Registering for Main Street Now 2026 is quick and easy through our conference registration platform. To secure the best rate, reserve your space on capacity-capped experiences, and purchase limited-edition conference t‑shirts, we encourage you to register early. Click here to get started!

Yes! While we strongly recommend that attendees complete their own registration, we understand this may not always be possible. To complete registrations for others (staff, volunteers, board members, etc.) by adding them to your registration, follow these steps:

• Click here to visit our registration site, then scroll down to the ​“Registration” section. 
• Begin your registration checkout process and keep an eye out for the ​“Add another registration” prompt that will be visible before the Billing Information section.
• Click on ​“Add another registration” and follow the onscreen prompts. Make sure to use the attendee’s contact information for all fields. This will ensure that each attendee will receive a confirmation email for their registration and important updates. 

There are two online registration deadlines. Take note of these dates and make sure to register early to lock in the biggest savings: 

• Early Bird: This rate is available starting Monday, December 15, 2025. Register by Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. CT. 
• Regular: This rate is available starting Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Register by Monday, April 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. CT.

Yes! We offer limited on-site registration, on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Sunday, April 12. A credit or debit card will be required to complete payment. 

Please note: Although unlikely, we may need to close on-site registration due to venue capacity limitations. To guarantee admission and to secure the best rate, we strongly encourage you to register online in advance. 

We have several registration types available. Keep reading to find the one that is right for you:

Member: Staff, board members, small business owners, and volunteers attending on behalf of an organization that has an active Main Street America membership. Make sure to enter your member number during checkout to receive the best rate — up to $400 in savings!

Non-Member: Individuals attending on behalf of an organization that is not currently a Main Street America member. Join today to save on conference registration!

Civic Leader: Elected officials and senior government staff, including mayors, county executives, city councilmembers, elected municipal leaders, staff at the director level and above in Main Street-related departments (i.e., economic development, planning, historic preservation, etc.). This rate includes access to a special invite-only forum programmed with content tailored for civic leaders. Main Street managers and Coordinating Program staff are not eligible to receive the Civic Leader rate.

Student: Individuals currently enrolled full-time in a degree program and not employed full-time. 

Exhibitor: Companies specializing in products, services, and resources designed to assist downtown and commercial district management professionals take their efforts to the next level.

For questions about qualifications, please email info@​mainstreet.​org. 

Your registration comes with a full suite of learning, network-building, and celebratory experiences, and other great perks, including: 

• Automatic access to 100+ education sessions — Find inspiration, solutions, and tangible takeaways on dozens of timely topics
• Complimentary continental-style breakfast, Monday-Wednesday — Get energized and ready for learning with an assortment of fresh pastries, fruit, yogurt, and a unique warm dish each day, plus coffee, tea, and other beverages* 
• Entry to the Welcome Reception on Sunday evening — Arrive early for a chance to order refreshments on us: the first 1000 guests receive a $20 gift card to spend at food vendor stalls 
• Exhibitor Reception on Tuesday afternoon — Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and beverages*, learn about products and services offered by 50+ companies, and enter to win great prizes
• Discounted rates at conference hotels — Keep your budget on track with specially priced rooms at nearby hotels* 

*While supplies last 

Yes! Main Street America members receive a significant discount — up to $400 — when registering online. Not a member yet? Join today for as little as $95 to save big on registration and unlock dozens of additional members-only benefits! Please note: This discount only applies to Main Street America memberships; National Trust for Historic Preservation or Preservation Leadership Forum memberships are not eligible.

Conference volunteers are eligible to receive a registration discount. These positions are managed by our co-host partner, Oklahoma Main Street. If you are interested in volunteering, please email info@​mainstreet.​org, and we will connect you with the conference volunteer coordinator. 

At this time, we do not have scholarships available, however we encourage you to check with your Coordinating Program and to subscribe to receive conference updates for any opportunities that may become available. 

Your member number is at your fingertips anytime in your member portal. For assistance, contact membership@​mainstreet.​org or 312−610−5613. 

Please note: Due to the high volume of requests, it may take up to 72 hours to receive a response. 

To ensure a smooth online registration and on-site check-in process, we strongly recommend credit card payment. 

A ​“pay by check” option is available for a $25 fee via online registration until Friday, March 6; all checks must be received no later than Friday, March 20. Checks should be mailed to: 

National Main Street Center
c/​o Main Street Now 2026 
53 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 350 
Chicago, IL 60604 

Please note: Checks will not be accepted during on-site registration. 

