EXTRA is an online, interactive speaker series by The Next 10 focused on further developing the ideas that emerged in late 2020 from the Greater Springfield community (see the Ideas Wall and Interactive Map). Now, TN10 is eliciting the help of local residents, community leaders and national experts to inspire, inform and put details to catalytic projects for the community’s future, including identification of the champions, resources and policies that must be in place to seek new opportunities. Through the EXTRA series, community members will have an opportunity to dive deeper into the emerging initiatives and how the community can move them forward.

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EXTRA Session 3: Activating the State Fairgrounds Year-Round

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT

There’s nothing like going to the Illinois State Fair in the summer, but what happens at the fairgrounds in between our most famous annual event? As a significant site of history and tourism, and a place where we celebrate our agricultural roots, you shared through The Next 10 that the fairgrounds can become something even more—a true gem of the community, and a place that becomes a year-round center of social and economic activity for the city.

In this EXTRA session, you’ll hear from state and national leaders in reimagining fairgrounds and facilities, the role that programming, education and research can play and the impact it can have on a community.

FACILITATOR

PANELISTS

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EXTRA Session 2: Investing in the Creative Economy

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM CT

Springfield’s rich cultural scene has been a gem for locals and visitors alike—but what if it became the jewel in the community’s crown? What if Springfield’s arts and culture scene could drive economic opportunity, draw talent, and enrich and educate those from here and far on a bigger scale? In this extended EXTRA session, you’ll hear how arts, cultural tourism and the creative scene are driving development and investment nationally—and what it would take to position Springfield as a center for creative industry. 

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EXTRA Session 1: Revitalizing Downtown Springfield

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021
1:00 – 2:00PM CT

The Next 10 revealed broad support for a vibrant Downtown Springfield, so how do we get there? Hear from experts who have been in the downtown world for decades discuss what it takes to revitalize a city center. In this EXTRA session, we talk housing, development, catalytic investments, programming, culture and the diverse new approaches for shaping downtowns—and how to make it all happen in our community. 

PANELISTS