Centered around the partnership’s Nov. 2 Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon, the collaboration symbolizes innovative thought partnership in understanding downtown’s unique position
Nashville Downtown Partnership and Vanderbilt University are teaming up for a first-of-its-kind collaboration to bring renowned urbanist Richard Florida to Nashville for a special engagement. Florida is an internationally acclaimed urban theorist, professor at the University of Toronto and author of numerous books on the building of 21st-century cities, including The New Urban Crisis.
Florida will speak at the partnership’s signature event, the Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon, on Tuesday, Nov. 2, addressing more than 1,000 people from Nashville’s business community. Florida also will engage with key campus leaders on the Vanderbilt campus during his visit. The 2021 Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon is presented by Vanderbilt University as part of a collaboration that symbolizes innovative thought partnership in understanding downtown’s unique position and trajectory.
“Each year, this event serves as a platform to recognize outstanding community and developmental achievements in the downtown neighborhood,” Nashville Downtown Partnership President and CEO Tom Turner said. “It’s also a space where we aim to deliver a thought-provoking presentation that invites our city’s leaders to reflect, ask questions and be inspired about the potential of our city. Under Chancellor Diermeier’s leadership, this partnership is showcasing Vanderbilt University’s commitment to building what Nashville’s downtown can and should be.”
“Richard Florida is one of the foremost voices in urban theory. His insights will be invaluable for Nashville as our city seeks ways to ensure that our current growth and prosperity benefits everyone in the community,” Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said. “Vanderbilt is proud to work with Nashville Downtown Partnership on this unique collaboration aimed at developing a shared strategic vision for our future.”
Nashville, and particularly the city’s urban core, is one of the country’s most sought-after places to live, work, play and invest. “We’ve not been able to assemble as a community and reflect meaningfully on where we’ve most recently been and where we’re going in more than two years,” Turner said. “It’s been quite an unbelievable two years in many respects. We are looking forward to the opportunity to deliver an exciting program thanks to Vanderbilt University and all our sponsors.”
This year’s award winners in the categories of Live, Work, Play and Invest will be announced at the event. Tickets to the partnership’s Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon are available for purchase at nashvilledowntown.com.