Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams
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Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
We are thrilled to share a preview of the 2026 Main Street Now Conference schedule, including a sneak peek at new sessions, returning favorites, and thoughtfully curated learning tracks shaped around this year’s theme, Main Street at the Crossroads: Building Durable Futures.
From inspiring plenaries and immersive mobile workshops to engaging education sessions and interactive experiences, this year’s schedule features 100+ opportunities for local place practitioners to strengthen their professional networks, build new skills, and explore strategies that help communities navigate change and chart durable paths forward. Sessions dive into topics like designing organizations and places that endure, financing sustainable futures, and elevating the unique resilience of rural Main Streets.
Rooted in Main Street fundamentals and informed by feedback from across the network, the 2026 schedule is full of opportunities to exchange ideas, tackle real challenges, and gain practical tools to help communities stand strong for generations to come.
Photo by BeauMonde Originals
Photo by BeauMonde Originals
Whether Main Street Now 2026 will be your first or fifteenth conference, be sure to explore these exciting experiences, each crafted to provide you with tangible tools, fresh ideas, and meaningful peer connections for strengthening your organization and community for the long term.
For those arriving on Sunday, consider attending Main Street 101 Deep Dive: Sustainable Strategies for Lasting Impact. This interactive session offers practical, real-world strategies for bolstering sustainability and impact in your community using the Four-Point Approach®. Then, join us in the evening for the Welcome Reception at Tulsa’s vibrant Mother Road Market to reconnect with colleagues, meet new peers, and kick off your Main Street Now 2026 experience together.
This year’s Opening Plenary on Monday morning will take place at the historic Tulsa Theater—join us there to officially kick off Main Street Now 2026. Hear energizing welcome remarks from City of Tulsa and tribal officials, Oklahoma Main Street representatives, and Main Street America President & CEO Erin Barnes, and celebrate the 2026 Great American Main Street Awards winners.
Day two features a compelling Tuesday Main Idea—The Durability of Main Street: Lessons, Momentum, and the Road Ahead—with Kennedy Smith and Erin Barnes. Together, they’ll explore how the movement has evolved over time, what lessons still resonate today, and how communities can continue building local economic power for generations to come. Don’t miss the special networking session, Tribute to the Main Street Three Musketeers: Fireside Chat with Clark Schoettle, where Dr. Bethany Rogers and Clark reflect on the early days of the movement, the impact of the Providence Revolving Loan Fund, and the lasting legacy of the late Tom Moriarty on shaping the Main Street Approach we use today.
The third and final day begins with the return of the Wednesday Main Idea—Main Street Matters: The State of Economic Development with Nathan Ohle, President & CEO of the International Economic Development Council, connecting national trends to Main Street realities. After a full day of energizing and practical education sessions, join us for a jubilant Closing Celebration featuring remarks from Main Street leaders and the presentation of the 2026 Mary Means Leadership Awards. Then cap it all off at the Big Bash in historic Sapulpa — a lively block party on Route 66 filled with entertainment, local food and drinks, games, and good times with friends from across the network. (P.S. Tickets are limited and selling quickly, so don’t wait to add one to your registration!)
Photo by BeauMonde Originals
Photo by BeauMonde Originals
Back by popular demand, we’re excited to continue our curated role-based learning tracks for Main Street Now 2026. These tailored learning paths are designed to help you identify sessions most relevant to your role within your organization and the broader Main Street movement.
Each track includes suggested sessions to create a curated experience aligned with your role and responsibilities. These tracks are just that—suggestions! With more than 100 sessions to choose from, we encourage you to take control of your experience and explore the topics that matter most to you.
Experienced Director — Find sessions focused on advanced strategies, leadership insights, and innovative approaches to take your Main Street program to the next level:
New Director — Designed for early-career professionals, this track offers foundational knowledge, practical tools, and key resources to confidently begin your Main Street leadership journey:
Board Member — Learn how to maximize your impact as a board member with sessions dedicated to governance, strategic planning, and collaboration with program staff:
Civic Leader — This track supports civic leaders in championing Main Street initiatives through sessions on partnerships, advocacy, and local policy alignment:
Coordinating Program — Explore strategies for managing statewide or regional Main Street programs, strengthening coordination across your local communities, and scaling the impact of the Main Street Approach:
This is just a preview of the learning and connection opportunities waiting for you at Main Street Now 2026 in Tulsa. Explore the full schedule and start planning your ideal conference experience today!
Like what you see, but haven’t saved your seat yet? Take the first step to turn your plans into reality by adding your name to the list of Main Street Now 2026 attendees! Online registration is open through April 6, with discounts available to Main Street America members, civic leaders, and students. Get started >
Main Street Now 2026 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is sure to be the biggest professional development event for civic leaders looking to boost their impact and role in the success of their local Main Street. And with registration as low as $200, it's an unbeatable opportunity.
Photo by BeauMonde Originals
Dionne Baux shares how Historic King Drive BID's executive director Ray Hill is leading the district to success by supporting strong economic sustainability.
Main Street America's research team shares the results of the 2026 Director's Survey, including the state of Main Street budgets, boards, and priorities.
