About the 2026 IDA + CDA Place Matters
Join us for IDA + CDA Place Matters in Long Beach, in partnership with the International Downtown Association (IDA) and Downtown Long Beach Alliance, on March 10 – 12, 2026.
The 2026 event program will explore economic development strategies, operations and placemaking best practices, communication initiatives, and the use of technology in urban place management. Come prepared to network with peers and engage in meaningful dialogue to support the development of downtown and neighborhood districts. Be inspired by industry experts, visionary strategies, transformative discussions and practical insights that will empower you to drive positive change in your district.
Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DTLB Alliance) is a nonprofit, community-based organization whose mission is to cultivate, preserve and promote a healthy, safe and prosperous downtown. They’re focused on creating a lively, welcoming community where residents, businesses and visitors come together to enjoy a beautiful and thriving downtown. Through strong partnerships and shared passion, they’re turning ideas into action—building a downtown everyone can be proud to call their own.
Together, they help manage Downtown Long Beach (DTLB), where the opposite of ordinary lives. DTLB is a place where petting sharks festivals after dark, swan boats and IndyCars, bar crawls and art walks just make sense. Welcome to Downtown Long Beach!
IDA and CDA are excited to announce that our in-person spring forum, formerly the West Coast Urban District Forum, has a new name – IDA + CDA Place Matters. This event will still feature the same great content and experiences you have come to expect from our yearly spring forum.
Attend the Event
2026 IDA + CDA Place Matters will be held at The Westin Long Beach, located at 333 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802 and at various locations throughout downtown Long Beach.
Discover downtown Long Beach’s seven unique neighborhoods – each with its own vibe, character and experience. Check out the map to find must-see spots!
Get social! What questions will you come ready to ask? Share them on social media using #IDADTLB26.
Registration is now open for the 2026 IDA + CDA Place Matters. In order to register for the event, you need to either have an account in IDA’s database or you must create one. If you previously registered for an event in the past, you should have an account in the database. All below prices are USD.
- Early Bird Rate until Wednesday, February 4, 2026: $385 Member | $485 Nonmember
- Standard Rate until Wednesday, March 4, 2026: $435 Member | $535 Nonmember
- On-site Registration Rate available Tuesday, March 10, 2026: $495 Member | $595 Nonmember
Daily rates are available for Wednesday:
- Early Bird Rate (Wednesday only) until Wednesday, February 4, 2026: $280
- Standard Rate (Wednesday only) until Wednesday, March 4, 2026: $330
- On-site Rate (Wednesday only) until Tuesday, March 10, 2026: $360
Daily rates are also available for Thursday:
- Early Bird Rate (Thursday only) until Wednesday, February 4, 2026: $230
- Standard Rate (Thursday only) until Wednesday, March 4, 2026: $280
- On-site Rate (Thursday only) until Tuesday, March 10, 2026: $310
Daily registration includes access to sessions, meals and/or receptions scheduled for the day of your attendance. Daily registrants are not eligible to attend activities outside their selected day. Session-only registrants are eligible to attend their session only.
Mentor Program: CDA has designed a program to match you with a mentor prior to attending the IDA + CDA Place Matters. You will be notified via email by your mentor to set up a time to either talk on the phone or meet at the forum. Sign up by checking the box “Match me with a Mentor” during registration. Questions? Email registration@downtown.org.
CDA Members: If you are logged into the system and are not able to see the member pricing as noted above, please contact registration@downtown.org for assistance before proceeding with your event registration.
Cancellation Policy: Written notice of cancellation is required. Cancellations received via email by February 18, 2026, will receive a refund less a $100 processing fee. Cancellations received via email after February 18, 2026, will not be refunded. If a tour cancellation is received via email by February 18, 2026, there will be no penalty. Tour cancellations received via email after February 18, 2026, will not receive a refund. Refunds will be processed approximately 30 days after the event. Please email the cancellation notification to the International Downtown Association at registration@downtown.org.
