We are thrilled to announce that New York, NY, USA, will be the host city for the 13th International Public Markets Conference on May 20-22, 2027! Alongside our co-host, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), we look forward to sharing more about the upcoming conference in September.
As a city where public markets help build communities rooted in well-being and equitable opportunity, New York exemplifies how markets can support a dynamic cultural landscape. Conference participants will see and learn firsthand how the city's interconnected food networks are integral to its economic vitality and community life, reflecting its unmatched diversity and energy.
The International Public Markets Conference is the largest global conference for public market professionals. In 2027, Project for Public Spaces will celebrate 40 years since the inception of the event. Across four decades, each event brought together hundreds of leading public market leaders and advocates, including a broad mix of government leaders, market managers, downtown planners, grassroots organizers, local food advocates, and academics from around the world to explore the cutting edge of market practice.
Stay tuned for our Call for Proposals in the fall and more about the conference and our host city!
Bringing the 12th International Public Market Conference to Milwaukee allowed our public markets to share their stories with market leaders from around the world, while also learning from some of the sharpest minds in the industry. The exchange of ideas and energy continues to move our work forward. Hosting the conference affirmed that Milwaukee is helping shape what successful Market Cities can become in the years ahead.
— Paul Schwartz, Executive Director, Milwaukee Public Market
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. NYCEDC takes a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city's future economy.
NYCEDC’s public markets team plays a major role in the city’s public markets ecosystem with its public markets team managing the strategic planning, operations, and community-focused growth initiatives of leading public markets—including Essex Market, La Marqueta, and Moore Street Market—to keep these markets vibrant, accessible, and economically vital to their neighborhoods.
In addition to managing daily operations, the Public Markets team develops and implements initiatives that support neighborhood revitalization, small business growth, workforce development, and equitable economic opportunity. These efforts are designed to strengthen the role of public markets as important community anchors while enhancing their contribution to the cultural and economic fabric of New York City.
Project for Public Spaces looks forward to working with NYCEDC to welcome #PublicMarkets27 attendees to discover the public markets of New York City!
The Market Cities Program aims to strengthen the regional systems behind the market stalls by connecting and supporting a diverse set of stakeholders through research, specialized training, and a network of peers.
During the 11th International Public Markets Conference in Toronto, Project for Public Spaces announced the launch of the Market Cities Network, the first international forum for markets of all kinds and the people committed to their success. Among many benefits, including peer-to-peer networking and capacity building support, Market Cities Network members enjoy discounted registration for conferences and trainings.
Contact us at IPMC@pps.org.
Help uplift the placemaking movement by sponsoring the 13th International Public Markets Conference! Check back for sponsorship opportunities, available soon.
