the professions and how they are responding to current challenges.

APA Policy Plenary:
Leading Vital Communities

Monday, 7:30-8:45 a.m.

APA President Mitchell Silver, AICP, joins The Hon. Mick Cornett, mayor of Oklahoma City, in an inspiring presentation on community vitality and how planning plays a central role.

Federal Agency Plenary:
Partnership for Sustainable Communities

Tuesday, 9:00-10:15 a.m.

This session will explore the unique partnership among the three agencies — the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Transportation, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — that most significantly serve, and impact, communities. Find out how, working together, these agencies have ushered in a new era of planning.

Antonio Riley, U.S. HUD regional administrator, will be joined by Bharat Mathur, U.S. EPA deputy regional administrator, and Marisol Simon, Federal Transit Authority regional administrator, for this plenary. Jason Jordan, APA director of policy and government affairs, will moderate.

APA/AICP Annual Meeting and Leadership Honors

Tuesday, 2:30-3:45 p.m.

Join APA CEO Paul Farmer, FAICP, at the Annual Meeting. Highlighting this year's event will be the passing of the gavel from APA President Mitchell Silver, AICP, to William Anderson, FAICP, and from AICP President Anna Breinich, AICP, to Lee Brown, FAICP.

Closing Keynote:
Hold Fast to Home: Fiction to Inspire Planners of All Ages

Wednesday, noon–1:00 p.m.

There is a consequence to the current lack of adequate affordable housing, one that no one is talking about: its effect on kids. Bestselling author Blue Balliett's new mystery, Hold Fast, follows the nightmarish fall of one family from independent housing to life in a Chicago shelter. This story, set in the real world, offers hope, dreams, Langston Hughes' poetry, and one eleven-year-old's solution to ending homelessness for all families.

The Networking:

Events — Even as the use of social media continues to grow, there remains no better way to build relationships with your colleagues than exchanging a handshake and engaging in conversation face to face. These special events activities will help you expand your professional network and establish connections to advance your projects — and your career.

Meetings and Events

Urban Design & Preservation Division Reception

Sunday, 6:30-9:00 p.m.

Join the UDP Division for a reception at the Chicago Architecture Foundation and see the SynergiCity exhibit. All are welcome to attend. Registration required. No refunds or exchanges after March 14. $5 UDP division members; $10 APA attendees

AICP Fellows Reception

Sunday, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

The Illinois Fellows of AICP will host a reception for Fellows and their accompanying guests. It's an opportunity for fellowship and refreshments in the city that knows a lot about fellowship and refreshments. Registration required. No refunds or exchanges after March 14 $45, includes hors d'oeuvresand wine

Planning Commissioners and Appointed Officials Breakfast

Sunday, 6:45-7:45 a.m.

Connect with colleagues, learn about planning efforts in Chicago, and ask questions. Hot buffet breakfast is served. Registration required. No refunds or exchanges after March 14. $15

Planning Directors Breakfast

Sunday, 6:45-7:45 a.m.

Join your fellow planning directors and featured speakers, Gina Caruso and Laura Keyes, to hear about exciting developments in Chicago and Atlanta. Relax, meet your colleagues, and start the day off with this social event. A hot breakfast is served. Registration required. No refunds or exchanges after March 14. $43

APA's Energy Climate Partnership of the Americas Initiative Networking Event

Monday, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Discuss planning topics related to Latin America, the Caribbean, and other international themes. Free, but registration required. Space is limited.

Awards Luncheon

Tuesday, noon–2:00 p.m.

Enjoy lunch as APA and AICP present the 2013 National Awards for Planning, a multimedia celebration of the best projects, plans, and planners in the country. Awards honor planning landmarks and pioneers, journalists and students, citizens and professionals who have achieved excellence and helped to improve the quality of life in numerous communities. One invitation is included with full registration; however, to assist us with an accurate count, you must indicate on the website if you plan to attend. Additional tickets may be purchased for $50 each.

APA/AICP Annual Meeting and Leadership Honors

Tuesday, 2:30-3:45 p.m.

Highlighting this year's annual meeting will be the passing of the gavel from APA President Mitchell Silver, AICP, to William Anderson, FAICP, and from AICP President Anna Breinich, AICP, to Lee Brown, FAICP.

The Little Suburb that Could

Tuesday, April 16. 6:00-8:00 p.m.

In the midst of Michigan's severe recession, one city looked for ways to position the community for future growth and improvement. Join David Birchler, AICP, and Rodney Arroyo, AICP to learn the positive steps city leaders took to revitalize its tired commercial strip and improve connectivity throughout the city. $40, Dinner included.

China Night Dinner

Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

Join Chinese friends and interested colleagues for an evening of good food and conversation and to learn more about planning in China. Registration required. No refunds or exchanges after March 14. $40; APA Students: $20.