As Seen at NPC24

Thanks For Being a Part of NPC24!

Four thousand attendees gathered in Minneapolis for the American Planning Association's (APA) 2024 National Planning Conference (NPC24), April 13-16, to take part in captivating conversations, connect with other planners, and explore an exhibit hall packed with fun and informative activities and booths.

Keynote Conversations

This year's keynote speakers shared inspiring, personal stories that illustrated ways in which planners can impact the communities they serve.

"Behind every creative genius is someone who had the audacity, the courage, and the boldness to do something different. And, as we all know, behind every great city is a planner."
— Lori Pace

"The first quality of brave leadership is being bold – seeing a void and being willing to step out to fill that void. Even if it's your first time doing it. Even if it has never been done before by anyone."
— Speech Thomas

Making Connections

Over the four-day conference, attendees forged connections with fellow participants during sessions, events, and off-site workshops across the host city.

Fun selfies were just some of the ways planners bonded with their peers during NPC24.

The opening celebration allowed attendees to not only network but also socialize in a festive atmosphere with live music.

At the Career Center, NPC attendees heard from experts on how to master LinkedIn™ and other crucial technology skills.

Attendees also could get free professional headshots delivered to their mobile devices in seconds.

The compassionate nature of planners shone brightly during NPC24, as more than 2,000 snack kits were filled for the Project for Pride in Living — a Minneapolis-based nonprofit. Photo by Jon DePaolis.

Attendees also gave back to the community by participating in the annual Community Service Project. This year's project, which involved packing bags with snacks, water, and encouraging messages, benefited the Project for Pride in Living — a nonprofit that provides career readiness services. The snack bags will be distributed to the students in the organization's alternative high school and career center participants.

"I think it is important to give back to the community and get involved not just in planning but in other ways, as well," said Alexia Lopez, AICP, a planning administrator in Carmel, Indiana.

Her colleague, Rachel Keesling, also a planning administrator in Carmel, agreed.

"It's a way that we can physically show that we care and want the best for the people we work for," Keesling said.

Knowledge is a Superpower

NPC24 featured several learning formats, including case studies, learning labs, speed shares, panel discussions, and innovation talks.

Audience members take in a panel discussion on housing reform during NPC24.

The finalists of the seventh Student Planning and Design Competition gave final presentations to the judges' panel at NPC24.

Another highlight of the conference was when a new Student Planning and Design Competition winner was crowned. In its seventh year, the competition received 20 submissions and the top three gave 10-minute presentations to the panel of judges at NPC24. The winners — Twin City Studios, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology — were Sofia Chiappero, Zak Davidson, Hannah Leung, Mikel Berra Sandin, and Cale Wagner.

"We can't be prouder of the work of the students and especially the seriousness and the commitment that all of you have taken concerning this program," said Marcel Acosta, chair of the Urban Design and Preservation Division, and executive director of the National Capital Planning Commission in Washington, D.C.

Planners Commit to Advocacy

From elevating the role of planners in local, state, and federal decision-making processes to championing efforts to ensure a more equitable future for all communities we serve, NPC24 engaged attendees with a variety of topics.

Miguel Vazquez, FAICP, and other Equity Forum attendees were able to pose questions to the panel, which reflected on the 20th anniversary of APA's first Diversity Forum and how to maintain momentum for equity.

NPC24 brought planners together with federal, state, and local lawmakers for crucial conversations on issues such as housing reform, including during a panel moderated by APA State Government Affairs Manager Karla Georges (far left) featuring Washington State Rep. Jessica Bateman (second left to right), Montana State Sen. Forrest Mandeville, and Minnesota State Rep. Steve Elkins.

"Most importantly, we just can't stop being champions. We have to thread equity through everything that we do," said Angela Brooks, FAICP, president of APA.

Celebrating Certification

The whole range of the certification spectrum was on display at the conference, including an induction ceremony for 33 new members of the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners (FAICP).

"Planning is our superpower. Use your gifts to have a meaningful impact on those who depend on our expertise to guide communities," said Angela Calvin Self, FAICP, planning administrator in Garland, Texas, and 2024 FAICP class speaker.

Angela Calvin Self, FAICP, the speaker for the 2024 FAICP class, speaks about what planners can do for their communities during the induction ceremony.

Interested in obtaining your certification? Registration for the Spring 2024 AICP certification cycle is open through April 30.

TAKING IN THE TWIN CITIES

Whether it was a fun run on a warm morning or listening to some music while chatting with peers, NPC24 gave attendees plenty of reasons to smile.

Rise and shine! Conference attendees got up early for the Sunrise 5K Fun Run to get some exercise while exploring some of the city's hidden gems.

Others crossed the Mississippi River while on a sightseeing bike tour.

The conference started with a performance by the Sampson Brothers, indigenous hoop dancers who performed at the Opening Keynote.

Conferencegoers could network and mingle during two early evening celebrations.

The exhibit hall had plenty of spots for planners to meet up with longtime friends and colleagues or make new ones.

Thank You Sponsors

That's a wrap! Thank you again to all of our wonderful #NPC24 in Minneapolis attendees! We hope you join us at #NPC24 online May 8-10. See you next year in Denver for #NPC25 March 29-April 1, 2025! 😎 pic.twitter.com/Q3QZNEhhcb

— American Planning Association (@APA_Planning) April 16, 2024

Top image: 4,000 attendees gathered in Minneapolis for NPC24. Photos by Wise Owl Multimedia.