The annual Congress is an international gathering of our multidisciplinary cohort, but it is also a core programmatic effort of CNU, providing an opportunity for our attendees to convene, to educate, and to collaborate in service of a world where cities, towns, and neighborhoods are intentionally designed to foster community, preserve the natural environment, and improve the lives of all people.
Cincinnati’s distinct neighborhoods, emerging downtown, historic fabric, and recent riverfront development provides a helpful context for this year’s focus on Restorative Urbanism. The agenda for CNU 32 will continue to evolve what was delivered in Charlotte - with session types and topics designed to guide attendees to learn, experience, and work together.
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
CNU is accepting session proposals for Classes and Meetings now. Before submitting your idea, please review the full RFP here. It will answer many of your questions and provide you with everything you need to start. All proposals must be submitted by December 5, 2023. More complex session types customized to the local context of Cincinnati will be curated outside of this call If you have reviewed the RFP, you may submit a session here.
DRAFT AGENDA
WEDNESDAY:
- CNU 32 will kick off on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024 with an opening party - exact time and location TBD. Additional Wednesday programming, such as ticketed items, tours, or extra learning opportunities will be announced prior to registration launching in early February.
- Strong Towns' second annual national gathering will also occur on Wednesday, details of which will be announced in the coming weeks.
- Tours will take place all day.
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY:
- These two core Congress days will have a similar schedule:
- Opening with a morning Main Stage conversation, followed by breakout sessions and workshops.
- Tours and opportunities to leave the hotel through the day.
- Social programming in the evening (including the Charter Awards on Thursday).
SATURDAY:
- As we close out CNU 32, we will have an opening Main Stage conversation, sessions, and tours until 4pm.
- We will facilitate the Charter Amendment voting process.
- Tours all day.
- Closing party around 5pm, location to be determined.
Session Types
CLASSES
60-75 minute opportunities to deepen attendees’ understanding of a certain topic, trend, or issue. Classes range from entry-level introductions to advanced innovation in technical subjects, practice, or design. Attendees should be regularly engaged in conversation or activities throughout a class to advance their comprehension of the subject matter.
MEETINGS
60-75 minute discussions that vary in formality. Meetings can range from a group of practitioners gathering to solve a problem or discuss an issue, to a deeper dive into a challenge faced across disciplines. Meetings provide attendees the opportunity to learn and engage, rather than being ‘talked at’.
SHORT FORMAT PRESENTATION
Short Format presentations allow for a broad range of topics, innovations, and fresh perspectives. These are approximately 8 minutes and will be grouped together with other presentations of similar subject matter. Many will be followed by shared conversation. Short Format presentations will be mixed throughout the Congress and offer opportunities to members of all backgrounds and levels of engagement with CNU to share their work and ideas.
MAIN STAGE TALKS
An evolution of the plenary, Main Stage Talks will be a series of TED-inspired, highly curated 20 minute presentations addressing topics related to the Congress Focus. They will be grouped together with curated Q&A by a pre-selected moderator. Main stage talks are intended to challenge, inspire, and inform, setting the stage for each day of the Congress.
WORKSHOPS
A highly curated session addressing the Congress agenda the workshop continues a multi-disciplinary approach to problem solving through strong leadership, facilitation, and attendee participation. Workshops arrive at a set of conclusions that will help advance new urbanist practice.
SOCIAL PROGRAMMING
It wouldn't be a Congress without social programming! These will include the morning run, yoga in the park, walking tours, happy hours, and other meet ups. These are developed by the Local Host Committee and passionate CNU-ers who want to self organize.