We will conclude the 2024 Main Street Now Conference with a celebration of joy, community, and the power of place. Our closing plenary will include remarks by Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America; a graduation ceremony for Main Street America Revitalization Professional Credential recipients; the presentation of the 2024 Mary Means Leadership Award; and an inspiring keynote presented by Dr. Akilah Watkins—plus the debut musical performance of “A Song for Main Street!” 

Main Street Momentum: Civic Infrastructure and Civil Infrastructure  

Join us for a discussion with Dr. Akilah Watkins—a leading national voice in nonprofit advocacy—on the intersection of civic infrastructure (our institutions, networks, and people) and civil infrastructure (our cities, bridges, and streets). In this dynamic keynote, Akilah will share her perspectives on ways to drive impactful, positive changes for communities, and you will gain insights into the power of the nonprofit sector, learn about the challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit advocacy, hear more about innovative strategies for inclusive leadership, and discover actionable approaches for fostering equitable community development. 

2024 Mary Means Leadership Award is sponsored by Regions Bank.