Students posing on the APA banner. Kylie Tannenbaum, Johnathan Alberg, Kaylie Williams, Mary Archibald, Caramia Landis, Cooper Hilbert, Bella Sardina, and Sam McCormack (from left to right: Cameron Brown not in the photo)
“What a great experience the National Planning Conference #NPC24 was. … I loved getting a chance to meet all the people in this country that work everyday and night to create great communities and are pushing forward in sustainability in urban planning!”
— Mary Archibald (Senior, SPAN Vice-President)
“My time in Minneapolis was truly amazing, offering invaluable insight into how to become a better planner and advocate for students. From engaging discussions to meaningful connections, every moment at #NPC24 contributed to my professional and personal growth. As I reflect on the experiences and lessons gained, I’m more determined than ever to leverage this knowledge to serve as a stronger advocate for students and a more effective planner. … This experience facilitated the professional development and connections that are vital to the success of our pirate planners. … as I reflect on the connections made, the insights gained, and the encouragement received during #NPC24, I’m filled with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to continue making a positive impact within the planning community. Onward to Denver!” — Cameron Brown (Senior, SPAN Treasurer, APA Region II Representative of the Student Representative Council)
“These past few days, the Student Planners Action Network at ECU got an incredible opportunity to bring a group of nine students to attend the APA 2024 National Planning Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota! I could not be more proud and grateful to all those who helped make this trip a possibility, as this conference marked one of the first times ECU undergraduate students were able to attend an APA conference at the national level! A special thanks goes out to ECU’s Student Government Association, the UNC Association of Student Governments, and many of our friends, family, and alumni who generously donated funds to help make this trip a reality! We can’t wait to see everyone again next year in Denver!” — Cooper Hilbert (Junior, SPAN President)
“The #NPC24 has come to a close! It was such an honor to represent East Carolina University’s Community and Regional Planning program and attend my first national conference in Minneapolis. I had the privilege of learning about the latest trends and challenges in the planning community. It was such a pleasure to attend NPC24 and connect with fellow students and professionals. I cannot wait to see everyone again and meet new people next year in Denver for #NPC25!” — Kaylie Williams (Junior)
“This trip was such an amazing learning experience. Not only did I learn new innovative ideas from seasoned planners at the informational sessions, but I also got to meet and interact with other planning students and hear what they are doing in their programs. My fellow Pirate Planners and I got to explore the city via public transit, and learn how big cities regulate their transit systems and utilize art and sculpture to build a distinct sense of place. Overall, this trip was invaluable and I am so thankful to everyone who contributed to us being able to go.” — Caramia Landis (Sophomore)
“#NPC24 was an invaluable experience for the Pirate Planners. From making connections with professionals across the nation to learning about opportunities for growth within APA, it was truly enriching. Being among individuals from diverse backgrounds, all striving for a more sustainable future for our communities, was both inspiring and energizing. There is great strength in putting those people together. Heartfelt thanks to APA for organizing NPC24, and to all the amazing people I had the pleasure of meeting, your dedication to shaping a better world through planning is commendable. Looking forward to seeing you all in Denver next year!” — Bella Sardina (BS/MS Accerelated Program, SPAN Social Media)
Other Selected Photos from the 2024 APA Conference:
“What a great experience the National Planning Conference #NPC24 was. … I loved getting a chance to meet all the people in this country that work everyday and night to create great communities and are pushing forward in sustainability in urban planning!”
“My time in Minneapolis was truly amazing, offering invaluable insight into how to become a better planner and advocate for students. From engaging discussions to meaningful connections, every moment at #NPC24 contributed to my professional and personal growth. As I reflect on the experiences and lessons gained, I’m more determined than ever to leverage this knowledge to serve as a stronger advocate for students and a more effective planner. … This experience facilitated the professional development and connections that are vital to the success of our pirate planners. … as I reflect on the connections made, the insights gained, and the encouragement received during #NPC24, I’m filled with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to continue making a positive impact within the planning community. Onward to Denver!”
“These past few days, the Student Planners Action Network at ECU got an incredible opportunity to bring a group of nine students to attend the APA 2024 National Planning Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota! I could not be more proud and grateful to all those who helped make this trip a possibility, as this conference marked one of the first times ECU undergraduate students were able to attend an APA conference at the national level!
“The #NPC24 has come to a close! It was such an honor to represent East Carolina University’s Community and Regional Planning program and attend my first national conference in Minneapolis. I had the privilege of learning about the latest trends and challenges in the planning community. It was such a pleasure to attend NPC24 and connect with fellow students and professionals. I cannot wait to see everyone again and meet new people next year in Denver for #NPC25!”
“This trip was such an amazing learning experience. Not only did I learn new innovative ideas from seasoned planners at the informational sessions, but I also got to meet and interact with other planning students and hear what they are doing in their programs. My fellow Pirate Planners and I got to explore the city via public transit, and learn how big cities regulate their transit systems and utilize art and sculpture to build a distinct sense of place. Overall, this trip was invaluable and I am so thankful to everyone who contributed to us being able to go.”
“#NPC24 was an invaluable experience for the Pirate Planners. From making connections with professionals across the nation to learning about opportunities for growth within APA, it was truly enriching. Being among individuals from diverse backgrounds, all striving for a more sustainable future for our communities, was both inspiring and energizing. There is great strength in putting those people together. Heartfelt thanks to APA for organizing NPC24, and to all the amazing people I had the pleasure of meeting, your dedication to shaping a better world through planning is commendable. Looking forward to seeing you all in Denver next year!”
