The Vine Conference
Inspired people create inspired places. And vice versa. Therein lies the premise of The Vine.
The Vine is a growing network of people from diverse backgrounds and professions, united by a passion for creating community. Part conversation, part theater, The Vine is an active instigator and propagator of ideas. We’re here to surprise, energize and mobilize our industry. To bring people together in unexpected and highly productive collaborations. To expand the realm of the possible. Ultimately, our goal is to tap new wellsprings of creativity that will fill us with a renewed sense of purpose — and inspire us to make extraordinary places where we may live in health, dignity and prosperity.
Background
The Vine began in 2006 as an annual, three-day conference. At our inaugural meeting in Santa Barbara, it was quickly apparent that this was NOT the usual cast of characters. A group of development industry leaders (builders, developers, architects) found themselves engaging with artists, activists, teachers, anthropologists, social entrepreneurs, even the founder of Greenpeace. They were, quite by design, at the intersection of previously unconnected planes of thought.
Subsequent conferences were held in Napa (2007) and San Diego (2008), each one bringing together a unique and unusual blend of disciplines, vantage points and traditions. One participant described it as "a nourishing and soul-inspiring conference, unlike any other I have ever attended." Another declared The Vine to be "a place to get answers to questions we didn’t know we were asking."
The salon — a new format for the Vine conversation
In accordance with the times, Vine Salons are smaller, shorter, more frequent, more versatile. (And much more affordable for our members and their guests.)
The first two salons (in November 2009 and March 2010) were created in partnership with IDEO. Held at the legendary design firm’s Palo Alto headquarters, these hands-on workshops offered an immersion in IDEO’s collaborative “design thinking” process applied to the challenges of our industry — that is, how to create more vibrant, healthy, sustainable communities. Summaries of those two programs are posted here and here.
THE VINE SALON SERIES - FALL 2010
Is Agriculture the New Golf?
Hart Howerton Planners & Architects
Seeing What’s Next: A Business Reinvention Bootcamp
Dev Patnaik, Jump Associates
The Vine Salon Series is sponsored by:
What people are saying about The Vine
"I've never been to an industry conference like The Vine. The buzz, the emotional resonance, the intellectual stimulation, the people, the setting. It was not just educational, it was inspirational."
J. Walker Smith
President, Yankelovich, Inc.
"I was hoping for an experience that was, at once, contemplative, provocative and restorative. And The Vine delivered. I can’t wait for next year."
Carol Coletta
Host and Producer, Smart City
"I have never been to a conference where there was so much meaning and depth about the real issues of our world, our society and our communities."
Kevin Kelley, AIA
Founding Partner, Shook Kelley