From Foot Traffic to Destination: Activating Downtown in the Experience Economy
Focus: Creating reasons for people to visit and stay
\With fewer people casually passing through downtowns, districts must create intentional reasons to visit. This session explores how to shift from passive foot traffic to active destination-making through events, programming, and placemaking. Participants will learn how to design experiences that increase dwell time, encourage repeat visits, and support local businesses, while building a year-round activation strategy that drives consistent energy and engagement.
Speakers:
- Ady Avivi, Weingarten Art Group
- Daryl Stewart, Daryl Stewart Productions
- Tracy Gavant, Main Street Pops
- Jaime Izirieta, Storefront Mastery
- Jonathan Tyler, Senior Associate, Global Retail Practice Leader, GENSLER
DATE: May 28, 2026
TIME: 11:00AM – 12:15PM
LOCATION: Virtual Via Zoom
This event is presented by Downtown New Jersey
