Meet the world’s leading urban innovators at WRLDCTY 2023 – bold minds who have made it their mission to flip ideas on their heads and take unconventional approaches to experimenting, building and shaping better cities for tomorrow.
From Oct 2-4, we’ll be flipping the script and exploring new approaches to urban innovation through labs, talks, roundtables, experiences and tours in order to build better, more resilient cities that thrive in the face of an uncertain world.
Join in person in New York at The Times Center where you'll be shoulder to shoulder with the world's most imaginative leaders who are impacting the future of cities today. From veterans of real estate and design, to emerging leaders in technology, prepare to be inspired and challenged in this transformational forum.
You can also join virtually from anywhere in the world and listen in on the live talks and presentations alongside a globally connected community of urban innovators.
The Big Picture: Innovation + Real Impact in a Complex World
Tackling complex challenges in an ever-shifting world is daunting at best. In an era where we’re expected to carve the path towards heroic solutions for the world’s cities, what’s the proven framework? Is there one?
In this workshop we’ll examine the proven principles of innovation, the beauty of complexity, the science of data, and the art of long-term thinking as the core elements of real vs. shadow innovation.
When the way we have done things for generations is no longer working for our cities and communities, we flip the script to adapt, reinvent, and transform.
Keynote with globally renowned German architect, Ole Sheeren.
$1.5 Trillion in commercial real estate mortgages are coming up for renewal in the US alone. Some are predicting a 40% decline in the value of commercial real estate. How do we flip from challenge to opportunity, and what does that look like?
When the system in place to incentivize and reward development is broken, it’s time to rewrite the values and redefine outcomes.
Cities have many challenges, from vacant office buildings to climate change and affordable housing. Yet, there are urban innovations that can be applied as a means to solve these problems. What are four strategies and steps to successfully launch an urban innovation in 90 days?
Keynote with award-winning architect Fokke Moerel on inclusive design and on how we can uncover unconventional opportunities for innovation.
Radical new approaches to ecological, social and economic transformation of “underused” space.
Cities around the world are making commitments to cleaner, more resilient and regenerative communities. That means taking a hard look at waste – from food waste to construction, from water to plastics, etc. Cities that effectively reduce waste can cut emissions by upwards of 20%.
The World’s Best Cities take the stage in NYC as the 8th annual global cities ranking is announced.
Then, connect with a community of impact-driven city-makers at this intimate networking reception.
Food forests are one of the most ancient forms of land stewardship, and American cities need them now more than ever.
Laying the foundations for a compelling future while making real progress takes vision, willpower, and a new set of tools and perspectives.
Future-proof sounds like we’re waging war against the future. Future-ready buildings are resilient, adaptive and ready for what’s next.
An inspirational guide to AI to finally get the cities we deserve.
Can architecture and design be a force for positive transformation? Snøhetta believes so, and their thoughtful, iconic projects across the globe have proven it.
Nature-based solutions to mitigate urban heat and flooding while improving human health and comfort.
How we can reimagine and reinvent the built environment to stop urban sprawl as we know it and create cities that are super-natural.
Mixed-use, mixed-income, mixed generations…The way we’ve been thinking about – and building – housing needs to change.
Hila Oren believes that the DNA of a city stems from its public spaces. Have we been designing and stewarding these spaces in ways that make cities flourish – or have old habits held us back?
While 2022 was the year of the metaverse hype, Howard Hughes Corp pushed forward with a digital meets physical Web3 community.
From generative design algorithms to robotic construction, AI is already pushing the boundaries of what is possible in architecture. Will technology make the architect redundant in our pursuit of better cities?
Lunch provided
Join fellow WRLDCTY attendees and presenters for high-impact conversations over lunch. Meet and connect over topics including:
Ed Gleaser and Jay Cross sit down for an intimate fireside chat to discuss the future of our cities.
We are building grey infrastructure like there is no tomorrow, at the cost of water bodies, green spaces, and public areas, which is leading to heat islands, flooding, worsening mental health, air/noise pollution, and rising stress. Manas Rath will show practical ways to build blue and green infrastructure into even the most congested towns and cities in India.
Can a community-led plan and a new mechanism for accountability leverage the private sector, reverse years of environmental injustice, and create a thriving and healthier neighborhood? Look no further than the Gowanus rezoning in Brooklyn for a case study. The playbook for collaboration that can champion urban transformation is complicated… and rewarding. Here’s how it’s playing out in real-time.
A historical system of racism manifested in the physical environment decimates communities limiting their access to certain geographies and services. How do we tackle these injustices and create more inclusive and equitable places for all?
From empty office towers to vacant strip malls and weathered cultural buildings – giving new life to existing buildings not only reduces carbon emissions, it is also a chance for neighborhood renewal.
Talent is now migratory. Does your city have what it takes to not only lure, but keep remote workers?
Electrification is a powerful tool in fighting climate change, and cities are in dire need of an upgrade. It is a gargantuan task, so where do we start?
In his General Theory of Walkability, veteran WRLDCTY speaker and Walkable City author Jeff Speck explains how people only choose to become pedestrians if the walk is simultaneously “useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting.” Of those four requirements, comfort is the most counterintuitive and fascinating. Join Jeff as he waxes poetic through a photographic essay on what makes for truly comfortable walking. Hint: It’s not just good shoes.
WRLDCTY wraps up with a look at the global forces and conditions that will shape what’s to come for cities around the world. Anchored in trends and data, this session serves as a guidebook to what cities need to be paying attention to – and preparing for – over the short, medium, and long term.
Join in person in New York at The Times Center where you'll be shoulder to shoulder with the world's most imaginative leaders who are impacting the future of cities today.
You can also join virtually from anywhere in the world and listen in alongside a globally connected community of urban innovators.
Limited capacity.
Want to purchase group tickets, speak or sponsor WRLDCTY?
Get in touch with us info@wrldcty.com
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