Find Real World Experiences and Innovative Solutions at Main Street Now 2025 | Main Street America
Independence Hall with Main Street Now 2025 logo on a peach-colored angled shape (left) and "Register Now" banner (right).

Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania © Sean Pavone/​iStock

If you want to get inspired by powerful thought leaders — and feel the energy that only happens when Main Streeters gather to explore big ideas — then you must attend the 2025 Main Street Now Conference! Taking place April 7 – 9 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, our featured speakers lineup includes local leaders and industry experts sharing first-hand insights about how to create a sustainable movement where everyone can fully participate and thrive. 

Main Idea Tuesday — Why Trust Matters on Main Street

Banner graphic featuring headshots, names, and organization names for four speakers, from left to right: Dawn Arlington, Asiaha Butler, Jackie Wolven, and Frederick Wiley.

If you want to see the true health of a Main Street, you have to look beyond the economic, cultural, and built environment. You have to look at the people. We’ll explore how to foster healthy downtowns and commercial corridors by weaving trust and connection in our communities, even when it feels like America’s social fabric is at risk of unraveling. Join us for this interactive, connection-focused Main Idea session with:

Dawn Arrington, Founder at Comics at the Corner, a literacy organization that uses comic books to promote reading in traditionally underinvested communities, like the ones where she grew up and now lives.

Asiaha Butler, Co-Founder & CEO at Resident Association of Greater Englewood, an organization dedicated to mobilizing people and resources to uplift, restore and heal the community.

Frederick Riley, Executive Director at Weave: The Social Fabric Project at The Aspen Institute, which connects and supports the people building trust within their communities and weaving a strong, inclusive social fabric.

Jackie Wolven, Executive Director at Main Street Eureka Springs, who has worked to foster stronger connections and relationships within rural communities for over 17 years.

Main Idea Wednesday — How to Dream, Play, and Build with James Rojas and John Kamp

Banner graphic featuring headshots, names, and organization names for three speakers, from left to right: James Rojas, John Kemp, and Erin Barnes.

Discover how creativity, storytelling, and connection can transform community engagement with James Rojas and John Kamp, co-authors of Dream Play Build: Hands-on community Engagement for Enduring Spaces and Places.” In this interactive session, James and John will share their transformative process and stories of their work with Main Street communities, showcasing how playful, tactile approaches inspire meaningful connections and unlock shared visions, followed by a robust Q&A hosted by Erin Barnes.

James Rojas, Founder at Place It!. James is an urban planner, community activist, educator, and artist whose planning, model-building, and community-outreach practice uses play to help improve the urban-planning outreach process. 

John Kamp, Urban Designer at Prairieform. John is an urban and landscape designer, licensed landscape contractor, and facilitator who has developed innovative tools to engage people of all ages and backgrounds in urban and landscape design, transportation, walkability, climate change, and water conservation.

Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America. Erin is a leader at the intersection of civic technology, community organizing, place, and inclusion. 

Registration Rates & Dates

Regular (by March 31*): $565 Member | $755 Non-Member
On-Site (April 6 – 9): $775 Member and Non-Member
One Day: $399 Online | $425 On-site
Civic Leader: $200 Online | $225 On-site
Student: $200 Online | $225 On-site

Register Now! >

*Deadlines are subject to change.

Important Updates

🌟 Primo Experiences — Tickets to mobile workshops and the Big Bash are available. Quantities are limited and selling out fast! Don’t miss out on these unforgettable experiences: Include them in your registration > 

💡 Exceptional Sessions — From revamped favorites and new sessions to curated learning tracks and networking meetups, this year’s schedule is packed. We’ve designed it to equip you with tangible takeaways, inspiration, and peer connections to take your organization’s Main Street efforts to the next level. Explore the schedule > 

🏨 Hotel Reservations — Specially priced room blocks are available at three hotels and they’re filling up quickly. For the easiest access to conference activities, make your reservation now. Book your stay > 

In Case You Missed It

Who Was Marian Anderson and Why Is FDR Park So Special? Two can’t‑miss events are taking place at incredible offsite venues: Monday’s Opening Plenary will be held at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts’ Marian Anderson Hall and Wednesday night’s farewell Big Bash will be at FDR Park. Uncover Their Histories >

Have questions? We have answers!

Check out our FAQs library and conference policies for helpful tips and important information. For additional support, email info@​mainstreet.​org. Due to the high volume of requests, please allow up to 72 hours to receive a response.

Conference Co-Hosts