SXSW 2019
The Secrets to a Successful City Brand
Description:
Every city competes to attract businesses and talent. But as cities like New York and San Francisco have become natural talent magnets, many smaller cities have struggled to market themselves. Rather than drawing on their unique culture, history, and existing residents, too many cities simply attempt to market themselves as smaller versions of Brooklyn, Portland, or Austin. In this session, MI Senior Fellow Aaron Renn and branding expert Hajj Flemings will explore how struggling cities can carve out a niche specific to their past and present, and through that, get back on the path to prosperity.
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Takeaways
- Urban branding should not just be about attracting newcomers: it has to draw on and celebrate its existing culture, residents, and history.
- Cities should try to become known for at least one thing.
- Branding doesn’t happen only at the city level; neighborhoods, civic institutions, and even public spaces can have their own brands.
Speakers
- Aaron Renn, Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute for Policy Research
- Hajj Flemings, Founder, Rebrand Cities
Organizer
Rachel O'Brien, Media Manager, Manhattan Institute For Policy Research
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