OCS Conference Funding Submission

Event Photo:

With the president of APA!

Repping Buffalo

Name: Sarah Internicola

Degree Program: MASTER OF URBAN PLANNING

Specialization: MUP-City and Community Planning

Conference Host Organization/Institution: American Planning Association (APA)

Conference/Competition Name: APA National Planning Conference

Conference Term: Spring Conference Start Date: 2023-03-31 Conference End Date: 2023-04-04

What were your takeaways from this conference/case competition?
At this conference, I went to a variety of enriching panels about urban planning, affordable housing, public space, and economic development. There were also many opportunities to network with my peers and other planners from around the country. My takeaway from this experience was that it's beneficial to try new things - some of my favorite panels were about topics unfamiliar to me, and I found great networking opportunities with groups I might not have considered before going.

How will your participation in this conference/case competition support your professional development?
This conference supported my professional development by introducing me to work that other planners were doing around the country. It was really interesting to hear perspectives from different sectors and cities, offering approaches I haven't heard of. For example, a session on public spaces during the pandemic showed inclusive design of small pedestrian spaces, which I found really inspiring. This has given me new ideas which I can apply to my job and coursework.

What are some next steps or action items this conference/case competition inspired?
As I continue my job search, this conference inspired me to think more about seeking AICP certification. Many planners at the conference were AICP certified, and I know this is something that can help build my qualifications in the application process. I will be looking further into how and when I can obtain certification.

What are some tips or best practices that you would like to share with other Wagner students who attend a conference/case competition?
I would encourage other students attending a conference (especially a large one like APA NPC) to plan out how they will use their time. There are a ton of sessions and events to choose from and only so much time! It's good to go in with a game plan and go to as much as you can, but also have flexibility as the days can be long and busy.

Wagner Areas of Impact: Cities, Government, Housing, Inequality, Race, and Poverty, Transportation