As the American Planning Association (APA) prepares for its 2023 annual national conference in Philadelphia next April, Alexis Williams, AICP, PP, senior associate and senior planner, is supporting this important industry organization as Chair of the Destination Advisory Committee.

Williams is currently chair of the APA Pennsylvania’s Southeast section, which includes Philadelphia and its surrounding counties. In this role, she leads development of events and educational opportunities for section planners and members of the public on various planning topics. She is also the state chapter’s Professional Development Officer, responsible for helping Pennsylvania planners obtain and maintain their American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification – a key professional development opportunity.

Williams was tapped to lead the 2023 Destination Advisory Committee by the state chapter as the local lead point of contact between the Pennsylvania chapter and APA’s national organization. With the conference expected to host over 3,000 planners when it convenes next year, Williams will help organize a number of components, including creating a guide to the city, as well as a route map and accompanying script for an orientation tour around the region. She will also help identify the potential for both onsite and mobile workshops.

“Mobile workshops are a great way for conference visitors to see parts of the Philadelphia region,” Williams said. “This is a great opportunity to showcase the area,” she added. “I’m excited to share the history of the City of Philadelphia, but I also want to highlight the unique communities, and the projects taking place in the surrounding suburban Pennsylvania and New Jersey counties connected to the city. It’s really interesting how they have influenced the City’s growth and rebirth, and the prosperity of the region.”