Forums & Workshops

Downtown New Jersey offers a variety of in-person and virtual opportunities for downtown managers, economic development professionals, and public officials to exchange ideas about best practices related to downtown economic development. Check out the opportunities to interact with your peers below.

Upcoming Forums

Past Forums

Summaries, Videos, PowerPoint’s, and other resources.

Recovery Marketing

August 18, 2020 – At this forum, seasoned communications expert Susan Adelizzi-Schmidt of Suasion Communications Group, led a discussion about public relations, digital marketing, and creative brand strategy for downtowns in recovery.

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Reinventing Events

July 29, 2020 – At this forum, we were joined by John Donio, President of Wildwood BID, Ollyn Lettman, Director of Bloomfield Center Alliance, and Emily Manz of EMI Strategy who shared their experiences staging in-person and virtual events.

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Commercial District Recovery

June 26, 2020 – At this forum, Larisa Ortiz, Managing Director of Research & Analysis at Streetsense, provided an overview of the Commercial District Recovery Guide that provides place-based organizations and intermediary partners focused on community economic development with a curated roadmap for action to support COVID-19 recovery efforts in downtowns and commercial districts.

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Digital Resources for Downtowns

June 12, 2020 – Now more than ever, “going digital” is necessary to stay relevant and present in the consumer’s mind. At this forum, we heard about a few of the digital resources that our members have found valuable for both their downtown and their businesses.

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Farmers Markets in the New Normal

May 13, 2020 – During an online Downtown Management Forum, we were joined by Rachel Sieg of the HDSID and Rebecca Hersh of Main Street Highland Park, to lead a conversation about reopening farmer’s markets safely and successfully.

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Supporting Local Economies

April 28, 2020 – As part of Sustainable Jersey’s Virtual Summit, Downtown New Jersey Executive Director, Courtenay Mercer and NJDCA’s Neighborhood Preservation Program Administrator, Jef Buehler discussed how we can support local business when it’s not business as usual.

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