Substitutions: Substitutions of complete registrations (including tours and/or workshops) are gladly accepted prior to the event start date. Please submit a written request to registration@downtown.org before Friday, March 6, 2026, at 3 pm ET to complete your substitution. Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant and must be transferred to an individual in your organization. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for all financial obligations (any balance due) associated with that substitution.
Adding a Pre-Conference Tour/Pre-Conference Workshop/Mobile Tour: Pre-conference workshop, pre-conference tours and/or mobile tours sell out quickly. Therefore, it is advisable to add these items at the time of your registration. If you are registering for someone else or a group, please find out their selection prior to registering them. Although each person within the group can purchase a tour after they have been registered, they run the risk of the tour no longer being available.
Payment Methods: For your convenience, payments may be made by Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Should you need to pay by check, you will not be able to complete registration online. Please email registration@downtown.org for assistance.
Outstanding Balance: Please note, if you have an outstanding balance for this event and/or tour(s), you will not receive your badge on-site or be allowed to attend tours until payment is received. Please contact registration@downtown.org prior to your arrival on-site to pay your outstanding balance.
By registering you are agreeing to IDA’s Event Agreement and Code of Conduct and IDA Attendee Assumption of Risk, Waiver and Release Form.
The Program
Preview the 2026 agenda here (program is subject to change).
Hotel
The Westin Long Beach, located at 333 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802, is offering a rate of $239USD per night, plus tax, for a standard room for conference attendees. Please book your room by Tuesday, February 17, 2026 online. Daily parking is available at $49.00 per day at the hotel.
About The Westin Long Beach Hotel
Located in the thriving downtown district, steps from the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, the hotel in Long Beach, California, is designed to maximize your potential. Take time to explore the local area, as the Queen Mary and the Catalina Express are just steps away.
Don’t be Scammed by Third Party Housing Companies
The official hotel is listed above. Please beware of other companies soliciting hotel room “deals” over the dates of the event. Third party housing companies typically offer a higher rate than the official block rate. These companies’ cancellation policies are often harsh and unforgiving. IDA is not working with any third parties to offer attendees accommodation! If you receive a solicitation and are unsure whether or not it is legitimate, please contact Lul Teklit at Lul@downtown.org.
Travel
Long Beach Airport (LGB) is approximately 20 minutes (6.1 miles) from The Westin Long Beach. Taxi/Uber/Lyft is approximately $30-50 USD one-way, based on time of day. Long Beach Transit (LBT) is approximately 40 minutes, and available one-way for $1.25 USD. Depart from the LGB Airport, head towards Lot A and take the 111 Bus (LKWD-BDWY to Downtown) to 1st & Long Beach Blvd Ne. Then, walk approximately 2-minutes (0.1 miles) to the hotel. For more information on the LBT, please click here.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 40 minutes (21.7 miles) from The Westin Long Beach. Taxi/Uber/Lyft is approximately $70 USD one-way, based on time of day.
John Wayne Airport (SNA) is approximately 40 minutes (25 miles) from The Westin Long Beach. Taxi/Uber/Lyft is approximately $75 USD one-way, based on time of day.
Certification
By attending the 2026 IDA + CDA Place Matters, certified Leaders in Place Management will earn 8 credit hours toward the renewal of their LPM certification. Please visit downtown.org/certification to learn more about becoming certified or recording continuing education units.
IDA is an AICP credit provider. AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for sessions. When CM credits are available, they are noted in the program. IDA’s 2026 sessions provide an easy way for AICP certified planners to earn their CM credits.
Sponsors
Ambassador
Join the California Downtown Association
CDA’s membership is diverse, representing hundreds of small businesses and property owners on main streets and in the historic downtowns and business districts. View CDA’s Membership website for more information.
Interested in Sponsoring?
Align your company with a strong network of placemakers to grow your business. Join us as an IDA + CDA Place Matters sponsor. Learn More.
Questions?
For assistance or further information about the conference, please contact the IDA registration team.