Program Highlights
Highlights By The Numbers
A packed menu of events will keep you busy learning and networking:
8 provocative keynote speakers
45 breakout sessions on Friday and Saturday, including fundamental sessions for first-time attendees and in-depth sessions for seasoned new urbanists.
200 expert presenters
9 rigorous expert-led seminars
1 New Urbanism 101 intro course
6 action-packed debates
15 guided tours of the best urbanism in Central Texas
2 urban laboratories offering hands-on learning and an opportunity to assist the local community.
15 chapter meet-ups with CNU members from regions across the country
27 principles in the Charter of the New Urbanism guiding the discussions and debates
1 Austin-centric Saturday night Party with live music and Texas BBQ
Wednesday Night Program
Austin Mayor Will Wynn and architect, educator and author Sinclair Black will talk with us about how the City of Austin is responding to the looming global warming crisis, and about Austin's architectural response as detailed in the CNU XVI book on New Urbanism in Central Texas.
Thursday Night Program
Henry Cisneros, developer, former mayor of San Antonio and Secretary of HUD, lays out the challenge the US faces in providing housing opportunities for all Americans. Cisneros describes how new urban strategies can create a better life for all Americans and how new urbanists should help retain and improve HOPE VI and help reduce poverty by adhering to the principles of new urbanism. Rep. Mike Krusee will introduce Henry Cisneros and welcome participants to Austin.
Friday Night Program
Robert Caro, one of America's foremost biographers addresses the CNU for the first time. Caro will speak on the state of urbanism in America and specifically of Austin after observing it over several decades. Caro brings a perspective developed from researching his books on Lyndon Johnson. His Pulitzer Prize winner "Robert Moses and the Fall of New York" is on the mandatory reading list of most new urbanists. Caro understands the policies and politics surrounding US highway construction and its impact on cities. He, along with Jane Jacobs, is a big part of the inspiration for CNU as it works to remove highways and replace them with surface streets.
Photography Exhibit
We are inviting you to share and display some of your best New Urbanism shots from around the world. The purpose of the exhibit is to stimulate conversation about new urbanism through a visual exploration of the design precepts.
The photographs will be exhibited on Thursday April 3 and Friday April 4 in the Exhibit Hall 1 of the Austin Convention Center with the rest of the exhibit booths.