Placemaking as a Competitive Advantage

Developers today face a new reality: projects don’t compete on square footage alone. They compete on experience.

In this interactive workshop, two nationally recognized practitioners will demonstrate how placemaking transforms ordinary developments into destinations that command premium rents, attract talent, and foster long-term loyalty. Drawing on national case studies and local lessons, facilitators Danny Collins of Ecological Design Group & 37 North Expeditions, and Daniel Hintz of the Velocity Group, will show how experience-first design—from trails and parks to programming and governance systems—creates lasting value for both developers and communities. Participants will leave with practical tools to embed placemaking from day one, ensuring projects outperform the market and stand the test of time. This isn’t about decoration. It’s about competitive advantage. Whether you’re a developer, city leader, or community partner, you’ll gain a new perspective on how to unlock value in the spaces between buildings—and why places win.

Key Takeaways:
•    Learn why placemaking is a revenue strategy, not a cost center.
•    See how outdoor spaces, recreation, and programming drive leasing success and brand differentiation.
•    Understand governance and phasing models that make placemaking financially sustainable.
•    Gain tools to apply experience-first thinking to your next project.