Speaking at
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.
Bentonville Architecture Greenway Bike Tour
Bentonville’s story is best experienced by bike. This guided tour explores the city’s remarkable greenway network, weaving together its culture, architecture, and urban design. We handle every detail for a seamless ride, beginning with a quick orientation and e-bike tutorial before rolling out right onto the greenway.
Our journey follows the renowned Razorback Greenway, highlighting how trails connect Bentonville’s most iconic spaces. Along the way, we’ll pause to appreciate cultural landmarks, architectural standouts, and designed landscapes—from the world-class integration of Crystal Bridges into its natural setting, to the Walton Family Whole Health Institute, the contemporary transformation of The Momentary, and the historic charm of the Downtown Square. We’ll also pass through vibrant community hubs like the Walmart Campus, 8th Street Market, and Slaughter Pen Trails, seeing firsthand how infrastructure, landscape, art, and architecture converge to shape Bentonville’s identity.
This tour blends active exploration with rich cultural and design storytelling, offering a unique perspective on how Bentonville’s greenways connect people, place, and landscape.
Approved for LA CES HSW- 3 hours