During the 2026 Missouri’s Premier Downtown Revitalization Conference, “The Roaring 20th Anniversary of Missouri Main Street Connection,” people from across Missouri celebrated Main Street’s success over the past two years and embraced the next chapter of future successes. Attendees learned that continued success comes from using the proven methodology of Main Street to address today’s needs, including housing development, small business resilience, further economic development, and the creation of vibrant, walkable districts that support economic opportunity for all.
Attendees can access photos from the 2026 Missouri’s Premier Downtown Revitalization Conference as part of their complimentary photo pass that came with each registration. Click the link below to view the pictures. If there are other pictures you think our photographer captured and are not included in the photo pass selection, please contact Logan Breer at [email protected].
Please use these photos when reporting to your local Main Street board or promoting your attendance at our conference in your newsletter or social media posts.
You can access conference session handouts and slide decks in our Dropbox folder by clicking on the button.
Board Leadership Deep Dive: Leading a Main Street Program with Intention and Teamwork
Dr. Steven Hoffman and Norma Ramirez de Miess, led Main Street Board Members through an extensive on-the-ground experience that combined facilitation and discussion. During this experience, attendees learned, connected, shared their own insights with their tables, and examined real-world governance practices. At the end of the Deep Dive, attendees left energized with a fresh perspective on their roles as Main Street leaders and equipped with actionable ideas to move their organization forward.
Evening Opening Reception
The kick-off party for Missouri’s Premier Downtown Revitalization was an entertaining evening of creativity and networking. Attendees enjoyed networking amongst the History Museum on the Square’s galleries, while eating appetizers and connecting with other attendees through conversation and the “Draw Your Own Streetscape” networking activity.
Evening Opening Reception Sponsored By:
Missouri Arts Council One-On-One Consultations
Throughout the conference, attendees visited with the Missouri Arts Council during no-cost, one-on-one consultations to learn how the arts could be used to revitalize their community or Main Street districts. This included how the arts, creative placemaking, creative districts, and Arts Councils can drive visitors, new businesses, and economic vitality. This opportunity was provided through appointments communities scheduled ahead of the conference and onsite during times that were still available.
Main Street Clinic
The Main Street Clinic offered attendees an opportunity to talk with Missouri Main Street Connection Board Members and our partners, where they could get their questions about Main Street and historic preservation answered. There were no appointments needed!
Memories on Main Street
Missouri Main Street Connection has spent the past two years collecting stories that showcase the impact Main Street has had across the state through local organizations, businesses, and individuals. This includes the assistance of Phil Eich with Storyville in late 2025. The completed Memories on Main Street book is the product of all those stories coming together and was released during the conference. Hear from Logan Breer and Phil Eich about the process of meeting with Missouri communities on our YouTube Channel.
Pitch Party
The Pitch Party took place during the General Session on July 30th this year. Attendees watched three great pitches from Creative Space Activation Grant finalists and selected Glasfow Main Street as the winner to receive $10,000 for its project.
ShowMe Bash
The ShowMe Bash was held at Springfield Brewing Company, a historic building that is now home to a brewery and taproom. Conference attendees enjoyed a buffet of pub food while networking and playing games stationed around the taproom.
ShowMe Bash & Pitch Party Sponsored by:
Evening of Excellence Legacy Awards Ceremony & Dinner
The Evening of Excellence Legacy Awards Ceremony and Dinner celebrated the impact of Missouri’s Main Street communities over the past 20 years, led by Missouri Main Street Connection. Attendees enjoyed an evening with new entertainment and legacy awards, where many community members received awards for their 1920’s attire, several won grand prizes during our “Deal or No Deal” style game, and five legacy awards and one pioneer award were presented.
This conference is a private and public partnership with the Department of Economic Development, the State of Missouri, USDA, and MMSC.