Yes! You can modify your registration through Friday, March 27, at 12:00 p.m. CT. 

To make changes to your registration:

• Open your registration confirmation email and scroll down to the bottom 
• Click the ​“Set Up Account Now” link to create an account with our registration platform. This allows you to manage your history and make changes to your information.
• Follow the prompts to claim your account and/​or login.
• Once logged in, follow the prompts to update your profile and/​or add ticketed add-on items and complete checkout. 

Can’t locate your registration confirmation email? Visit the registration site and click the ​“resend confirmation” link located at the top of the page. 

If you have any questions or issues with modifying your registration, please email info@​mainstreet.​org. 

Please note: Ticketed agenda add-on items, such as mobile workshops and the Big Bash, can be added online. For information about removing any ticketed add-on items, please see the cancellation policy. 

Registrations may be cancelled for any reason until Friday, March 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. CT. 

Registration cancellations will incur a $30 cancellation fee. However, this fee will be waived if you opt to roll your registration over to the 2027 Main Street Now Conference or transfer your registration to another individual. 

Cancellation of mobile workshops or special ticketed events will incur a $5 administrative fee. 

All cancellations must be sent in writing to info@​mainstreet.​org. Refunds will be processed within one week of receipt of the cancellation request. 

We are unable to accept cancellations after March 6, 2026. 

Conference T‑shirts are available for pre-sale at a special price during Early Bird registration (December 15, 2025-February 3, 2026). A limited supply of shirts will also be available for purchase on-site. Add a T‑shirt to your registration by February 3 to secure yours at the best price!

Please note: The deadline to modify conference T‑shirt selections is February 3, 2026. As these items are printed based on pre-sale orders, we are unable to accept cancellations or size changes after February 3, 2026.

Printed on soft, lightweight, and pre-shrunk cotton/​poly blend, the official 2026 Main Street Now Conference T‑shirt is available in unisex sizing*: 

• XS: 27″ body length, 16.5″ chest width
• S: 28″ body length, 18″ chest width
• M: 29″ body length, 20″ chest width
• L: 30″ body length, 22″ chest width
• XL: 31″ body length, 24″ chest width
• 2XL: 32″ body length, 26″ chest width
• 3XL: 33″ body length, 28″ chest width

*Chest width measurements are based on the garment lying flat. If you are in between sizes, we recommend sizing up for a relaxed fit or sizing down for a slimmer fit. 

Main Street Now 2026 is a phenomenal experience, offering an abundance of learning, network-building, and celebratory events that can only be fully achieved in person. While virtual attendance elements are not available, we typically offer encore webinar presentations of select popular sessions after the conference. 

Admission to conference venues, events, and activities is reserved for registered participants with valid conference badges. If space allows, we may be able to open sales of ticketed events to guests; availability will likely be determined in late March. To inquire, please email info@​mainstreet.​org. 

The decision to receive correspondence from exhibitors is up to you! As part of registration, attendees may opt out of receiving marketing emails from exhibitors. Exhibitors are limited to one (1) email pre- and post-conference; phone numbers are not shared. 

Please email your request to info@​mainstreet.​org. We will do our best to respond within 72 hours. 

The conference will take place at the Arvest Convention Center, located at 100 Civic Center Drive, Tulsa, OK 74103. 

Tulsa is serviced via the Tulsa International Airport (TUL). Shuttles are not offered. Taxi and ride hailing services are available. 

We’re partnering with the following hotels to offer specially priced room blocks for conference attendees. Check out the details below to find the best fit for your stay.

Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown — $159/​night 
Located at 100 East 2^nd Street, the Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown is a 15-minute walk to the Arvest Convention Center, 10-minute walk to the Tulsa Theater, and centrally located to many restaurants, bars, and shopping. On-site, find Topeca Coffee and the Avery Kitchen & Bar. Learn more and make your reservation here> 

DoubleTree by Hilton Tulsa Downtown — $179/​night 
Located at 616 W. 7^th Street, the DoubleTree by Hilton Tulsa Downtown is a 5‑minute walk to the Arvest Convention Center, 20-minute walk to the Tulsa Theater, and 15-minute walk to restaurants, bars, and shopping. On-site, find a pantry, coffee shop, and dining at the Made Market Restaurant & Bar. Learn more and make your reservation here >

Aloft Downtown Tulsa — $179-$199/night
Located at 200 Civic Center, Aloft Downtown Tulsa is a 2‑minute walk to the Arvest Convention Center, 15-minute walk to the Tulsa Theater, and 15-minute walk to restaurants, bars, and shopping. On-site, find dinner service at WXYZ Bar. Learn more and make your reservation here>

Please note: Conference rooms blocks are limited and available on a first-come, first-reserved basis. Taxes and service fees may apply. To inquire about availability, amenities, or special accommodations, contact hotels directly. 

