Attending the 2024 APA National Planning Conference (NPC) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was an enriching experience that exceeded all my expectations. The conference was packed with insightful sessions, cutting-edge presentations, and invaluable networking opportunities with leaders and peers from across the planning profession. One of the most impactful and personally meaningful aspects of the conference was witnessing the significant representation of people of color among the attendees. The diverse presence of planners created a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, fostering a profound sense of belonging within the planning profession.

Seeing so many planners of color gathered in one space was incredibly empowering. It underscored the importance of our voices and perspectives in shaping the future of our communities. The representation at NPC affirmed that diversity is not just encouraged but essential to the success and relevance of urban planning. This experience highlighted how critical it is for professionals from diverse backgrounds to be involved in these discussions and decision-making processes.

Overall, attending NPC 2024 was an immensely rewarding experience, filled with excellent speaker panels, networking sessions, and interactive workshops. For the first time at a conference, I didn’t feel lost in the crowd. I had the opportunity to join a Black Planners chat group on WhatsApp, which kept me informed about the day’s popular sessions and post- conference meetups. This connection allowed me to foster meaningful business relationships and find a safe space among peers to connect and recharge. The sense of community and belonging I felt was profound, highlighting the importance of diversity and representation in our profession.

I strongly encourage members of the Black Planners of Los Angeles (BPLA) to attend future APA conferences. Your participation is crucial, not only for your professional growth but also to ensure that other first-time attendees can experience the same sense of inclusion and community that I did. By attending, you can contribute to a more diverse and equitable planning profession and help inspire others to see themselves as vital contributors to the planning field. Let’s continue to build on this momentum and ensure that our collective commitment to equitable and inclusive planning practices remains strong.

Conference Takeaways: Plan your schedule prior to arrival, Participate in a range of topic sessions, Network with a purpose, and Explore the city. By far, the most memorable aspect of the conference was exploring the downtown Minneapolis Skyway System (so cool!).