Jeremy Sorrow, Napa Watershed & Flood Control Operations Manager, and Brendan Hurley, City of Napa Economic Development Program Coordinator, will lead a guided walking tour of the Napa Flood Protection Project, followed by a visit to Oxbow Public Market. Located in the heart of downtown Napa, the Napa Flood Project is the largest construction project in Napa County's history. After significant damage from multiple floods between 1961 and 1997, the City and County of Napa undertook an ambitious initiative to mitigate flood losses and improve public safety. A project of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Napa Flood Project employs a "living river" concept, expanding the Napa River channel to reduce flooding impacts while restoring historic wetlands. Attendees will learn about this groundbreaking project as well as the communication and public engagement strategies that were crucial in securing community support for such a transformative initiative.

Following the flood control project tour, attendees will visit Oxbow Public Market, celebrated for its role in revitalizing Downtown Napa and spurring economic development in the Oxbow District. Opened in December 2007, the market features more than 20 locally owned and operated small businesses. Developer Steve Carlin and Property Manager Gabe Carlin will share how the market and district have evolved over the past 16 years, offering insights into staying relevant in a maturing luxury destination and leveraging PR strategies to boost visibility and community engagement.

A bus will transport attendees from the front of the host hotel to the tour location. Lunch will be available for purchase at Oxbow Public Market, where attendees can network before the bus returns them to the Meritage Resort.