
Session & Awards Program Sponsor
12:00PM – 1:15PM: Placemaking for the Win
Thriving downtowns capitalize on their community assets to create intentional spaces that encourage visitors to not only shop and dine, but immerse themselves in the downtown experience. This creates a sense of place that attracts visitors, builds pride, and nurtures loyalty. Placemaking does not just happen, it is achieved through a multi-pronged approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces that is supported by substantial community collaboration. This panel brings together professionals actively engaged in placemaking who will share real life implementation strategies to take your downtown from ho-hum to wow.
Panelists:
- Isaac Kremer, Executive Director, Metuchen Downtown Association
- Jaime Izurieta, Storefront Ninja, Storefront Mastery
- Suzanne Ishee, Director, NJIT Hub for Creative Placemaking
This is the second of a two-part placemaking series. In October, Isaac & Jaime shared advice about innovative “Winning Winter” placemaking strategies. Exemplary placemaking projects and initiatives will be highlighted as best practices during this session, and recognized in an awards ceremony after the session.
1:15PM – 1:30PM: Placemaking Awards
Downtown New Jersey will recognize excellent placemaking projects and initiatives intended to help small businesses survive and thrive during the shut down and capacity limitations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
1:30PM – 2:15PM: Virtual Exhibit Hall & Networking
Chat with exhibitors, catch up with colleagues, and discuss hot topics with your peers.
2:30PM – 3:45PM: Retail in the Changing Downtown Environment
The pandemic has accelerated a change in the downtown retail environment which was already underway. It has also provided retailers with an opportunity to reevaluate things that aren’t working and refocus their energy particularly toward multiple revenue streams. We are now forced to ask fundamental questions: What is the role of the physical store in this new landscape? Is the typical retail footprint/streetscape relationship still valid and if so what opportunities are available for it to be enhanced? How can community engagement be maintained/enhanced? What kind of demands are expected for smaller retail footprints and can a new mix of typologies be successfully accommodated within a typical ground floor retail format? How are Landlords considering modifications to leasing practices/portfolio strategies in response?
The panel is made up from academic professionals and industry thought leaders who will bring their unique viewpoints to address these questions.
Panelists:
- Harriet Harris, Dean of Architecture, Pratt
- Larisa Ortiz, Managing Director, Research + Analysis, StreetSense
- Lara Marrero, Retail Leader, Strategy Director, Principal, Gensler
- Darius Sollohub, Associate Professor, Hillier College of Arch & Design, NJIT
4:00PM – 5:15PM: Virtual Tour & Happy Hour

Session Sponsor
Join us for a virtual tour of downtown Newark culminating in a cocktail mixing class featuring local spirits. Afterward, join your colleagues for an informal happy hour and discussion about NJ’s liquor license laws.
Tour Guide:

Title Sponsor