On the Magic of Main Street Now 2024 and Five Aspirations for the Movement
Erin Barnes shares her reflections from the 2024 Main Street Now Conference in Birmingham, Alabama.
Birmingham, Alabama © Art Meripol
May 6 – 8, 2024
Thank you Birmingham!
It was great to be in Birmingham for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference. Over the course of three days, a record-breaking 2000 Main Streeters from across the country (and world) gathered in The Magic City to participate in 140+ dynamic educational sessions led by over 280 place professionals, 17 immersive mobile workshops, and countless network-building activities. In addition to equipping local leaders with tools to advance initiatives in their communities, the conference also generated an estimated $4 million in economic impact for greater Birmingham.
Thanks to our 2024 conference co-hosts, Main Street Alabama and Sweet Home Alabama.
Making connecting at the Welcome Reception at City Walk BHAM. © Alicia Gallo
Mayor Randall Woodfin at the Opening Plenary. © Tosha Gaines Photography
Main Idea session with Erin Barnes and Dr. Mindy Fullilove. © Tosha Gaines Photography
El Cafecito, a coffee break for Spanish speakers. © Alicia Gallo
Learning about products and services at the Main Street Expo. © Alicia Gallo
Raffle prize winner at the Exhibitor Reception. © Alicia Gallo
Walking Tour of Woodlawn mobile workshop. © Tosha Gaines Photography
Engaging speakers bring content to life at education sessions. © Alicia Gallo
Erin Barnes speaking at the Closing Plenary. © Tosha Gaines Photography
Dancing with friends at the Big Bash at Sloss Furnaces. © Tosha Gaines Photography
Visit the Main Street Now Conference Facebook albums to explore snapshots of passionate leaders in action and memorable moments from the Welcome Reception to the Big Bash! For more photos, videos, and perspectives from fellow conference attendees, search #MainStreetNow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Thanks for the Feedback
From evaluating this year’s speakers, sessions, and overall experience, to offering ideas, suggestions, and recommendations for future conferences, we appreciate hearing from attendees.
We invited attendees to share their thoughts on the Main Street Now 2024 as a whole and individual sessions by completing the brief conference survey from May 8 – 31. We thank everyone who submitted feedback and we look forward to incorporating it into future conferences!
Get Session Materials
Presentation decks and other session materials are available for download via the conference website. Please note: materials are provided by speakers at their discretion and are added as they become available.
Here’s how: Look up sessions on the Agenda webpage or the “Agenda” section of the mobile app. Click on the session title and scroll down to the “Session Materials” field. Any materials provided by speakers will be accessible via a weblink.
Featured Articles
Become Enchanted With The Magic City
Main Street Alabama is thrilled to welcome Main Streeters to Birmingham for Main Street Now 2024. As you build out your personal agenda, make sure to also make time to explore our amazing host city. Check out this roundup of some local favorites for you to explore between conference sessions, activities, and celebrations.
Main Spotlight: Restoration and Resurgence in the Historic 4th Avenue Black Business District
Urban Impact Inc., harnesses strategic investments and collaborative efforts to foster a vibrant and sustainable future, from visionary adaptive reuse ventures to transformative development grants for small businesses and property owners in Birmingham, Alabama’s historic 4th Avenue Black Business District.
Main Spotlight: Fostering Connection in BHAM by Creating Third Spaces in Downtown Birmingham and Woodlawn
REV Birmingham and Woodlawn United share how they work to reenergize spaces and places in Birmingham, Alabama, through civic infrastructure projects in the city’s historic commercial corridors.
Ultimate Immersive Learning Experiences: A Roundup of Main Street Now 2024 Mobile Workshops
Opportunities to experience time-tested Main Street Approach techniques and creative solutions in action abound in Birmingham with these great excursions.
Main Spotlight: Exploring Birmingham’s Commitment to Equity and Inclusivity
Learn how Main Street Now 2024 host city Birmingham, Alabama, is deepening their commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Meeting in The Magic City: A Preview of the 2024 Main Street Now Conference Sessions
Check out some of the highlights of the many sessions that will be offered at the 2024 Main Street Now Conference.