Explore Four Emerging Trends at the 12th International Public Markets Conference (PPS)
Apr 11, 2025 - Project for Public Spaces (PPS)
Editor's Note: Register now for the 12th International Public Markets in Milwaukee, WI, taking place June 12-14, 2025. This in-person gathering will feature inspiring speakers from around the world, networking sessions, mobile workshops, market tours, and more! After that, ticket prices will increase to a late rate—so don't wait! Spots for each workshop and tour are also limited, and our hotel blocks are first-come, first-served.
On Friday, June 13th, 2025, the second day of the 12th International Public Markets Conference, attendees will attend breakout sessions, where they will learn from market practitioners, advocates, and educators from around the world. Our team curates the session themes to focus on the most pressing market issues and exciting strategies applied to markets of all types and sizes.
The Call for Proposals cast a wide net and welcomed submissions on any topics related to markets that recognize the transformative influence of public markets. It attracted 55 proposals from eight countries, and the final topics provided a snapshot of some of the most important trends in the world of public markets today.
Keeping Up with the Shifting Needs of Communities
As cities of all sizes face the growing challenges of equitable economic growth, inclusivity, and community cohesion, public markets must keep up with the pace. To be successful, markets must intentionally learn from, and adapt to, their changing neighborhoods to ensure they are continually supporting their communities physically, socially, and economically. In several conference breakout sessions, we will see how some markets are responding to their changing contexts so that the market and the community can prosper together.
Public markets often face challenges with shifting audiences and population growth—ongoing and evolving elements of urbanization. Cameron Dale, Manager of the Kitchener Market in Ontario, Canada, will take us through ways in which he and his team are navigating growth and densification, particularly in an area undergoing rapid redevelopment. Key topics that will be addressed are strategic stakeholder engagement, crisis management, customer loyalty, vendor retention, and leveraging growth opportunities to attract new customer types, all while strengthening your market’s role in the community.
Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle, WA, recently conducted a master planning process to ensure financial sustainability for its thriving nine-acre historic community of farmers, shop owners, restaurateurs, craftspeople, buskers, residents, social service providers, and operations staff. The panel of speakers will consist of Sulin Carling from HR&A, Allegra Calder from BERK Consulting, Evan Bourquard from Mithun, and Rachel Ligtenberg, the new Executive Director of the Pike Place Market Preservation Development Authority, who will share how they plan to invest in Pacific Northwest food life to support farmers, re-attract locals, and improve tenant curation and programming.
ByWard Market, one of Canada’s oldest public markets, is embracing transformation to stay relevant in today’s evolving urban and economic landscape. A presentation led by the Market’s General Manager, Melanie Anderson, will explore how it has adapted its operations, programming, and public spaces, after drawing on lessons from various studies. Learn how ByWard is addressing challenges such as heritage preservation, vendor diversity, stakeholder engagement, and community-driven innovation. London's Borough Market, a historic site dating back a thousand years, has also adapted to sustain relevance and continue thriving, transforming from a struggling wholesale market into a popular food destination. Shaun Johnson from Borough Market in London will cover how the Market attracts millions of visitors annually by blending traditional vendors with modern food offerings, and drives visitorship through social media.
