Board Spotlight: Local Stories from the Board of Directors
John Mitterholzer, Deshea Agee, Michael Wagler, Chris Wilson, and Mary Helmer Worth share stories from their time at the local level and how those experiences shape their perspectives today.
There’s Only Two Weeks Left to Pre-Register for Main Street Now 2024!
Online registration and the regular rate are available through Friday, April 26. Register today and join fellow commercial district revitalization leaders from across the country for three days of insightful education sessions, unique special events, immersive mobile workshops, and memorable experiences in the Magic City. From downtowns in rural places to commercial corridors in cities, the Main Street Now Conference offers time-tested approaches, new techniques, and opportunities to exchange ideas designed to help your team address pressing issues impacting your community.
Registration Rates
Discounts and special rates are available to Main Street America members, civic leaders, and students. For additional savings, register by the regular online deadline (outlined below).
Regular (by April 26*): $565 Member | $735 Non-Member
On-Site: $775 Member, Non-Member
One Day: $399
Student: $200
Civic Leader: $199
*Deadlines are subject to change
Attendee Experience
Main Street Now 2024 Mobile App
Get the app to:
- View the full conference schedule and add sessions to your personal agenda
- Meet session speakers and connect with fellow attendees
- Bookmark your favorite sessions, speakers, sponsors, and attendees
- Read about can’t miss events and keynote speakers
- Check out venues, restaurants, and visitor guides
- and more!
Download the app today!
- Click here to download the “Attendee Mobile” app from your favorite app store >
- Launch the app and search for “Main Street Now 2024” to load the conference app.
- Login using your registration email and password
Need troubleshooting help? Check out the Mobile App Frequently Asked Questions here >
Visit mainstreetnow.org to Peruse the Full Schedule
See sessions and activities by day, filter by session type, meet session speakers, access a printer-friendly version of schedule, and add activities to your calendar. Check out the full schedule here >
Webinar for Attendees
Join Main Street America and Main Street Alabama on Tuesday, April 23 at 2:00 p.m. CST, for this informational webinar for conference attendees. Learn more about what to expect at Main Street Now 2024! We will cover key things to know, can’t miss events, and sites to check out while you are in Birmingham. Registration required. Register for the webinar here>
Get Your Main Street Gear for Main Street Now
Our new collection, “Main Streets Are for Everyone,” just dropped on ShopMainStreet.org! Grab something new for yourself or matching tees for the team to wear during the conference. Shop clothing, accessories, office supplies, and more at ShopMainStreet.org. Shop the new collection here >
Sessions Spotlight
From crash courses to deep dives, the Main Street Now 2024 schedule is packed with educational opportunities: 140+ sessions led by nearly 280 speakers, to be exact! Here are just a few sessions we recommend you consider adding to your personal agenda.
Civic Infrastructure of Action and Getting Stuff Done
Monday, May 6, 3:00 p.m.-4:15 p.m.
How do you create a Main Street that is loved, with businesses that thrive, and more access to growth for people from different parts of your demographics? This session will feature community leaders building this capacity right now, and method that every participant can take home.
Empowering Rural Voices: Strategies for Inclusive Community Leadership
Tuesday, May 7, 10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Join us for a concise yet impactful 30-minute session tailored for community development leaders in rural settings. Discover insights on navigating difficult conversations with finesse, establishing robust civic structures, and cultivating meaningful relationships.
Live Podcast Recording: Main Street Business Insights
Wednesday, May 8, 9:00 a.m.-9:45 a.m.
Host Matt Wagner, Ph.D., Chief Program Officer at Main Street America, will sit down with Alycia Levels-Moore, founder and CEO of ASL Creative Strategies, a Birmingham-based project management company that creates spaces, education, and partnerships with the purpose of eliminating the racial wealth gap by supporting the creation and scale of Black-owned businesses.
For more information about sessions and the schedule, explore the agenda here >
Mobile Workshops
Mobile workshops offer immersive learning experiences and unique opportunities to experience Birmingham and surrounding communities. Space is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Mobile workshops are reaching capacity quickly – add a workshop (or two) to your registration today! Keep reading for today’s recommendations. Preview all mobile workshops here >
Oxford, Alabama © The City of Oxford, Alabama
The Power of Collaboration in East Alabama
Anniston, Heflin & Oxford
Sunday, May 5, 8:00 a.m. — 5:15 p.m.
Explore three historic districts that are physically, financially, and culturally distinct. Learn how each city has invested in civic infrastructure projects that have yielded great returns, including increased foot traffic, significant private investment, and increased civic pride.
Columbiana, Alabama © Columbiana Main Street
Main Streets in Shelby County
Calera, Columbiana & Montevallo
Sunday, May 5, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Learn about public art and adaptive reuse projects that have created a district of progress that also showcases the cultural enhancements from the past six decades. Our knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the significance of each site and its role in shaping Montgomery’s identity.
Downtown Wetumpka’s Self Taught Southern Art Gallery. © Main Street Wetumpka
Downtown Wetumpka: Natural Beauty, Resilient Spirit, and the Takeover
Wetumpka
Sunday, May 5, 8:30 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.
Visit Wetumpka to experience this small town with a big history. Learn all about how city officials and a team of visionaries restored their business district from dull and desolate into the vibrant heart of the community that residents, visitors, and film crews love.
Fort Payne, Alabama © Fort Payne Main Street
Two Blue Collar Towns and Their Revival Story
Gadsden & Fort Payne
Sunday, May 5, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Learn how Gadsden created a thriving Main Street community with a vibrant retail, restaurant, and bar scene. In Fort Payne, learn how the Main Street district embraces its natural surroundings, cultural heritage, and rebounding textile industry for future success.
Learn more about our conference policies here >
Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions here >
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.
Conference Co-Hosts
Conference Sponsors
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