CEOs for Cities is one of the largest and most diverse cross-sector networks of city leaders in the nation, including mayors, business presidents, foundational leaders, urban planners, architects, entrepreneurs and others among its ranks. And in 2016, the event’s national conference will be landing in Columbus from September 28 to 30.
“We usually get between 350 and 400 leaders at our national conference, and we’re expecting to host over 500 leaders from 75 cities to come to Columbus, making this our largest event in our history,” explained Lee Fisher, President and CEO of CEOs for Cities. “Columbus will be the center of the political universe in 2016, and so part of this event will be about setting the urban agenda for the next President of the United States.”
Fisher said that in addition to the lineup of speakers and presenters at the Columbus event, he expects to have a few special political guests that will take part in a big way.
“I think it is likely that both presidential nominees will speak at our conference because the first presidential debate is in Ohio and we’re holding our conference that same week,” he said. “History shows that both Republican and Democratic campaigns spend more time in Ohio in September and October than any other state in the nation. The road to the White House runs through Ohio.”
Fisher said that outside of the political alignment, there are other reasons Columbus was chosen as host city for the event.
“In recent years, Columbus has become known as one of the most innovative, progressive and creative cities in the country,” he said. “It’s on a fast upward trajectory, and we can use the opportunity to showcase Columbus’ successes.”
Founded 15 years ago by former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and The Boston Foundation President Paul Grogan, CEOs for Cities originated as a way for the very top rung of city leadership to gather and share ideas. Over the course of time, the network has broadened to include thought leaders across a wider spectrum of civic engagement.
“It’s become far more diverse and inclusive — and really should be considered ‘changemakers for cities’ — because you don’t have to have CEO on your business card to be involved,” explained Fisher. “Change is happening from the ground-up more than ever before.”
Fisher pointed out that Columbus has had a strong membership presence with CEOs for Cities for years, due to the involvement of The Columbus Foundation, which has funded the city’s participation at conferences and events in other locations, including this year’s national conference, held earlier this week in Indianapolis.
“The evolution of CEOs for Cities to be more inclusive has helped to animate involvement deeper into the city, and from my standpoint that helps bring more young and fresh thinking to the event,” said Doug Kridler, President and CEO of The Columbus Foundation. “It’s a remarkable opportunity to show off Columbus to people who think deeply about cities. The head of Yahoo Politics recently said that Columbus is one of the handful of cities to make up Next American Age, and if that’s the case, then we need to make sure people have Columbus on their radar.”
For more information, visit www.ceosforcities.org.