The Vision is Yours is a transformative regional placemaking forum that brings together urban planners, community leaders, designers, artists, and public officials to explore innovative approaches to reimagining public spaces across Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area.
The event will be held on June 5-6, 2025, at Joe’s Movement Emporium, located at 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mt Rainier, MD 20712. Programming will include activations of additional ancillary community sites, including the surrounding blocks and the Gateway Arts District.
The Vision is Yours is a regional placemaking forum designed as a follow-up to International Placemaking Week in Baltimore, and is shaped by insights and learnings gathered by NDC through a series of surveys and conversations with conference attendees, project partners, and our larger network.
NDC is excited to share that our Prince George’s County office will be moving to the heart of Mt Rainier, just across from Joe’s Movement Emporium in May 2025. We’re thrilled this event will double as a housewarming for us as we join so many of our close friends and project partners in the neighborhood.
We invite individuals and groups working in community development, design, art, planning, advocacy, or any field that intersects with placemaking to submit ideas in one of the following formats:
Workshop: Interactive sessions that engage participants in hands-on learning, skill-building, or collaborative problem-solving.
Quick Talk: Concise, high-energy presentations (5 minutes) that spotlight innovative ideas, success stories, or key lessons learned.
Guided Community Walk: On-the-ground explorations of local placemaking initiatives, offering firsthand insights into community-driven projects. (*Note: Community walks must be located in Mt Rainier, within walking distance of Joe’s Movement Emporium.)
Interdisciplinary Panels: Featuring perspectives from community advocates, practitioners, funders, designers, artists, and regional leaders.
We highly encourage applicants to review the forum themes before submitting an application. Selected speakers will receive a discounted registration rate of $200.
Yes! Have you completed a placemaking project that you are willing to share as a case study? We invite you to submit key findings from your project to help others learn from your work. If accepted, NDC will format your proposal to be exhibited at The Vision is Yours forum and additional venues following the event.
Please submit all project and speaker proposals through the online forms linked on the Call for Speakers and Projects page.
The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2025.
For inquiries regarding the open call, please reach out to events@ndc-md.org.
Yes, advance registration is required to secure your spot, as space is limited. You can register here. Registration rates are as follows:
Includes all sessions, workshops, and networking events
Full registration to The Vision is Yours Placemaking Forum includes access to the opening and closing programs, breakout sessions, hands-on build day workshops, and evening networking and celebration activities.
Early Bird (available through March 31):
General Admission: $255
Subsidized Rate (Artists, Students, Independent Practitioners): $127.50
Standard Registration (April 1 - May 25):
General Admission: $300
Subsidized Rate (Artists, Students, Independent Practitioners): $150
This ticket gives you access to Build Day—roll up your sleeves and make an impact on a local project. Then, celebrate with us at a multi-block closing party featuring music, local businesses, and arts spaces, with our new office in Mt Rainier as the hub!
$75 Flat Rate
If you’ve registered but can’t attend, please let us know by emailing events@ndc-md.org.
If registration fees prohibit you from registering, please let us know by reaching out to us at events@ndc-md.org.
The forum program will feature keynotes, hands-on workshops, community walks showcasing local projects, and celebrations highlighting the thriving arts and business community in Mt. Rainier.
Roll up your sleeves and contribute to a community project! Throughout the forum, you’ll be invited to participate in activities ranging from invasive plant removal, greening, tactical urbanism infrastructure, and/or temporary muraling work.
Yes, there will be designated networking times and activities throughout the forum to facilitate connections among attendees.
We will announce the forum program in mid-to-late April, following the call for speakers and review process.
Yes, Joe’s Movement Emporium is committed to providing accessible facilities. For specific accessibility accommodations, please contact us in advance.
Yes, light refreshments will be provided. Please indicate any dietary restrictions during registration.
To encourage use of public transportation options, NDC will provide a shuttle service to provide transportation between Joe’s Movement Emporium and both the Riverdale Park MARC Station and the West Hyattsville Metro Station for attendees using public transit. Shuttle schedules and details will be shared closer to the event.
Additionally, there will be limited parking available nearby. We encourage carpooling and the use of rideshare services.
Casual attire is appropriate. If you plan to join any community walks, please wear walking shoes and dress appropriately for the summer temperatures. Additionally, we encourage all attendees who intend to participate in the build day to wear closed toed shoes and work clothes.
For any other inquiries, please reach out to events@ndc-md.org.