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.
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

Public Policy Advocate and Community Volunteer
Vice-Chair, Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln Board of Directors
PANELISTS

President & CEO, International Association of Fairs & Expositions

Director, Illinois Department of Agriculture

Executive Director, Indiana State Fair Commission
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.
FACILITATOR

President, Centro & Lead Consultant for The Next 10
PANELISTS

Vice President of Development, Zeppelin Development (and former Chair of RiNo Art District)

President, Gallagher Museum Services

Senior Vice President, Artspace

Broadway and Live Event Producer, Langfelder Presents

Interim Executive Director, Springfield Area Arts Council
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.

President, Centro & Lead Consultant for The Next 10
FACILITATOR

President, Centro & Lead Consultant for The Next 10
PANELISTS

President & CEO, International Downtown Association

President & CEO, Chicago Loop Alliance

Executive Director, Downtown Springfield, Inc.