This is what happens if you put 100-plus ‘Positives’ in a room for two and a half hours…
…even if it’s a virtual one.
And so my reflections on an inspiring, insightful first HighStreetPositives summit, albeit a little later than those of many attendees.
Co-hosting duties mean focusing on introducing speakers and panellists, asking questions, keeping tabs on the chat and Q&A and checking we’re running to time, so I’ve taken an extra day or two to run through again what we heard…
- a long and lengthening list of national and international #retail and #hospitality brands opening new stores and venues;
- different models of short term, meanwhile or popup shop uses and how they work for both occupiers and landlord;
- the crucial importance of partnership working;
- five fascinating town and city centre regeneration models followed by intriguing case studies from two places putting very different approaches at the heart of their efforts;
- a global perspective drilled down to explore the varying opportunities we have to take on space alongside retail;
- an update on the national government policy agenda and key current initiatives;
- a look at two locally-led projects with community at their heart, wrapped up with a lovely live reading of a powerful parable for positivity;
- and to close, a very practical conversation on ways we can all help make inroads into the dominance of that negative media around the highstreet.
So thanks to all the presenters and panellists, to Laura Harris for putting together such a brilliant programme, to Emma Whiteacre for great work behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly, and to all our attendees who played a huge part in creating lively chat and Q&A channels.
The plan is for more like it in ‘26 as well as taking our ‘launch’ event to new locations. Cannot wait…!
If you’ve #HighStreetPositives topic ideas that are making a difference to your place we’d love to hear them too…
