Wharton - Weitzman Future of Cities Conference 2026

The Wharton-Weitzman Future of Cities Conference is an annual multidisciplinary, student-led, faculty-advised event hosted at the University of Pennsylvania.Founded in 2020, the conference aims to bring together urban innovators and experts from the public and private sectors to challenge and deepen the discourse around the trends, technologies, and policies transforming the future of our cities.

​This year’s conference theme, Reimagining Urban Futures, will focus on balancing both aspirational and attainable visions for cities amid a convergence of challenges in recent years, including housing affordability, climate change, and shifts in federal and local funding. We aim to create space for ambitious, even "pie-in-the-sky" thinking – visions of urban futures with sustainability, equity, joy, and resilience as core principles. At the same time, we’ll explore the tactical, grounded steps required to translate these visions into reality, such as how cities and municipalities can create the futures they boldly envision for their residents.

This year’s conference will feature an exciting mix of keynotes, panels, fireside chats, and demos. Explore the full range of programming here: whartonfuturecities.com.

Students, professionals, and academics from all disciplines are encouraged to join us. Every ticket includes access to all programming as well as refreshments throughout the day (breakfast, lunch, and happy hour post-conference.)

This year, we will also be hosting a pre-conference event on Thursday, February 19th from 6-9PM at a restaurant in Center City. This evening gathering brings together an intimate group of speakers, partners, and attendees for connection and conversation around the ideas shaping the future of urban life. Space is limited to 50 people.

Please get in touch with any questions: [email protected]

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