We’re pleased to include food and beverage amenities with your registration:

• Sunday, evening – Welcome Reception: First 1000 guests receive a $20 gift card to spend at food vendor stalls
• Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings: Light continental-style breakfast (assortment of fresh pastries, fruit, yogurt, and a unique warm dish each day), plus coffee, tea, and other beverages*
• Tuesday late afternoon – Exhibitor Reception: Light appetizers and beverages
• Wednesday evening – Big Bash: Hors d’oeuvres and beverages** 

*Locations and hours will be published in the conference app and printed program. 
**Requires separate ticket purchase.  

We have an entire page dedicated to helping you plan your best conference experience. From an interactive map to top visitor guides, check out this page to start exploring Tulsa today! 

All education sessions will take place at the Arvest Convention Center, located at 100 Civic Center Drive, Tulsa, OK 74103.

For a peek at conference activities and events, check out the schedule at a glance and the education agenda here. Full agenda details will be made available to registered attendees in February 2026. 

Pre-registration is not required for education sessions. Seats will be available at sessions on a first-come, first-served basis. Registered attendees may save sessions to their personal agendas through the Main Street Now 2026 mobile app – available in Apple and Google Play app store in mid-March! 

Registration for mobile workshops is required. You may add mobile workshops to your conference registration at checkout. Take note that all mobile workshops incur an additional fee; many sell out quickly, and availability on-site is limited. 

Our content addresses the broad range of issues that impact Main Street programs and their districts, including community and economic development, placemaking and design, marketing and promotions, organizational development and capacity building, and more. Session categories include: 

• Main Idea Sessions: Keynote session that provides thought leadership, explores our education themes, and celebrates the accomplishments of Main Street communities. 
• 30-Minute Tactical Solution Sessions: Succinct sessions focused on key examples from Main Street communities and partner content through sponsors. 
• 45-Minute Crash Courses: Topic-specific courses that provide quick information or skill-building. 
• 75-Minute Classroom Sessions: Panel discussions or conversations on a topic with opportunities for audience engagement. 
• Deep Dive Sessions: Highly interactive 1.5 to 3‑hour workshops on topics that require detailed instruction or discussion. 
• Mobile Workshops: Off-site, ticketed excursions to Tulsa neighborhood districts, and Main Street communities in Oklahoma. All mobile workshops will depart from the Arvest Convention Center. 

Sessions will not be recorded. However, we typically offer encore webinar presentations of select popular sessions after the conference. 

Session presentations and handouts can be found in the conference mobile app. Please check the conference app (available beginning mid-March) for details.

Please note: Session materials are provided at the discretion of the speakers. While we strongly encourage speakers to share their session materials, they are not required to share copies of their presentation or supplemental handouts. 

In addition to perennial Main Street content, the Main Street Now 2026 agenda will highlight one key theme and three related sub-themes: 

Main Street at the Crossroads: Building Durable Futures – Every community eventually reaches a crossroads — the point where past choices meet future possibilities. For Main Streets, that moment is now. Economic uncertainty, shifting demographics, disaster realities, and rapid technological change are converging, requiring leaders to make decisions that will shape the road ahead. At Main Street Now 2026, we explore how communities can chart durable pathways that will carry future generations. We invite you to think about what it means to build with endurance in mind: organizations that stand strong when they encounter an obstacle, places that are designed to adapt with time, and community systems that remain steady even when individual parts falter. It is about turning today’s crossroads into tomorrow’s foundations.

Designing for Durability – Enduring Main Streets aren’t sustained by luck — they are shaped with care and foresight. This subtheme highlights how to build organizational, cultural, and physical systems that endure: leadership pipelines that keep talent strong, preservation strategies that honor heritage, and infrastructure that adapts to change. Durability is also the weaving together of people, cultures, and identities into a shared fabric of place that carries Main Streets well into the future.

Financing the Future – A thriving Main Street depends not only on passion but also on strong financial footing. This subtheme explores strategies for long-term stability such as diversified revenue streams, innovative partnerships, and sound fiscal practices that help organizations weather uncertainty. It’s about creating not just a budget for today, but a financial roadmap that ensures tomorrow’s impact.

