OCS Conference Funding Submission
Event Photo:
Attending A Session
Touring with Liberty Bell
Volunteering!
Name: Charlotte King
Degree Program: MASTER OF URBAN PLANNING
Specialization: MUP-City and Community Planning
Conference Host Organization/Institution: American Planning Association (APA)
Conference/Competition Name: 2023 National Planning Conference
Conference Term: Spring Conference Start Date: 2023-03-31 Conference End Date: 2023-04-02
What were your takeaways from this conference/case competition?
Some key takeaways from the NPC conference included the current planning trends and best practices (sustainability & new technologies), discussions of new policies and regulations affecting the field, and presentations on innovative planning projects and case studies. I really appreciated the networking opportunities with other professionals in the industry, and the training and professional development sessions that helped me enhance my skills and knowledge. Overall, attending the conference was a valuable experience and I learned what it means to be a planner and the tools for how to do so.
How will your participation in this conference/case competition support your professional development?
My participation in the conference provided me knowledge on the latest trends, practices, and regulations in the planning field that I want to share with the Wagner MUP community. Additionally, at the conference I connected with a wide range of professionals and students in the planning world, which is beneficial for both my professional development, as well as for job opportunities and learning from others' experiences. The conference really helped me learn and grow as a professional by expanding my knowledge base and strengthening my professional network.
What are some next steps or action items this conference/case competition inspired?
This conference helped me learn more about the effects that public spaces have on mental health, the economy, and the livability of communities. I have been reading more research now on the effects of public spaces, especially in New York City. I also went to a session on digitalization and transportation. I learned about how technologies such as real-time traffic monitoring, and algorithms can help transportation agencies better manage their networks and resources, improving the overall efficiency of transportation operations. I find this very interesting, and since I intern at DOT,! I will apply this knowledge to my internship.
What are some tips or best practices that you would like to share with other Wagner students who attend a conference/case competition?
Tips: Go to the conference! This was my very first planning conference and I am so happy I went. I met some amazing people, and I really appreciated the conversations I had with professionals and students.
Best practices: Go to as many sessions as you can. There are so many opportunities to learn about new planning trends and practices. Also, volunteering, is a good way to connect with other student planners. We met some really nice planners from Harvard and Upenn who were volunteering with us.
Wagner Areas of Impact: Cities, Education, Government, Health, Housing, Inequality, Race, and Poverty, Social Innovation, Transportation