Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities
Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities
Vulcan Statue with illuminated city of Birmingham skyline in the background. The statue's raised spear points to the Main Street Now 2024 logo in the upper right corner.

We’re Counting Down to Main Street Now 2024!

With just a little over a month to go until we convene in Birmingham, Alabama, for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference from May 6 – 8, we are excited to announce that the full schedule is available online and the mobile app is ready for download. Keep reading to learn more!

Online registration and the regular rate are available through April 26. Register today and join fellow commercial district revitalization leaders from across the country for three days of insightful education sessions, unique special events, immersive mobile workshops, and memorable experiences in the Magic City. From downtowns in rural places to commercial corridors in cities, the Main Street Now Conference offers time-tested approaches, new techniques, and opportunities to exchange ideas designed to help your team address pressing issues impacting your community.


Registration Rates
Discounts and special rates are available to Main Street America members, civic leaders, and students. For additional savings, register by the regular online deadline (outlined below).

Regular (by April 26*): $565 Member | $735 Non-Member
On-Site: $775 Member, Non-Member
One Day: $399
Student: $200
Civic Leader: $199

*Deadlines are subject to change


Attendee Experience

Main Street Now 2024 Mobile App
Get the app to:

  • View the full conference schedule and add sessions to your personal agenda
  • Meet session speakers and connect with fellow attendees
  • Bookmark your favorite sessions, speakers, sponsors, and attendees
  • Read about can’t miss events and keynote speakers
  • Check out venues, restaurants, and visitor guides
  • and more!

Download the app today!

  1. Click here to download the Attendee Mobile” app from your favorite app store >
  2. Launch the app and search for Main Street Now 2024” to load the conference app.
  3. Login using your registration email and password


Visit main​street​now​.org to Peruse the Full Schedule.
See sessions and activities by day, filter by session type, meet session speakers, access a printer-friendly version of schedule, and add activities to your calendar. Check out the full schedule here >

Webinar for Attendees
Join Main Street America and Main Street Alabama on Tuesday, April 23 at 2:00 p.m. CST, for this informational webinar for conference attendees. Learn more about what to expect at Main Street Now 2024! We will cover key things to know, can’t miss events, and sites to check out while you are in Birmingham. Registration required. Register for the webinar here>


Agenda Highlights

Black and white photo of Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth.

Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth © Alabama Department of Archives & History, Photo by Robert Adams/​Birmingham News

Shuttlesworth Documentary Screening and Q&A with the Producers
Monday, May 6, 1:00 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Tickets: $5, includes lunch. Pre-registration required.

Join us for a special screening of the critically acclaimed documentary, Shuttlesworth. Featuring exclusive interviews with Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, family members, and colleagues, the film examines Shuttlesworth’s crucial contributions to the Civil Rights Movement which, in turn, helped amplify the integral role that Birmingham played as the catalyst in propelling the movement onto the national stage. After the screening, film producers, T. Marie King and J. Winston, will join us for a Q&A discussion. Include this event with your registration >

Dr. Akilah Watkins

Dr. Akilah Watkins, President and CEO at Independent Sector © Dr. Akilah Watkins

Closing Plenary with Keynote Speaker Dr. Akilah Watkins
Wednesday, May 8, 3:45 p.m.-5:45 p.m.
Included with registration. Open seating.

We will conclude the 2024 Main Street Now Conference with a celebration of joy, community, and the power of place. Our closing plenary will include remarks by Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America; a graduation ceremony for Main Street America Revitalization Professional Credential recipients; the presentation of the 2024 Mary Means Leadership Award, sponsored by Regions Bank; and an inspiring keynote presented by Dr. Akilah Watkins — plus the debut musical performance of A Song for Main Street!” Learn more about Dr. Akilah Watkins here >

For more information about sessions and the schedule, explore the agenda here >


Mobile Workshops: Peak Hands-On Learning

Mobile workshops offer immersive learning experiences and unique opportunities to experience Birmingham and surrounding communities. Space is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Mobile workshops are reaching capacity quickly – add a workshop (or two) to your registration today! Keep reading for today’s recommendations. Preview all mobile workshops here >

In an outdoor public seating area, people line up to place orders at a coffee shop operating from a small vintage-style travel trailer, while others enjoy their beverages while sitting at tables.

Oxford, Alabama © City of Oxford, Alabama

The Power of Collaboration in East Alabama
Anniston, Heflin & Oxford
Sunday, May 5, 8:00 a.m. — 5:15 p.m.

Explore three historic districts that are physically, financially, and culturally distinct. Learn how each city has invested in civic infrastructure projects that have yielded great returns, including increased foot traffic, significant private investment, and increased civic pride. 

Baseball stadium filled with people while players are on the field.

Montgomery’s Riverwalk Stadium. © Montgomery Biscuits

A New Day in Montgomery
Montgomery
Sunday, May 5, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Learn about public art and adaptive reuse projects that have created a district of progress that also showcases the cultural enhancements from the past six decades. Our knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the significance of each site and its role in shaping Montgomery’s identity.

Colorful paintings are displayed on easels set up on the sidewalk outside of an art gallery.

Downtown Wetumpka’s Self Taught Southern Art Gallery. © Main Street Wetumpka

Downtown Wetumpka: Natural Beauty, Resilient Spirit, and the Takeover
Wetumpka
Sunday, May 5, 8:30 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.

Visit Wetumpka to experience this small town with a big history. Learn all about how city officials and a team of visionaries restored their business district from dull and desolate into the vibrant heart of the community that residents, visitors, and film crews love.

16th Street Baptist Church illuminated by streetlamps at sunset.

16th Street Baptist Church illuminated at sunset. © Steve Dunlap

Main Streets in Shelby County
Calera, Columbiana & Montevallo
Sunday, May 5, 9:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.

Learn how these three cities have leveraged resources, fostered partnerships, and successfully implemented adaptive reuse projects to expand public art, create festivals, and successfully blend diverse community identities to build vibrant business districts offering something for everyone. 

Birmingham Spotlight


Learn more about our conference policies here >

Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions here >

Questions? Email info@​mainstreet.​org.
Please note: Due to the high volume of requests, it may take up to 72 hours to receive a response.


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Conference Sponsors