Kick-Off & Welcome Remarks
Thu 13 Nov
8:45 AM — 9:00 AM (GMT-06:00) Central Time
Fayetteville Town Center, Ozark Ballroom 1
Kick off the 2025 Place Summit with a warm welcome from ULI Northwest Arkansas leadership. This opening session sets the stage for a day of thoughtful dialogue and shared learning among leaders shaping the built environment. Together, we’ll explore the intersections of design and architecture, housing, transportation and mobility, resilience, policy, governance, and funding, and public realm and placemaking. The day ahead promises rich discussion, new ideas, and meaningful connections—culminating in engaging networking and receptions that embody ULI’s mission to shape the future of our communities for the better.
Speakers
Host
Host
Director of Operations ULI Northwest Arkansas
Megan Brown is the Director of Operations for ULI Northwest Arkansas and a Co-Founder of Rally Properties, a development company based in Downtown Rogers. Her work with ULI includes overseeing programming, events, and initiatives such as the Place Summit and the Small Cities Initiative, where she supports regional planning, community engagement, and collaboration among civic and private partners. At Rally Properties, Megan manages project operations…
Host
Host
Executive Director ULI Northwest Arkansas
Wes Craiglow is the Executive Director of the Urban Land Institute’s Northwest Arkansas district council, where he aligns ULI’s mission with regional development and land-use leadership. Previously, he served as Deputy Director of Planning and Development for the City of Conway, focusing on urban design, commercial development, and cycling advocacy. Wes holds degrees in Geography and Community & Economic Development from the University of Central…
Host
Host
Associate Director Illinois River Watershed Partnership
Morgan Keeling is the Associate Director at the Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP). Growing up in the River Valley, she knew she wanted to work for a nonprofit/NGO. She earned a BA in Journalism from Arkansas Tech University and an MBA from the Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. Since joining IRWP in 2020, Morgan has managed grants from the Arkansas Dept.…