5 Reasons to Attend the 2023 Downtown Arlington Annual Meeting, Presented by Texas Trust

The 2023 Downtown Arlington Annual Meeting, presented by Texas Trust, is in less than two weeks! This annual luncheon is our organization’s once-a-year fundraiser, and it’s a great opportunity for civic leaders, businesses, organizations, and individuals who care about our community to network and learn vital insights on the future of downtown. 

The theme for this year’s event is “Oh, the Places You’ll Make,” a play on placemaking and an homage to the late, great Dr. Seuss. Join us September 20th from 11am-1:30pm at UTA’s Bluebonnet Ballroom, and help us celebrate all things downtown. The program is set to be fun and informative and leave you with plenty to think – or dream – about once you leave. Here are the top five reasons to attend the 2023 Downtown Arlington Annual Meeting, Presented by Texas Trust! 

1. Learn from our Keynote Speaker, Nate Storring

Nate Storring is the Co-Executive Director of Project for Public Spaces, a world-renowned placemaking and community development organization dedicated to bringing together people and places. Over the years, Storring has played a fundamental role in the transformation of public spaces all around the country with the launch of their “Community Placemaking Grants” initiative as well as the publication of the second edition of “How to Turn a Place Around.” Storring has dedicated much of his career to place-based research, economic development, events, and initiatives, dating back to before his time at Project for Public Spaces. He has worked with various cities to study, design, plan, and implement community-driven projects that shape the environment and drive community culture.

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2. Celebrate Arlington's Leaders

Each year Downtown Arlington awards members in the community who have a distinct passion for cultivating and supporting Downtown Arlington’s culture through volunteering and participating in our events, programs, leadership, and city improvements. The exclusive annual meeting awards include the Legendary Lionheart Award, the Golden Lantern Award, and our pinnacle Dream Builder Award, presented by Texas Trust.  

The Legendary Lionheart Award is presented annually to one of downtown’s small businesses that have persevered and shown great heart supporting the community. Previous recipients include Randy Ford with J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill, Brandon Hurtado with Hurtado’s BBQ, Greg Gardner at Grease Monkey Burger Shop and Social Club, and Wally Hardin from the Man’s Shop. The Golden Lantern Award recognizes a non-profit or community organization or individual who has provided exemplary service to our downtown community with previous recipients including Fire Station #1, Ms. Tillie Burgin, the Arlington Life Shelter, and Walkable Arlington.  

The highly anticipated Dream Builder Award, presented by Texas Trust Credit Union, was established to recognize the highest contributions made to the downtown revitalization efforts. Past recipients include Lana Wolff, Tom Cravens, Terry Bertrand, Patti Diou, Ryan Dodson, former Mayor Jeff Williams, with the 2022 Dream Builder Award posthumously presented to Michael Jarett. Jarrett’s unwavering commitment as a community volunteer and his dedication to spending thousands of hours of his time supporting Arlington, its non-profit organizations, and its children made him the perfect recipient for our highest honor.

3. Get Connected in the Community

Attending Downtown Arlington’s Annual meeting provides you with the best opportunities to get plugged in, it will also introduce you to the people working to make great changes in our community. The program is crafted not only to celebrate Downtown’s achievements, but also to usher in a new wave of initiatives. This is the perfect chance to become informed, inspired, and part of downtown’s future.

4. Network with Industry Professionals

The Downtown Arlington Annual Meeting is a real who’s who, and you will want to be in the room.  Representatives from the City of Arlington, the Chamber of Commerce, UTA, and the Arlington Convention & Visitor’s Bureau will be present along with members from acclaimed Arlington businesses such as Frost Bank, LBL Architects, and Candlelite Inn just to name a few. Arrive early and stay later to connect and converse with the rising professionals and industry leaders who make Arlington so unique. Be sure to have your LinkedIn open and search bar ready for the hundreds of attendees at your disposal. 

5. Discover the Beauty of Placemaking

Placemaking is a collaborative process of finding underutilized public spaces and exploring and executing new ways to activate the space, providing community gathering opportunities, and adding to a community’s vitality and culture. Placemaking has shaped Arlington through the decades in a variety of ways, starting with the opening of the Levitt Pavilion. Though it is not a new concept, placemaking has gained a resurgence of interest internationally as a key component of economic development. We hope to move forward with new placemaking initiatives through the generous support of a grant from Partner for Public Spaces and General Motors, stay tuned for more news about this new exciting placemaking to come to downtown Arlington.  

Click here or visit DowntownArlington.org/AM to purchase individual $45 tickets or contact dana@downtownarlington.org to purchase a table of eight for $1,000.  This event is expected to sell out, so be sure to get your tickets today.  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more information on the annual meeting and to stay up to date on all things Downtown.