City of Charlotte to host second data conference

The City of Charlotte has announced it will host its second data conference on 9 February 2026 at the Dubois Centre at UNC Charlotte City Centre.

The conference aims to provide an opportunity for civic innovators, data professionals and public sector leaders from across the Southeast of the US to learn how data is being used to build smarter communities.

Building smarter communities

The theme of the 2026 conference is “Smarter Data, Smarter Communities,” and will focus on how data can be harnessed to improve quality of life and drive equitable growth in cities.

The City of Charlotte is inviting speakers to submit proposals for the conference. It is is seeking presentations that offer practical models, pilot projects and community-centreed outcomes that demonstrate the power of data to shape smarter, more inclusive urban futures.

The City is looking for sessions that explore:

• Innovative approaches to data collection and analysis in urban environments
• Case studies of smart city initiatives with measurable community impact
• Strategies for equity-focused data governance and decision-making
• Tools and frameworks for cross-sector collaboration
• Lessons learned from pilot programmes that centre community voices
• Ethical considerations in the use of civic data.

The theme of the 2026 conference is “Smarter Data, Smarter Communities,” and will focus on how data can be harnessed to improve quality of life and drive equitable growth in cities

The City said speakers can gain exposure to a regional audience, connect with peers as well as inspire other leaders and position themselves as a thought leader and contribute to shaping the future of data-driven governance and community development.

Researchers, technologists, community leaders, and public sector professionals with a passion for using data to solve real-world challenges are invited to appy with the deadline 12 December 2025.

Proposals should be submitted to Lindsay McCleary, innovation and data officer at the City of Charlotte: lindsay.mccleary@charlottenc.gov.