LAB 2025
Aug 20th, 2025 - Aug 22nd, 2025 8:30 AM-12:00 PM
Registration for Main Street Alabama’s LAB Conference is now open!
Join fellow downtown and commercial district revitalization champions in Jasper for three days of energizing learning, innovative strategies, and powerful connections that will inspire and equip you to make an even greater impact in your community.
Agenda
Optional Pre-Conference Events
Tuesday, August 19
3 - 4 p.m. [Ticketed] Trolley Tour of Historic Downtown Jasper
5 - 6 p.m. [Ticketed] Jasper Main Street Reception
Join us for a welcome-to-Jasper reception at the Jasper Main Street offices! This casual gathering is the perfect way to connect, enjoy light bites, and get to know the heart of our vibrant downtown.
6 - 9 p.m. Bingo at Tallulah Brewing, 1804 4th Avenue South
Bingo Night at Tallulah Brewing is the perfect blend of laid-back fun and lively competition. Craft beer, spritzers, or wine options are available.
Wednesday, August 20
8:30 - 9:15 a.m. Registration / Breakfast
9:15 - 9:30 a.m. Welcome
9:30 - 11:30 a.m. KEYNOTE: Embrace AI and Future-Proof Your Productivity, Krista Neher
DESCRIPTION: AI is dramatically transforming performance in every industry. Studies show it can increase productivity (up to 60%!) and work quality. Think about it – using a tool like Google dramatically impacts the speed and quality of your work. AI is even more powerful. Using it effectively is the key to unlocking its value.
This session will show you exactly how to use AI and include live examples of what AI is accomplishing. We’ll also cover the risks (and ethics) associated with using AI in the workplace. Finally, you’ll create an AI plan for yourself or your organization to leverage these powerful tools strategically and thoughtfully. This practical and actionable session focuses on real, tangible uses for AI that can transform business results for everyone, from huge organizations to small rural businesses.
We’ll cover:
- What generative AI is and how it works
- How AI is being used in marketing
- Introduction to prompt engineering to improve AI results
- The future of AI in marketing
- How to build an AI plan for yourself or your organization
- The risks and watch-outs in using AI
11:30 - 1 p.m. BREAK: Lunch, Retail Therapy
During the Break (11:45-12:30 p.m.), there will be an optional Ticketed Trolley Tour of Jasper departing from City Hall and ending at the courthouse square.
1 - 2 p.m. Plan Big, Prosper Bigger! Tripp Muldrow, Arnett Muldrow & Associates
DESCRIPTION: Unleashing the potential of your community takes expert planning and dependable market data.
2 - 2:30 p.m. Thirty Minute Tactical: How to Build Collaboration and Engage Stakeholders, Mike Putman, Executive Director, Jasper Main Street
DESCRIPTION: When community members, businesses, and public entities unite towards shared goals, you can create a dynamic atmosphere that breathes new life into your district.
2:30 - 2:45 p.m. BREAK
2:45 - 3:45 p.m. Panel-Lessons Learned; Communities In Crisis Situations, Tere Richardson, Executive Director, Athens Main Street, Shinora Redmond, Executive Director, Main Street Atmore, Jenny Stubbs, Former Executive Director, Dennis Fain, Wetumpka Main Street
3:45 - 4:30 p.m. [Ticketed Event] Downtown Jasper Stroll: Progressive Reception
Stroll between three of our signature downtown venues: Warehouse 319, Los Reyes, and Tallulah Brewing Company. Each stop offers a taste of Jasper, with delicious bites, creative cocktails, and a warm welcome from the local businesses.
Thursday, August 21
8:30 - 9 a.m. Registration / Breakfast
9 - 10 a.m. Light Up Your EV Committee, Jay Schlinsog, Downtown Professionals Network
10 - 10:45 a.m. Cyber Security/Identity Theft, TBD Regions Bank
10:45 - 11 a.m. BREAK
11 - Noon CONCURRENT SESSIONS
The Power of Color and Fonts, Shawn Terpack, Arnett Muldrow & Associates
DESCRIPTION: Color and fonts are not merely aesthetic choices; they are the very essence of a community's identity and heritage.
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[Board Members Only] Board Member Break Out, Jeremy Arthur, Director, Auburn University Government and Economic Development Institute
12 - 1:30 p.m. BREAK: Lunch, Retail Therapy
During the Break (12 - 12:45 p.m.), there will be an optional Ticketed Trolley Tour of Jasper departing from City Hall and ending at the courthouse square.
1:30 - 3 p.m. Community Identity is a Powerful Catalyst for Local Economic Growth, Ben Muldrow, Arnett Muldrow & Associates
DESCRIPTION: A strong sense of place not only attracts visitors but also cultivates loyalty among customers, driving business success in our downtown districts.
3 - 3:15 p.m. BREAK
3:15 - 4:30 p.m. Public Spaces, Civic Places: Coming Together in Our Parks, Plazas, Streets and Sidewalks, Erin Barnes, President & CEO, Main Street America, First Methodist Church,
DESCRIPTION: Lessons from around the Main Street network on how planning, creating, maintaining, and experiencing public spaces can strengthen our organizations, our small businesses, our communities, and our civic life.
6 - 7 p.m. [Ticketed Event] Toast of Heroes, Presented by Regions Bank, Jasper Civic Center, 204 19th Street East, Suite 100 (tickets must be purchased separately)
7 - 9 p.m. [Ticketed Event] Awards of Excellence Banquet, Co-Sponsored by Energy Southeast, United Bank Community Development, and Walker Area Community Foundation (ticket includes Toast to Heroes Reception)
Friday, August 22
8 - 8:30 a.m. Registration / Breakfast
8:30 - 10:30 AL Spark Tank: Bright Ideas Pitch State Final
9 - 11 a.m. Executive Director Round Table [Designated Communities Only] Location TBD
10:30 - 10:45 BREAK
10:45 - 11:15 TBD
11:15 - 11:30 Announcement of the Bright Ideas Pitch Winner
11:30 a.m. Closing Remarks
Main Street Alabama appreciates the continued support from Investors and LAB Sponsors
