In 2025, Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) proudly celebrates its 50th Annual Conference—a half-century of inspiring neighborhood leaders, sparking innovation, and transforming communities nationwide. This golden anniversary will be more than just a conference—it’s a milestone, a movement, and a moment to remember.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a NUSA veteran, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this year’s unforgettable celebration.

🌟 Pre-Conference: Set Yourself Up for Success

1. Register & Explore Workshops
   By the time you’re reading this, the May 9 late registration deadline has passed—and if you didn’t secure your spot, we hope you’ll plan ahead for next year! For those who did register in time: congratulations! You’re about to experience an amazing celebration of neighborhood leadership.
2. Book Travel & Lodging
   This year’s host city will be rolling out the red carpet, but hotels close to the venue will book fast and some are already sold out! Look for NUSA-partnered accommodations at nusa.org/conferences. If you’re not at the conference hotel, there will be shuttles from other partner hotels to take you to the conference venue.
3. Pack Smart
   Here’s what to bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes – for neighborhood tours and exploring the host city.
• Business cards or networking QR codes – you’ll be meeting changemakers from across the country.
• Notebook or tablet – for taking notes in sessions and jotting down big ideas.
• Layers – conference centers can be chilly, even if it’s warm outside.
• Your community pride – show off your neighborhood with branded shirts, pins, or flyers. (Note: pins are an absolute favorite of seasoned NUSA conference attendees!)

4. Set Your Intentions
   What do you want to get out of the conference? Whether it’s new funding strategies, learning how to start a neighborhood association, or simply building your network, jot it down now. A clear goal = a focused experience.

🎉 During the Conference: Dive In, Show Up, Connect

1. Choose Your Adventure | Workshops Wednesday & Thursday
   From thought-provoking breakout sessions and in-depth panels to immersive mobile tours, you can customize your experience to match your goals and passions. Step outside your comfort zone—you never know where the most powerful insight may come from.
2. Network with Purpose
   Make it meaningful: go beyond swapping business cards. Have conversations, ask questions, and find ways to support each other’s work after the conference.
3. Be Social (Online Too!)
   Tag your moments, tweet your takeaways, and join the digital conversation. Use hashtags #NUSA2025 and #NUSATurns50 to amplify your story and connect with others.

Must-Attend Events During the Conference

1. 🌟 Kick off NUSA 2025 with the Opening Breakfast & Best Neighborhood Awards!
   📅 Tuesday, May 20 | 🕖 8 AM | 📍 Prime Osborn Convention Center
   Start bright and early with a hearty breakfast, inspiring speakers, and a celebration of neighborhood excellence at the Best Neighborhood Awards. There’s no better way to launch into the conference than with motivation and meaningful recognition.
2. 🎉 Grand Bahamas Night in Jacksonville – Mini Junkanoo Celebration
   📅 Wednesday, May 21 | 🕖 7 PM – 9 PM | 📍 Prime Osborn Convention Center
   Celebrate Caribbean culture during Jacksonville’s mini Junkanoo celebration! Enjoy Bahamian music, dancing, delicious food, and island vibes in a festive night of fun, flavor, and community.
3. 🗳️ NUSA Board Elections
   📅 Thursday, May 22 | 🕘 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   Make your voice heard and help guide NUSA’s future by casting your vote for the Board of Directors. Elections will be held at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center. Your participation shapes the next chapter of this powerful movement.
4. Neighborhood Pride Tours
   📅 Thursday, May 22 | 🕘 9:45 AM Departure
   Hop aboard one of 10 unique Neighborhood Pride Tours and see the real heartbeat of Jacksonville! These immersive, guided experiences will take you into diverse communities across the city—whether you’re into history, innovation, arts, or grassroots leadership, there’s a tour that’s sure to match your interests. It’s a chance to witness local pride in action and take home fresh ideas to inspire your own neighborhood.
5. 🎶 Final Night Celebration at Friendship Fountain
   📅 Thursday, May 22 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 📍 1015 Museum Circle
   Wrap up the week with a lively evening of live music, games, food trucks, and a spectacular light and water show along the scenic south bank of the St. Johns River. Capture the moment, tag your photos with #NUSA2025 and #NUSATurns50, and soak in the magic of a golden celebration.
6. 📣 NUSA General Membership Meeting
   📅 Friday, May 23 | 🕣 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
   Join fellow members to hear updates, engage with leadership, and be part of shaping NUSA’s future direction. Everyone’s voice matters—this is your platform to be heard.
7. 🏆 Neighborhood of the Year Awards Luncheon
   📅 Friday, May 23 | 🕛 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
   The grand finale! Celebrate standout neighborhoods and visionary community leaders at the prestigious Neighborhood of the Year Awards. It’s a powerful way to close the conference—full of gratitude, recognition, and renewed inspiration.

✨ Post-Conference: Keep the Momentum Going

1. Reflect & Share
   Review your notes, photos, and memories. What lit you up? What’s doable back home? Host a lunch-and-learn or share highlights with your neighborhood association or city council.
2. Stay Connected
   Don’t let the energy fade! Follow up with new contacts, add them on LinkedIn, and stay involved in the NUSA online community.
3. Apply What You’ve Learned
   Pick one or two practical ideas and put them into motion. Momentum thrives on action—even small steps forward can lead to big change in your community.
4. Mark Your Calendar for Next Year
   NUSA 2025 is historic—but it’s not the end of the story. Stay engaged with monthly updates, virtual events, and advocacy efforts. The next conference is already on the horizon!
5. Keep in Touch with NUSA All Year Long!

The conference may end, but the conversation doesn’t have to. We want to hear from you! Share your conference takeaways, tell us what’s happening in your neighborhood, and let us know about the programs and people that are driving change where you live. Your stories inspire others and help NUSA continue to highlight what’s working in communities across the country. Email us at nusa@babybirddesign.com.

🏘️ Final Thoughts

The 2025 NUSA Conference isn’t just another gathering—it’s the culmination of 50 years of neighborhood empowerment. It’s a celebration of resilience, a spotlight on grassroots leadership, and a powerful platform for what’s next.

So, pack your bags, bring your vision, and get ready to celebrate five decades of making a difference—because this year, NUSA is golden.