This agenda is a work-in-progress and will be regularly updated.
We are still developing the agenda to create the optimal learning experience. Expected topics will include:
We are excited about our stunning venues and the flow of events. Please see below for an outline of how things will unfold:
MONDAY, June 4, 2024
Welcome to the 2024 Forward Cities Member City Workshop in Durham, NC! Registration will be at the Durham Hotel, followed by a welcome reception at The Rooftop. Experience Durham and enjoy dinner on your own in “Food Capital of The South”.
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Registration
The Durham Hotel - 2nd Floor Mezzanine Level (315 E. Chapel Hill St.)
5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Welcome/Opening Reception // The Rooftop
The Durham Hotel RoofTop is a year-round gathering spot for guests and locals alike, offering one-of-a-kind panoramic views of the city. Enjoy lite hors d’oeuvres and drinks as we welcome you to Durham.
7:30 p.m. Dinner on Your Own
Enjoy nationally recognized cuisine from the various restaurants in Downtown Durham.
TUESDAY, June 5, 2024
Location: Durham Bulls Park | PNC Club (409 Blackwell St.)
The first full day of the 2024 Forward Cities Member City Workshop begins with continental breakfast at the Durham Bulls Park (2nd floor) and opening remarks, followed by a day of programming — including a keynote speaker, panel discussions and city field trips in Durham, NC.
7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
However you like to start your day, we’ve got what will hit the spot, with more than enough coffee and beverages to get you going.
8:30 a.m. - Welcome Remarks: Christopher Gergen
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Morning Sessions
Case Study of InClusive Economic Developoment: The LISC Story (Session)
Moderator: Christopher Gergen | Forward Cities
Panelists:
Maurice Jones, President/ CEO of LISC
Paul Grogan, President of the Boston Foundation and former President/ CEO of LISC
Panel: Achieving Growth through Inclusion (Session)
Moderator: Andre Pettigrew, Director of Economic Development for the City of Durham
Panelists:
Mayor Steve Schewel, Durham, NC
Mayor Knox White, Greenville, SC
Valarie McCall, City of Cleveland
Panel: Mapping the Inclusive Growth Landscape (Session)
Moderator: Pete Carlson, Regional Growth Strategies
Panelists:
Joe Parilla, Brookings Institution
Sara Lawrence, RTI International
Mike Green, ScaleUp Partners
Nic Gunkel, Forward Cities
Dr. Jamie Bracey, Temple University
12:30 p.m. Lunch and Keynote
Lunch Keynote: Johnathan Holifield
“The Future Economy and Inclusive Competitiveness”
Introduction: Christopher Gergen
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Durham Tours
Participate in tours of Durham’s various innovation and expansion districts.
6:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m. Jazz Party // The Rickhouse
Located in the Central Park district of downtown Durham, The Rickhouse is Durham’s newest Event Venue. Once RJ Reynold’s Prizery, it boasts restored and reclaimed wood and exposed brick throughout. In addition to an inside space, The Rickhouse has a partially covered concrete deck overlooking the famed Durham Athletic Park, the original home of the Durham Bulls.
8:00 p.m. Dinner on Your Own
Enjoy nationally recognized cuisine from the various restaurants in Downtown Durham.
WEDNESDAY, June 6, 2024
Location: Durham Bulls Park | PNC Club (409 Blackwell St.)
The final day of the 2024 Member City Workshop.
7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
However you like to start your day, we’ve got what will hit the spot, with more than enough coffee and beverages to get you going.
8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Welcome Remarks
Reflections on the day before/ preparation for the day ahead: Christopher Gergen
8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Morning Sessions
Panel: Racial Equity and Economic Inclusion (Session)
Moderator: Racial Equity Institute
Panelists:
Evelyn Burnett, Cleveland
Camryn Smith, Durham
Shawn Barney, New Orleans
Matt Bell/ Suzanne Plichcik
Promising Strategies Showcase (Session)
Moderator: Christopher Gergen | Forward Cities
Panelists:
Steve Tobacman, Global Detroit/ Welcoming America
Farad Ali, Institute for Minority Economic Development
Leigh-Ann Buchanan, Venture Café Miami
Napoleon Wallace, NC Assistant Secretary of Commerce
Matt Dunne, Center of Rural Innovation
Panel: Funders Perspective (Session)
Moderator: Micah Gilmer, Frontline Solutions
Panelists:
Sarah Koch, Case Foundation
Craig Buerstatte, US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration
Chantel Rush, Kresge Foundation
Erin Horne-McKinney, Jumpstart
Brian Payne, Central Indiana Community Foundation
12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. Lunch + Closing Session
Lunch: Looking Forward to Miami and Beyond
Speakers:
Christopher Gergen | Forward Cities
Saif Ishoof | Florida International University