American Planning Association's 2018 National Planning Conference

Annapolis-based Tom Cole received degrees from the University of Massachusetts and Rutgers University. With over 20 years of experience in real estate and economic development, he serves as president of BBPC, a nationally recognized real estate development, economics, and financial advisory services firm in Annapolis, Maryland. In order to stay current in his field, Tom Cole belongs to several professional organizations including the American Planning Association.

With over 38,000 members worldwide, the American Planning Association provides leadership to planners of vibrant, growing communities. The organization promotes ideas, education, and citizen empowerment. To that end, each year the American Planning Association hosts a National Planning Conference. In 2018, the conference will take place April 21-24 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The national conference will feature over 250 expert-led sessions, workshops, networking events, and an exhibition hall. For attendees who wish to focus their experience at the national conference, organizers have curated workshops and sessions around specific topics. Attendees can focus on a single issue or combine issues to fit their unique interests. Tracks include climate change and resiliency, development and the natural environment, and managing change in communities, among others.