Elevating Rural Resilience – Rural Main Streets are deeply rooted in their landscapes, traditions, and connections that serve as powerful sources of resilience. This subtheme uplifts the distinct strengths and needs of rural communities, exploring how they spark vitality through small business ecosystems, housing solutions, arts and culture, and creative placemaking. Far from being peripheral, rural Main Streets stand as anchors of durability and vitality within the broader national economy. 

Yes, we anticipate offering APA credits for select sessions. Please see the conference app and printed program booklet for details. 

Please send any additional questions to info@​mainstreet.​org. 

Please note: Due to the high volume of requests, it may take up to 72 hours to receive a response. 

Main Street America (MSA) is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and accepting environment for all 2026 Main Street Now Conference (conference) participants, volunteers, and staff. All participants, including attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, MSA Board and staff, service providers, and all others, are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct. 

This Code of Conduct is designed to promote psychological safety, ensure equitable treatment for all participants, and create an environment where everyone can engage fully and respectfully. MSA expects all participants to uphold these standards to protect the wellbeing of the entire community. 

Expected Behaviors

To support an environment that builds community and positive connections, the following behaviors are expected of all participants at the 2026 Main Street Now Conference: 

• Wear your conference badge. To access conference venues and events, all participants must wear their conference badge and present it to personnel when asked. Please be aware that admission to conference spaces and activities is granted only to participants with conference badges.
• Treat everyone you encounter with respect. All participants should treat each other, event and venue staff, and all others with dignity and respect, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, age, religion, and any other status protected by laws in which the event is being held. 
• Be mindful of your surroundings and your fellow participants. One of the benefits of in-person gatherings is the opportunity to connect with people who have different backgrounds and experiences than you. Cross-cultural communication can often be complicated, and everyone is encouraged to consider the impact of their words and actions on those with different backgrounds and experiences. 
• Be present and participate actively. The ways that people show up and participate vary. Be present and participate in ways that are authentic to you, while respecting that others may do so in different ways. 
• Share the mic. To support a participatory learning environment for everyone, be mindful of how much time you use in discussions and Q&A sessions. 
• Maintain confidentiality when sensitive topics arise during sessions, discussions, or networking. Do not share personal stories, comments, or identifying details without the explicit permission of the individual.
• If consuming alcohol at conference-related events, do so responsibly. Participants should remain in control of their behavior and maintain a safe and respectful environment for others.
• HAVE FUN! 

Unacceptable Behaviors

In order to maintain a supportive and welcoming environment, conference participants are expected to refrain from engaging in the following: 

• Filming of conference events or activities for commercial purposes unless expressly consented to in writing by Main Street America. Note: Use of personal, handheld devices for recording or transmitting conference content including, but not limited to, sessions, workshops, demos, format meetings, award ceremonies, or any other content, is permitted for personal documentation and educational purposes only. Recordings of conference events and educational events in their entirety may not be shared, posted, or published publicly. Requests from presenters, speakers, volunteers, and/​or conference staff to cease filming must be respected.
• Disruption of presentations during sessions, including arriving late or departing early. Speakers and presenters have worked hard to provide quality content at this year’s conference. Please respect their time and efforts. 
• Harassment of participants in person or online. Examples include: 
  • Verbal comments or imagery that reinforce social structures of domination related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, and any other status protected by laws in which the event is being held. 
  • Unwelcome comments regarding a person’s identity, lifestyle choices and/​or practices. 
  • Abusive, offensive, or degrading language or imagery. 
  • Intimidation, stalking, or following. 
  • Unwelcome sexual attention or advances or physical contact. 
• Any other behavior that MSA determines is inappropriate, unsafe, or inconsistent with the values of the conference. Reports of these types of behavior will be addressed. 

Unacceptable behavior from any participant will not be tolerated. If a participant engages in unacceptable behavior, MSA staff and/​or its designated representatives may take any of the following actions they deem appropriate, including: 

• A warning to cease unacceptable behavior and that additional reports will result in further action. 
• Removal from the 2026 Main Street Now Conference, with no refund. 
• Not being allowed to attend future Main Street Now Conferences. 
• Not being allowed to attend future Main Street America events, whether virtual or in person. 
• Reporting behavior to the applicable authorities. 

MSA strictly prohibits retaliation against any participant who raises a concern in good faith or assist in the review of a concern.

