The National Conference is off to a strong start here in Columbus, Ohio. The conference kicked off yesterday with an energy-filled keynote speech from Kevin Carroll, author of the Red Rubber Ball. Kevin had the audience laughing, clapping, and nodding as he described why "play is serious business" and urged us to turn creative ideas into reality.

Yesterday afternoon was filled with workshops and sessions covering topics ranging from Vision Zero to Safe Routes to School in tribal communities to rethinking the language we use to relate to parents about walking and bicycling to school to a mobile bike workshop.

In the evening, we gathered at Strongwater to recognize Nora Cody, winner of the Hubsmith Safe Routes Champion Award, and the Safe Routes to School program of Galax, VA, winner of the Oberstar Safe Routes to School award.

This morning, Gil Penalosa, former mayor of Bogota, Colombia and founder of 8-80 Cities took the stage with a dynamic presentation about open streets, public spaces, and designing communities that are healthy, safe, and active. 

As we take in all the diverse ideas, information, and inspiration here at the conference, attendees have been encouraged to meet three new people or focus on three new ideas to turn into action. Stay tuned for a recap of conference highlights and our top three takeaways following the closing keynote tomorrow afternoon. Meanwhile, follow the action on social media with #Intersections2016.