Big Towns

Early Bird tickets for Big Towns 2025 are on sale NOW! Join us for the second annual #summit on Wednesday, April 23, and Thursday, April 24, in Lafayette, Louisiana, for a transformative event dedicated to mid-sized cities that are too big to be small #towns and too small to be big cities. This year will feature nationally recognized #speakers, expert-led panels, and interactive #workshops. Purchase your Early Bird ticket by February 28 and be part of the movement to shape the future of mid-sized cities: https://lnkd.in/drZsHu_U #BigTowns

Dean Baquet has been impacting the #journalism industry throughout his career. He is a journalist and editor who began his career at a local level in New Orleans before rising to prominence at the Chicago Tribune and later The New York Times. He has won numerous prestigious awards including the #PulitzerPrize for Investigative Journalism! Dean Baquet will bring his insights to both our Keynote Conversation and our Civics & Media Track during the 2025 Big Towns summit. Learn more at bigtowns.org. #SpeakBig

On January 1, 2016, Rosalynn Bliss became the first female Mayor for the City of Grand Rapids. She led the city for nine years before retiring in January 2025. Prior to this, she served as a Second Ward City Commissioner for 10 years. Former Mayor Bliss also has a long history of community service. She is the Past President of the Michigan Municipal League and currently serves on boards for the Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Kent County Convention Arena Authority, Community Rebuilders, ArtPrize and Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Former Mayor Bliss will be an integral panelist in our “Big Towns Success” Panel, pulling from knowledge gained being a #leader on numerous levels in #GrandRapids, Michigan. #SpeakBig

Mayor Tim Kelly of City of Chattanooga was a lifelong resident before being elected as the 66th Mayor in April 2021. Growing up in the family car business allowed Mayor Kelly to become increasingly involved in Chattanooga’s #civic life, which led him to start several companies, including co-founding Chattanooga FC, the city’s professional soccer club! Additionally, he has remained active in his #community by serving on boards for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, Benwood Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga, River City Company, Allied Arts (now ArtsBuild), Chattanooga 2.0, and the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga. Mayor Kelly will share his perspective and approach as the leader of #Chattanooga, Tennessee, at this year's Big Towns summit. #SpeakBig

At the Big Towns #summit, we dive deep into the future of mid-sized cities with thought-provoking sessions across four key tracks. ?? Growth & Economy: Discover how mid-sized cities can drive sustainable economic growth and unlock new opportunities. ?? Health & Healthcare: Explore innovative strategies to improve healthcare systems and overall wellness in our communities. ?? Civics & Media: Engage in conversations about the role of media, transparency, and citizen engagement in shaping civic life. ?? Community & Culture: Celebrate the unique cultures that thrive in mid-sized cities and how we can nurture stronger, more inclusive communities. Come connect, learn, and inspire. Visit?bigtowns.org?to secure your ticket and become a difference-maker for your big town.?#BigTracks

Ready to get registered for a memorable #summit where #conversations are held and #ideas are presented around mid-sized cities? Then grab your Early Bird Ticket before it's too late by visiting bigtowns.org. #BigTowns

Attend this year’s Big Towns summit on?April 23 and 24 in Lafayette, Louisiana, for two days of #conversations, #ideas, and #connections that will shape the future of mid-sized cities. Learn more about the event and save right now when you register at bigtowns.org.?#BigTowns

In cities like Lafayette, one idea can set in motion a wave of positive change for our #community. It’s the #boldthinkers, the #changemakers, and the #innovators who turn vision into action. At Big Towns, we’ll explore how mid-sized cities like ours foster the BIG ideas that drive growth, support local economies, and build strong communities. Be part of the #conversation and discover how we’re shaping the future, one big idea at a time. #IdeasForBigTowns

Mid-sized cities thrive because of the big #ideas and bold #leaders who push them forward. At Big Towns, we’re bringing together some of the most passionate and innovative voices shaping the future of cities like ours. Over the next few weeks, we’ll introduce the #speakers who will share what it takes to make mid-sized cities stronger, more connected, and full of opportunity. #SpeakBig

We're getting ready for the second annual Big Towns #summit on April 23 and 24 here in Lafayette, Louisiana. Get your Early Bird ticket today: https://lnkd.in/drZsHu_U #BigTowns