SPACE & SEA: PLANNING FOR PROGRESS
8 AM – 6 PM
Price: $75  (Lunch included)
Capacity: 48  SOLD OUT
AICP CM: 7

 ALL ATTENDEES MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN AND PROVIDE A DRIVER’S LICENSE OR SIMILAR TO PARTICIPATE ON THE TOUR.

This combined tour of the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Port Canaveral will focus on the integration of space exploration, logistics, infrastructure, and future urban development in a rapidly evolving region. The tour will delve into the historical, technological, and economic impacts of these two vital sites on both the local and global stages. Attendees will have a chance to see a portion of KSC’s 140,000 acres and learn how Space Florida is supporting the development in conjunction with Port Canaveral, the world’s second largest cruise port.

By the end of the tour, planners will have a comprehensive understanding of how space exploration, port logistics, and urban development intersect in the Space Coast region of Florida. The focus on infrastructure, sustainability, economic growth, and the future vision for these areas will provide valuable insights for any professional involved in large-scale planning and development projects.

All attendees must wear closed-toed shoes and long pants.

BRIDGING OUR COMMUNITIES WITH TRAILS

8 AM – 12:15 PM
Price: $75 (Bike rental included)
Capacity: 10  SOLD OUT
AICP CM: 4.5

Start your morning out with a bike ride from the beautiful City of Sanford, a newly recognized Trail Town by the FDEP Office of Greeneways and Trails, travel the south side of Lake Monroe along a newly completed Lake Monroe Loop trail, then head north over the St. Johns River to Lake Monroe Park, learning about the history and connectivity to Volusia County and another beautiful trail town, City of Debary.

Learn from planners and experienced cyclists how these wonderful trails make up a critical piece of the Coast to Coast Trail, and are important for transportation, recreation and tourism!

Appropriate bike riding attire is suggested (closed-toed shoes, no skirts, etc.) Helmet will be provided

DOWNTOWN DELAND

10:20 AM – 5 PM
Price: $90 ($25 lunch included; beverages at microbrewery are not.)
Capacity: 48
AICP CM:  6

Come explore downtown revitalization in action as we tour MainStreet DeLand, where you’ll learn how the DeLand Planning Department, Community Redevelopment Agency, and Main Street DeLand work together to drive economic growth, historic preservation, and smart redevelopment. Explore how strategic planning, zoning policies, tax increment financing, and public-private partnerships have transformed this district into a thriving, walkable downtown where businesses flourish and the community thrives.

Along the way, you’ll visit beautifully restored historic buildings, experience vibrant public spaces and streetscape enhancements, and hear from experts who have guided DeLand’s transformation. Whether you’re tackling similar challenges in your own community or looking for innovative ideas, this tour offers actionable insights into balancing preservation with progress.

Wear your walking shoes and get inspired for your next big project by exploring the past, present, and future of DeLand’s Main Street!

Sneakers, sunglasses, hat, sun block, and water bottle suggested. 

PLANNING SUNRAIL AND TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT

12:15 – 5 PM
Price: $55  (Includes SunRail ticket)
Capacity: 48   SOLD OUT
AICP CM: 4.5

TOUR ATTENDEES MUST GRAB THEIR BOXED LUNCH BEFORE GETTING ON THE BUS!

Have you ever wondered how SunRail came to be? While inaugural service began in 2014, with a recent extension north to DeLand completed in 2024, system planning was years in the making and crossed many political administrations.

This session explores the various partnerships that were required and challenges overcome to make the vision a reality. Also explored in this session are the revitalization efforts in Sanford as well as Transit Oriented Development (TOD) plans around the DeLand station.

Don’t miss riding the Downtown Sanford Trolley or modern SunRail train included in this tour!

Sneakers, sunglasses, hat, sun block, and water bottle suggested. 

RESILIENT SHORES TOUR: EXPLORING COASTAL HERITAGE, DUNE RESTORATION & RESILIENCY

1 – 5:30 PM
Price: $65 (Includes lighthouse tour fee)
Capacity: 48
AICP CM: 4.5

Nearly 150 years have passed since the Ponce De Leon Inlet (formerly called Mosquito) Lighthouse was initially activated in 1887 and the fishing resort known as the Pacetti Hotel first opened its doors for business.

Discover the rich and fascinating history of these two historic properties and the small coastal fishing village that developed around them. Learn and see how the multi-agency dune and shoreline restoration effort is taking shape to address resiliency in this Volusia beachside community.

Sneakers, sunglasses, hat, sun block, and water bottle suggested. 

TOURING THE WILD AND CONSERVATION LANDS  IN VOLUSIA

7:45 AM – Noon
Price: $55
Capacity: 48
AICP CM: 4

Take a tour on the wild side! Learn about Volusia’s Forever Program, which was the genesis for Florida Forever, and visit two critical environmental conservation programs and properties in Volusia County.

Visit the Lyonia Environmental Center and learn how the Volusia County School Board and Volusia County Government were able to conserve critical scrub jay habitat, create educational amenities for the public, and mitigation opportunities for the two agencies. Then visit D Ranch Preserve, the newest 400 acres conserved by Conservation Florida.

Learn of their plans to improve the former cattle ranch into a key conservation piece in Volusia County’s Conservation Corridor.

Sneakers, sunglasses, hat, sun block, and water bottle suggested. 

HOUSING BRINGS HOPE AND HOPE BRINGS HOUSING

2 – 4:45 PM
Price: $55
Capacity: 48
AICP CM:  2.5

Change your community and discover how affordable and transitional housing is being provided through adaptive reuse and public-private partnerships. This tour will provide insight into the complexities of planning and funding transitional housing that supports underserved populations, families, unaccompanied youth and veterans.

This tour will visit two housing developments, Hope Place and Barracks of Hope, offering an inside look at how these initiatives meet the evolving needs of the homeless and assist with permanent housing and develop successful life skills.

Learn about the challenges and successes of repurposing existing school and church structures to create stable, supportive environments while navigating zoning, funding, and stakeholder collaboration. Leave with fresh strategies and inspiration for championing similar ventures in your own community.

Sneakers, sunglasses, hat, sun block, and water bottle suggested. 

INDIAN RIVER LAGOON ECOLOGY TOUR

7:45 AM – 2 PM
Price: $80 (Boat tour and lunch included)
Capacity: 38
AICP CM: 6

The Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach was founded in the mid-2000s as the result of a public high school closure whose land included a deed restriction that the property revert back to the State.

Located on the intracoastal this facility and organization has become a dominant force in community engaged coastal ecology. This staff guided coastal ecology tour showcases the Indian River Lagoon and efforts underway to make our shorelines resilient.

Includes a 45 minute land walking tour of the 22-acre property, history, restoration efforts and future vision and 2-hour boat tour.

Sneakers, sunglasses, hat, sun block, and water bottle suggested. 

MORNING WALK OVER THE RIVER HALIFAX

8 – 10 AM
Price: $20
Capacity: 15     SOLD OUT
AICP CM: 2

For those who are looking for exercise, take in the beauty and history of the Halifax River and Daytona Beach on this fast-paced, change in grade, walking tour. We will start at the conference hotel, discuss the history of the original Daytona Beach while we walk along Main Street in the original community redevelopment area to the bascule bridge over the Halifax River.

The walk continues through the $14 million public private Riverfront Esplanade where downtown redevelopment efforts are finally showing success. We return via the beautiful, and some say challenging, Broadway Bridge where Florida wildlife mosaics are incorporated and the views are stunning! Expect to learn a lot on this brisk walk of approximately 3.1 miles.

Sneakers, sunglasses, hat, sun block, and water bottle suggested.