The City of Charlotte is inviting speakers to participate in its upcoming conference, “Smarter Data, Smarter Communities,” scheduled for February 9, 2026. The event will take place at the Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte City Center and aims to explore how data can enhance urban community development. This initiative seeks to gather a diverse group of civic innovators, data experts, and public sector leaders from the Southeast region.
The conference intends to highlight the role of data in improving quality of life and promoting equitable growth in urban areas. According to a press release from the City of Charlotte, presenters will have the opportunity to discuss practical applications of data in real-world scenarios. The focus will be on sharing experiences that showcase the transformative potential of data within urban settings.
Speakers are encouraged to present contributions that include practical models, pilot projects, and community-centered outcomes. The city emphasizes learning from case studies of smart city initiatives that have demonstrable community impact. Topics may cover methods of data collection, analysis, innovative strategies for equity-focused data governance, and ethical considerations surrounding civic data use.
This conference offers a platform for participants to reach a regional audience, share insights, and establish themselves as leaders in data-driven governance. Individuals interested in presenting can choose between either an interactive workshop or a traditional presentation format. The event targets researchers, technologists, community leaders, and public sector professionals who are passionate about addressing real-world challenges through data.
The City of Charlotte’s communication underlines a commitment to collaborative and equitable approaches in handling data. Interested speakers must submit their proposals by Friday, December 12. Those looking to contribute to the discourse on data’s role in urban community advancement are encouraged to submit their insights online. Further information regarding the call for speakers and the conference details can be found in the official statement released by the City of Charlotte.