Participants who feel threatened or violated because of intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning conduct — or have witnessed other participants being subjected to such behavior — are encouraged to immediately notify MSA staff and/​or its designated representatives: 

• Hannah White, Chief Impact Officer, hwhite@​mainstreet.​org 
• Amber Cooper, Director of Talent & Culture, acooper@​mainstreet.​org 
• Conference Registration Desk staff can assist any participants with paging MSA staff

Main Street America is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all Main Street Now attendees, speakers, volunteers, and partners. This safety policy outlines our approach to managing health and safety risks and ensuring compliance with relevant safety regulations.

To support attendee experience, we have the following guidelines in place: 

• We ask that you respect the personal space of others while attending our conference and avoid close contact with others if you begin to feel sick or experience symptoms of any kind while in attendance. 
• Main Street America’s conference team will monitor the local public health and safety guidelines and will reserve the right to make determinations about our own protocols based on local information. We will update these guidelines should it become necessary. 
• We strongly encourage all conference attendees to take whatever precautions they feel are prudent to protect themselves from any public health or safety threat. MSA will have an on-site emergency plan in place that will be updated and available on the conference webpage. 

Notice to Attendees

Anyone planning to attend the conference needs to make their own individualized risk assessment and use judgment about their comfort level attending a large gathering. 

Attendees should consult trusted health authorities and health care provider(s) for additional guidance applicable to their personal circumstances. To the extent any federal, state, or local law requires safeguards in addition to those required in these guidelines, attendees should follow them. Attendees should also review policies and procedures from transportation and hotel providers prior to their attendance at the conference. 

These health and safety guidelines are subject to change at any time, including but not limited to, recommendations in accordance with local, state, or federal guidance. Main Street America is not responsible for any additional costs you may incur due to a conference cancellation, including but not limited to: cancellation fees, airfare, accommodations, transportation costs, etc. 

Main Street America and/​or any conference venue reserve the right to ask an attendee to leave the conference or to refuse admission to an attendee who violates the policies and procedures of the conference, and/​or the venue. If you are asked to leave or refused admission to the conference, you will not be readmitted into the conference and no refund will be provided. 

Questions? Email info@​mainstreet.​org. 
Please note: Due to the high volume of requests, it may take up to 72 hours to receive a response. 

Main Street America has developed these guidelines based on several factors including, but not limited to, conversation and input from staff, evaluation of the Main Street Now 2025 protocols and feedback from attendees, and research about conference industry standards. 

By entering 2026 Main Street Now Conference venues or programming spaces, participants are entering an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. 

Participants entry and presence on conference premises constitutes their consent to be photographed, filmed, and/​or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media of their appearance, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with Main Street America and its initiatives, including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news, and advertising. 

By entering the conference premises, participants waive and release any claims they may have related to the use of recorded media of them at the event, including, without limitation, any right to inspect or approve the photo, video or audio recording of them, any claims for invasion of privacy, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, and copyright infringement or for any fees for use of such record media. 

Participants understand that all photography, filming, and/​or recording will be done in reliance on this consent. 

I understand participation in the 2026 Main Street Now Conference (Event) is entirely voluntary, and as a conference attendee, I voluntarily assume all risks that may occur as a result of my participation in the conference. 

In consideration of attending the Event, I, on behalf of myself and my heirs and assigns, voluntarily release, waive, discharge, covenant not to sue, and hold harmless Main Street America (MSA), its affiliates, officers, managers, directors, employees, volunteers, independent contractors, third party vendors, sponsors, advertisers, agents and representatives (the Released Parties), from any and all claims for liability, cause(s) of action, demands, damages, costs, loss of service, expenses and compensation, including known and unknown, for personal injury, illness, property damage, wrongful death or loss of any kind whatsoever suffered in connection with the Event, arising out of or relating to attending or participation in the Event or any travel related thereto, whether an infection occurs before, during, or after participation in the Event. 

I represent and warrant that: (a) I am of legal age and am duly authorized to enter this Waiver on behalf of myself and to bind myself to all of the terms and conditions of this Waiver; (b) I have read this Waiver carefully, fully understand its terms; and © I intend this Waiver to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability of the Released Parties to the greatest extent allowed by applicable law. This Waiver is governed by the laws of the District of Columbia without regard to conflict of law principles. Any dispute concerning this Waiver and/​or the Event (generally or specifically) will be instituted exclusively in the federal or state courts located in the District of Columbia.