CitiesAlive, a forum for Innovation and Solutions to Urban Challenges, will be held in New York City between September 24-28, 2018, by discussing these key questions with architects, city experts and professionals from different disciplines: What is the future of our city regions? Will they be unbearably hot and regularly flooded by intense rains and high tides? Will they be increasingly unhealthy and more divided between 'us and them'? Will there be a lack of green space and job opportunities? 

Susannah Drake, Founding Principal, DLANDstudio, Ken Yeang, Principal, T. R. Hamzah & Yeang, Alan Steel, President & CEO, New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, Javits Center, Rafael Espinal, Council Member, 37 District, New York City are among the speakers at the conference. 

Image courtesy of Javits Center

CitiesAlive will provide green infrastructure solutions to urban challenges by bringing together designers, researchers, contractors, manufacturers, and policymakers. See the detailed program of the conference here and register before June 29 to save!  World Architecture Community is Media Partner for CitiesAlive Conference and will bring the hottest news and updates about the conference.

CitiesAlive is hosting an Emerging Professionals Day. Comprehensive training courses offer recent graduates the opportunity to enhance their skills and industry professionals the chance to earn CEUs. Courses such as Green Roof Design & installation, Advanced Green Roof Maintenance, Introduction to Rooftop Urban Agriculture and Green Walls 101 offer the most up to date technical information taught by subject matter experts.

Image courtesy of Javits Center

In the evening, attend the CitiesAlive Opening Plenary and Reception. Rafael Espinal, New York City District 37 Council Member, and Alan Steel, President and CEO of the Javits Center will discuss the future of green roof implementation and policy in New York City.

After the Opening Plenary, join attendees on the trade show floor for the Opening Reception. Enjoy food and drink while connecting with old colleagues and meeting emerging professionals. Following the reception, LAND8 is hosting an emerging professional happy hour at Kings Beer Hall. The event is free to attend, but CitiesAlive registrants receive drink tickets. For those not attending CitiesAlive, there will be a cash bar. Kings Beer Hall offers over 30 international draft beers and a growing selection of domestic and imported in cans and bottles. The bar has a pool table, air hockey, beer pong and other arcade games because there is no better ice-breaker than some healthy competition.

On Wednesday, September 25, the Morning Plenary and Keynote will discuss critical green infrastructure investments that will protect New York City as extreme weather events become more common. The over 80 expert speakers in the technical sessions explore topics like flood management, biodiversity, biophilic design, urban agriculture, vertical forests, coastal greening, green finance, new performance metrics, advancements in green infrastructure policy and regulations and new research findings. Engage in an open discussion with industry leaders in new interactive sessions. Green roof and wall designers, contractors, waterproofing experts and urban agriculture innovators tell all and answer questions from the audience.

Following a reception on the trade show floor attend the Sightseeing Social on the Hudson, a scenic cruise organized by the 2018 Local Host Committee. Soak in views of Lower Manhattan and Lady Liberty from the water while enjoying delicious food and bottomless drinks. CitiesAlivedelegates receive a discounted ticket price to the event.

On Thursday, September 27, attend the Morning Keynote and technical sessions. Outstanding projects will be recognized during the Awards of Excellence ceremony. The Closing Reception will be held at Brooklyn Grange in partnership with Agritecture. Enjoy delicious locally sourced food, and drinks on the famous Brooklyn Grange rooftop farm!

On Friday, September 28, explore the best green infrastructure projects in New York City by taking part in one of the many CitiesAlive guided tours! Explore the expertly designed new Etsy Headquarters in Brooklyn. The office is a biophilic masterpiece prioritizing employee comfort. The space features over 11,000 plants and a unique rainwater harvesting system for irrigation.

Image courtesy of Etsy

The Javits Convention Center boasts the second largest green roof of its kind in the United States. Take a tour of the iconic structure and learn about a host of sustainable upgrades that have helped to reduce its energy consumption by more than 25% and transform it into a sanctuary for 26 bird species, five bat species and thousands of honey bees. (They harvest their own honey, too!).

All tours are guided by experts from the design team and offer exclusive insight into the project. For more information on tours visit citiesalive.org/tours/

All programming and the trade show take place at the stunning New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge. Stay close to the action and take advantage of the special room rate forCitiesAlive attendees, only $309 USD per night!

For more information on speakers, events and the venue visit CitiesAlive's website. 

CitiesAlive Conference is pending approval for up to 11 Continuing Education / Professional Development Hours by LA CES, AIA CES, BOMI, APLD and RCI.

Top image courtesy of CitiesAlive

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