What is a Sociable City? North American Leaders to Converge in Austin to Define Sociable City

Santa Cruz, CA 6/24/2009 – As the economy recovers, surveys show that among the first ways people will spend money will be on dining and entertainment. Cities wanting to capitalize on this nighttime economy will collect effective strategies and gain important insights at the Responsible Hospitality Institute’s Sixth Annual Networking Conference and first charter meeting of the Sociable City Network on November 12-14 in Austin, Texas.

“Truly sociable cities facilitate human connection through food, music, dancing and other entertainment clustered in hospitality zones,” observes RHI president Jim Peters. “Cities can benefit greatly from sales tax, jobs and vibrancy generated throughout the day, and especially on weekend days and nights. However, with vibrancy comes risk to public safety and quality of life that must be anticipated and addressed.”

RHI chose Austin as the conference site for the city’s brand as the “live music capital of the world” and for its innovative approach to nighttime safety and vibrancy. North American leaders will convene November 12 to 14 to define criteria for being a music city, and guide participants on the steps to create and sustain their local music economy. The historic Driskill Hotel located on the famous

A second track will emphasize how cities with an active nighttime economy can manage safety, noise and traffic impacts generated by large nightlife venue crowds and late-night activity. Strategies and case studies gathered from RHI's research and Regional Forums held in sixteen North American cities will be showcased in facilitated forums and workshops.

A second track will emphasize how cities with an active nighttime economy can manage safety, noise and traffic impacts generated by large nightlife venue crowds and late-night activity.

“Austin is proud to host North America’s largest gathering of leaders seeking to enhance the nighttime economy,” proclaims Austin Mayor Will Wynn, “and we will showcase how Austin invests in music, musicians and the venues where they perform.”

More information is available at www.RHIevents.org or 831.469.3396.

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The Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI) is a California based non-profit organization providing technical assistance, tools and access to a network of cities working to better plan, manage and police dining and entertainment districts. More information is available at www.RHIweb.org or 831.469.3396.