Equipping cities to lead: Learning inspires action

Cities United's 10th Annual Convening will be hosted in Atlanta, Wednesday, October 25th, and Thursday, October 26th. Join us as we engage in thought-provoking discussions, share innovative solutions, and empower one another to create safe, healthy and hopeful communities. Together, we'll inspire and equip cities to be ready to lead, fostering collaboration among community leaders, policymakers, and influencers, transforming the narrative around those impacted by community violence.
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About the convening
This October, we will co-host our 10th Annual Convening with the city of Atlanta, an unparalleled assembly of 450+ thought leaders, innovators, and advocates committed to working together to save lives. This year’s theme is Equipping Cities To Lead: Learning Inspires Action. Our mission is not merely to convene but to equip cities with the tools, knowledge, and network to create a safer, healthier, and more hopeful future for those most impacted by community violence. We invite you to join us.
view the agenda
A recap of last year

site visits

Site visits are a vital part of our convening, they allow our network members to dive deeper into our host city and connect with local community-based partners leading the work. Atlanta has so many community partners working to create safe, healthy and hopeful communities, and we've curated a diverse group that touches every corner of the ecosystem. Check out each of the five sites for a deeper understanding and an opportunity to engage.
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Center for Civic Innovation

Center for Civic Innovation

Website
The Center for Civic Innovation (CCI) mission is to inform and strengthen local public policy in Atlanta by improving public engagement and investing in community-designed interventions. During this site visit, participants will learn more about CCI's unique, equity-centered model, as they engage with our community of leaders (or good troublemakers, as we like to call them).
Policing Alternatives & Diversion (PAD) Initiative

Policing Alternatives & Diversion (PAD) Initiative

Website
PAD is a nationally recognized non-profit that dispatches community first responders to address common quality-of-life concerns in Atlanta. Our mission is to reduce arrest and incarceration for people experiencing extreme poverty, problematic substance use, or unmet mental health needs, and increase the accessibility of supportive services in Atlanta and Fulton County.
The IVYY Project at Grady

The IVYY Project at Grady

Website
The IVYY Project is a hospital based violence intervention at Grady Hospital. The IVYY Project aims to address the cycle of violence by offering comprehensive support and resources to people who have been affected by violence at Atlanta’s only Level 1 Trauma Center.
Helping Empower Youth! (HEY!) Atlanta

Helping Empower Youth! (HEY!) Atlanta

Website
Helping Empower Youth provides essential services to Black youth in Atlanta. By ensuring basic human needs are met, the opportunities for academic and economic opportunity and mobility abound. Utilizing STE(A)M and entrepreneurial endeavors, youth gain critical thinking and soft skills while earning income and learning how to scale businesses.‍
City of Refuge

City of Refuge

Website
In 2003, after months of searching for a facility, City of Refuge was miraculously donated a sprawling warehouse complex in the heart of 30314, and opened its doors to the community. From this new hub, the community began to seek more than food and shelter. They asked City of Refuge for help getting into recovery centers, to serve as advocates in court, and for job training and vocational skills. When they asked City of Refuge for something it could not provide, City of Refuge collaborated with other organizations that could. ‍
Engaging Programming

The 10th Annual Convening will include engaging plenary and breakout sessions, an amazing vendor showcase, interactive site visit tours, dedicated networking events, and a Sneaker Ball & Awards Ceremony.

Join us
Sneaker Ball & Awards Ceremony

To cap off our time together, we are excited to invite you to the Sneaker Ball & Awards Ceremony. A time for all of us that have gathered to celebrate the successes of the year, honor those who we have lost and close out the convening energized and ready to continue our work together.

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Register Here
Hilton Atlanta

The host hotel for Cities United's 10th Annual Convening is the Hilton Atlanta. Located in the heart of downtown, the Hilton Atlanta is within walking distance of many local attractions. It is also connected via skywalk to Peachtree Center and the MARTA station, linking to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Alternatively, Hilton Atlanta is just a quick, 15-minute drive from the airport.

Book your rooms here

ticket pricing

Network
Member
Ticket

$250

Young Leader Ticket

attendees 24 and under

$150

Sneaker Ball Ticket

$75

register now
FAQs
where + when is the convening?
Atlanta, GA on Wednesday, October 25 and Thursday, October 26, with select programming for key stakeholder groups starting on the 24th.
When should i plan to arrive?
We are encouraging attendees to plan to arrive on Tuesday the 24th and depart on Friday the 27th. This will allow you to maximize the learning, experiential, and networking opportunities.
how much is registration?
Registration for this year's convening is $250 for general conference attendees. Young Leaders (attendees under 24) registration will cost $150.

This ticket grants access to the complete programming of our 10th Annual Convening to include Plenary and Breakout Sessions, Vendor Showcase, Site Visits, Networking Events, and Sneaker Ball & Awards Ceremony.
What if i want to just attend the sneaker ball?
Tickets for the Sneaker Ball and Awards Ceremony are available for $75. This is a great way to celebrate our work and time together for those who may not be available for the full slate of programming.
what costs am i responsible for?
All registered attendees and speakers are provided lunch for conference days and dinner on Thursday for the Sneaker Ball and Awards Ceremony. Attendees can reserve a room at the conference hotel at a special rate, subject to availability. Please note that participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, per diem, and any additional expenses incurred while attending the event.
What are my payment options?
For registration costs, you may pay via credit/debit card, ACH transfer, or digital wallet (Apple Pay and Google Pay). For groups of 5 or more, we can produce an invoice. Please send inquiries about invoicing to info@citiesunited.org.
who do I contact with questions?
For any logistical inquiries regarding the conference not covered in the FAQ, kindly contact info@citiesunited.org and our team will gladly provide assistance.
Ignite change and support our vision of creating safe, healthy, and hopeful communities for young Black men and boys and their families.  Our mission is not merely to convene but to equip cities with the tools, knowledge, and network to redefine a safer, healthier, and more hopeful future. We invite you to stand with us.
sponsorship
package
We cordially invite local, state, and national media outlets to register for a media pass and cover the significant discussions at the 10th Annual Cities United Convening. Witness firsthand the pivotal strategies and solutions being presented to create safety in our communities. Please fill out the linked media pass registration form.
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