Resuming a collaboration that began 20 years ago, Franklin Tomorrow and the Seaside Institute are partnering to host a Vision City conference themed “How History Influences the Future” in Franklin from Oct. 15-17.
The Seaside Institute first came to Franklin 20 years ago, working with the City of Franklin and other organizations to hold a multi-day workshop on case studies and critiques of traditional neighborhood development, showcasing Southernland and West Haven as case studies alongside developments in other parts of the country.
The 2024 Vision City Conference program will feature a collaboration between Franklin Tomorrow and the SEASIDE Institute, a nonprofit organization promoting community building through design, education and the arts.
“Seaside Institute’s three tenets are sustainability, connectivity and adaptability, and we believe these are beliefs that resonate with the residents of Franklin and Middle Tennessee,” said Mindy Tate, CEO of Franklin Tomorrow, a community visioning and engagement nonprofit with more than 20 years of history.
The theme will focus on “How History Influences the Future.” The conference is planned with an emphasis on the walkability of the Franklin Downtown Campus, utilizing the Harpeth Hotel, Franklin Theatre and Franklin Factory as conference venues.
“Working with Franklin Tomorrow aligns well with the Seaside Institute’s mission, and we are excited to implement this program together as we evaluate the ‘impact of history on the future’ in community development,” said Christy Milliken, executive director of the Seaside Institute.
The $400 registration fee covers most meals for all three days, venue costs, and speaker travel. To register for the conference, please visit this link: https://2024VisionCityConference.eventbrite.com. Register by August 15th to receive $75 off the $400 fee. Not ready to register yet but want to stay in the loop? Visit this link to fill out our interest form: https://forms.gle/WAkFhgtzGr3iHGYa6. The Harpeth Hotel in downtown Franklin and the hotel block at Spring Hill Suites Cool Springs on McEwen Drive have been booked.
For many years, Franklin Tomorrow has wanted to hold a “Vision City Conference” in Franklin instead of visiting other cities as part of its Vision City Visit program. To date, Franklin Tomorrow has organized visits to Carmel, Indiana; Greenville, South Carolina; Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; Alpharetta, Georgia; Serenbe, Georgia; and last year, Huntsville, Alabama.
Over the past few years, many communities from across the country have come to Franklin to see its planning and development process, tour its parks, and understand its culture. Seaside, Florida, is a fascinating destination that inspired the urban planning movement now known as New Urbanism, and through its work, the Seaside Institute continues to find new ways to build community and connect with one another.
The conference agenda is still being developed and speakers and topics are all subject to change, but here are some highlights from the conference.
October 15, 12:15-1:45pm: Dil A. Thadani is an architect and urban planner active since 1980. Thadani has worked to promote traditional urban planning principles and techniques on all five continents. He is the author of “Visions of Seaside: Foundations / Evolution / Imagination / Built & Unbuilt Architecture,” published by Rizzoli in June 2013. Thadani has been a founding member of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) since its inception in 1993.
October 15 at 4 PM: What makes a livable community? Livability.com will tell the stories of cities, regions and states, sharing its expertise on what makes the nation’s small and mid-sized cities great places to live, as well as how communities can effectively market themselves to businesses and talent.
Oct. 16, 8:30 a.m.: Enjoy “Breakfast with Mayors,” past and present, from cities including Franklin, Greenville, S.C., and Carmel, Indiana, at the Franklin Factory.
October 16th, 10am-12pm: Join us for one of four “Mobile Workshops” that bring an “on-site” feel to the conference.
October 16th, 5:30pm: Experience a “Taste of the Towns” reception while enjoying a Middle Tennessee sunset (weather permitting).
Oct. 17, 8 a.m.: Start the day at the Franklin Theatre, known as the “Home of the First Kiss,” and hear from the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County about ongoing preservation projects in Franklin.
Oct. 17, 9:45 a.m.: Learn about the positive impacts of tourism in Franklin and Walton Counties, Florida, and plan your next visit to either destination.
In addition to vendors and exhibits, the conference will also feature a “project platform” where attendees can network with individuals and businesses to foster a sense of community around new projects.
Sponsorship opportunities are key to the success of our event. There are several levels of sponsorship and Tate would be happy to discuss how Franklin Tomorrow can involve your company as a partner or speaker. Please contact us at mindy@franklintomorrow.org.
Co-hosting partners to date include Atmos Energy, Ragan Smith (a Pape-Dawson Company), Tennessee Valley Authority and the City of Franklin, with additional support from Boyle Investments, TMA Group, The Factory at Franklin & Holladay Properties, Studio Tenn Theatre Company, NAI Nashville Stanton Group and Franklin Theatre.
www.franklintomorrow.org, Mindy Tate,
www.seasideinstitute.org, Christy Milliken
