Swiss Bear, Inc. is pleased to announce that the City of New Bern has been selected by the North Carolina Department of Commerce to host the 25th Annual NC Main Street Conference, to be held March 10–12, 2026, at the Riverfront Convention Center and throughout historic downtown New Bern.
The NC Main Street Conference is part of the nationally recognized Main Street Program, a proven economic development approach that strengthens downtowns by fostering preservation-based revitalization, entrepreneurship, and community engagement in small and mid-sized towns across North Carolina. This year’s theme, Main Street: Inspiring Impactful Change, focuses on how the Main Street program drives meaningful, lasting change in communities.
“We are honored to be selected as the host for this year’s NC Main Street Conference on the 25th anniversary of the conference. New Bern has experienced remarkable change in the last 25 years, and our success is largely rooted in the vision of those who came before us. Their commitment to preserving a charming, historic, and walkable downtown filled with unique shops, local restaurants and vibrant public spaces – set the foundation for the community we enjoy today. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the NC Main Street Conference, we’re proud to showcase a downtown that reflects decades of collaboration, perseverance, and a belief in the power of place. We hope the conference inspires even more meaningful conversations, new ideas and a deeper appreciation for the role Main Street programs play in strengthening communities across our state,” said New Bern Mayor Jeffrey Odham.
The three-day event will feature inspiring keynote speakers, interactive breakout sessions, guided downtown tours, and ample opportunities for attendees to explore New Bern’s vibrant waterfront, historic architecture, local businesses, and cultural attractions.
“This conference provides a meaningful opportunity to showcase the continued vitality and resilience of Downtown New Bern,” said Karen Sullivan, Executive Director of Swiss Bear, Inc. “Hosting the NC Main Street Conference allows us to share our story with communities across the state while welcoming visitors to experience firsthand everything our downtown has to offer.”
“New Bern, one of the original Main Street communities, is an exceptional community to host this year’s anniversary celebration. Since 1980, the City of New Bern and its nonprofit Main Street program, Swiss Bear, Inc., have led efforts to revitalize its historic downtown through preservation, economic development, and public engagement. These efforts have transformed downtown New Bern into a walkable, bike-friendly destination enhanced by public art, beautification projects, and cultural events. Historic buildings have been rehabilitated, new development has complemented the city’s heritage, and local businesses have flourished, making New Bern a model for Main Street success,” commented Liz Parham, Director, NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center.
Recognized as the largest statewide downtown revitalization conference in the nation, the NC Main Street Conference attracts more than 800 attendees, including downtown development professionals, elected officials, local government staff, volunteers, business and property owners, consultants, vendors, and sponsors from more than 150 North Carolina communities, and Main Street Coordinating Programs and their designated communities throughout the southeast.
For additional information about the conference, sponsorship opportunities, or registration details, visit www.ncmainstreetandplanning.com/nc-main-street-conference.