On February 18, 2009, Rebecca Ryan and the NGC team will release the long-awaited “Next Cities” list in a live webcast.  Registration is $79 and seating is limited to 100 participants, so reserve your seat today.

In this webcast, participants will be the first to learn:

* Where the “Next Cities” are;
* How the rankings have changed since 2002;
* What the next generation is saying NOW - in the face of a recession - about the importance of living in a “Next City.”

Will your community be on the list?

What do Next Cities have in common?

What’s the path to becoming a Next City?

Molly Foley will facilitate this live conversation with Rebecca Ryan.  She’ll also talk with Margaret Leaf and Marty Honisch, NGC’s research analysts, about how they chose their metrics, and what went into the list’s rankings.

Join us at 12 Noon CST on Wednesday, February 18 for this live web event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a “Next City?”
A: The term “Next City” replaces the term “Cool Community.”  A “Next City” is one that has the assets and amenities most likely to retain and attract a next generation workforce.  “Next Cities” are talent magnets, and also attract the companies that rely on talent.

Q: Why does it matter if a city is a “Next City?”
A: It depends whom you ask.

Young professionals say that where they live is as important as where they work, so they’re more likely to choose a “Next City” to launch - or propel - their careers.  Many college graduates first choose their city, and then look for a job.  “Next Cities” have an advantage in attracting the next generation workforce, because they have the assets and amenities the next generation values.

Employers who are trying to attract new workers are interested in knowing about “Next Cities” because they may be interested in locating or expanding their office(s) there.  Employers know that it’s easier to recruit young talent to cities that candidates perceive as cool.

Finally, city leaders including Chambers of Commerce, Mayors, and City Councilwomen and Councilmen are interested in the attributes of a “Next City” because they know that attracting jobs and workers is easier when cities have the amenities that attract a knowledge workforce.

Q: We’re in the middle of a recession.  Aren’t people just happy to have a job, regardless of whether it’s in a “Next City” or not?

A:  That may be the case for some people, yes.  We invite you to tune into the webcast, where we’ll share what young professionals are thinking about “Next Cities” in today’s economic climate.

Q: I’m pretty sure my community will not be on the list.  Why should I attend the webcast?

A: There are many communities on the “Next City” list that may surprise you.  We’ve grouped the Next Cities list based on community size, so a small or mid-sized city isn’t competing with large metropolitan areas that are traditionally considered the most attractive places to live for young people.  And even if you’re not on the list, you may learn a lot from the “Next Cities” that are.

Any other questions?  Please contact Peg Hartmann at 888-922-0506 x708 or ph@nextgenerationconsulting.com.

For Technical Assistance: Joseph Schneider (608) 843-9156 js@nextgenerationconsulting.com

Register for this webcast!