The Vision is Yours: A Regional Conference for Placemaking

The Neighborhood Design Center (NDC) invites you to join The Vision is Yours, a transformative regional forum focused on placemaking and placekeeping.

April 23-24, 2026

This multi-day gathering convenes urban planners, community leaders, designers, artists, and public officials to explore innovative approaches to reimagining public spaces across Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area.

From inspiring keynotes and hands-on learning labs, to lively networking events and mobile workshops showcasing groundbreaking projects, the forum sparks the radical imagination needed to shape a brighter, more equitable and inclusive future shaped by local communities.

Last year, 204 participants from across the region came together for an unforgettable event.

Discover what made it a standout gathering—explore our 2025 Vision is Yours summary, or watch the highlight reel below.

Date and Location

DATE: April 23-24, 2026
LOCATION: Joe’s Movement Emporium
ADDRESS: 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mt Rainier, Maryland, 20712

Call for Proposals

We’re interested in projects and strategies that touch on what makes communities thrive — from food access to safety to creative expression and more. Sessions can take many forms, whether a panel, learning lab, or mobile workshop. Apply today!

Learn More

REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Join us for this exciting conference.

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Images cycling through cropped within an eye shape, depicting engaged attendees in workshops and hands-on projects.

Explore the lineup of opportunities designed to share tools, spark ideas, and strengthen connections across the placemaking and design ecosystem.

View Full Program

Pre-Conference Lecture

Wednesday, April 22nd

Exclusive this year: Join conference attendees and the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation for a special lecture “Placemaking as an Essential Practice: Building Thriving Communities.” This session will explore placemaking as a critical tool for creating vibrant, inclusive, and resilient communities.

Elena Madison, Director of Project for Public Spces

Elena Madison, Director of Programs at Project for Public Spaces

April 22 | 4:00–5:20 PM | Architecture Building (145 ARC)
3835 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20742

MORE INFO ➔

Plenary, Breakout Sessions, and Networking

Thursday, April 23rd

Start with a dynamic plenary session that sets the tone for the conference, followed by interactive breakout sessions led by practitioners, organizers, designers, and public leaders working at the forefront of community-driven change.
Over lunch, connect with fellow attendees during our Creative Connections Exchange, a networking experience designed to spark meaningful conversations and cross-sector collaboration.
We’ll close the day with a free, open-to-the-public Rush Hour Yoga session — a moment to recharge, reflect, and connect in community.

Build Day, Workshops, and Celebration

Friday, April 24th

Join us at the Mount Rainier Nature Center for a hands-on Build Day in partnership with the University of Maryland and the Mount Rainier Nature Center. Participants will:

Contribute directly to an on-site placemaking project
Take part in hands-on planting and environmental stewardship
Explore creative interventions and public art installations
Learn from practitioners leading workshops in the field

We’ll wrap up The Vision is Yours conference with a community celebration featuring local vendors, music, and food, honoring the work accomplished together and the partnerships that make it possible!

Images of conference-goers in workshops.

We’re thrilled to partner with the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation to offer a discounted hotel block for conference attendees through the University of Maryland. Transportation to and from the conference hotel will be provided at the beginning and end of each conference day.

Book Your Stay

Test that says Scholarship Opportunities

The Vision Is Yours Conference Scholarship supports artists, community members, students, and independent practitioners who may not otherwise have access to resources for professional development opportunities.

Scholarships prioritize:

Local residents and Baltimore / MD-based participants
Community members without institutional or organizational support for professional development
Independent practitioners, artists, and creatives
Students and emerging professionals

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Submit your application!

Apply

Text that says Answering an ongoing need

When community leaders, designers, planners, government agencies, and funders come together, they unlock the capacity to build shared visions, align resources to local needs, and advance projects with lasting impact.

Real progress happens when we have space to learn from one another – yet those opportunities for this kind of generative, cross-sector collaboration are rare.

In a 2024 survey of NDC’s network, 67% called for stronger collaboration between community leaders, artists, planners, and local governments, and 70% said peer connections are critical to moving their projects forward.

Regional partners — including the Maryland-National Capital Parks & Planning Commission, Local Initiatives Support Coalition DC, Prince George’s Arts & Humanities Council, and the University of Maryland — echoed that call, pointing to the lack of dedicated, cross-disciplinary spaces where ideas, expertise, and resources can align.

The Vision is Yours was created to meet that need — bringing people, projects, and ideas together to share what works, build new partnerships, and strengthen the work that shapes our neighborhoods.