Who this session is for: This session is designed for participants already active in an established regional or global placemaking network, looking to learn from peers and cross-share knowledge with other networks. It's not an introduction to network-building. Come ready to exchange real experience with others doing this work.
Across Europe, regional placemaking networks continue to grow — bringing new challenges alongside the ones they've already worked through. With many opportunities and challenges shared across regions, it’s invaluable to learn from one another and exchange experiences. This collaboration strengthens our collective impact and helps us grow the European (and Global) placemaking movement.Using a World Café format, the gathering will provide a platform to explore key themes through moderated discussions. Participants will rotate between two rounds of conversations, with each table hosted by network leaders who bring unique expertise and insights.
Table 1 —Growing pains, growing gains How do networks evolve as they grow? This table looks at the practical and structural side of scaling: governance and decision-making as a group becomes more formal, the tools and platforms that hold day-to-day coordination together, and the ongoing question of when and how to open up to new members. Come with your own network's current challenges, or hear how others have navigated theirs.
Table 2 —Coordination without a shared postcode (working across borders) How can placemaking networks collaborate across borders? This table looks at cross-border projects and exchanges between networks — what's worked, what hasn't, and where the opportunities are to do more together.
Table 3 — Placemaking as a lever for institutional change How can placemaking practice shift institutional thinking and policy — not just physical space? This table explores the bridge between grassroots placemaking and institutional actors, using examples like Placemaking Azerbaijan's engagement with WUF to unpack what it takes to move from local project to institutional influence.
Table 4 —Bring your own questions – Open table No set agenda — this table is for whatever's most pressing for your network right now. Bring a challenge, a question, or something you're currently figuring out, and work through it with others in the room.
