New York Times : To Convene Top Policy Makers, Business Executives, Urban Planners, and Entrepreneurs at Annual ‘Cities for Tomorrow’ Conference in New Orleans

Celebrated forum on city innovation and resilience to be held December 6-7 in collaboration with NOLA Media Group, commemorating the Crescent City's tricentennial

June 4, 2018-The New York Times has announced that it will be hosting Cities for Tomorrow, its prominent forum on city innovation and resilience, in New Orleans, La., in commemoration of the city's 300th anniversary in 2018. In collaboration with NOLA Media Group, publishers of The Times-Picayune and NOLA.com, the conference will be held on December 6 and 7.

Designed to convene the world's most innovative and forward-thinking urban decision makers and challenge them to find solutions to cities' most pressing problems, this year's Cities for Tomorrow conference will be hosted by New York Times executive editor, Dean Baquet and moderated by leading Times reporters.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is the Founding Sponsor of this year's Cities for Tomorrow conference.

'The decision to host the conference with NOLA in New Orleans--a vibrant, historically-rich city of resilience--reinforces The Times's commitment to and support of local journalism,' says New York Times deputy managing editor Rebecca Blumenstein. 'Cities for Tomorrow brings together the world's most innovative minds for lively discussions, in-depth examinations, and new solutions for building strong urban communities.'

The Cities for Tomorrow conference continues an existing collaboration between The New York Times and NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune: earlier this year, the media organizations published 'The Drowning Coast,' a three-part special report on residents affected by Louisiana's vanishing shorelines and the ecological crises they present. The reporting combined the resources of The New York Times climate desk and NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune's coastal reporting team, providing readers with an interactive examination of Louisiana's environmental issues.

'The future of cities and the future of local journalism are intertwined,' said Mark Lorando, editor of NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune and vice-president of content for NOLA Media Group. 'By convening thought leaders from around the world and journalists from two of America's most forward-thinking newsrooms, we can honor one of America's great cities and take a serious look at the challenges all cities face.'

Cities for Tomorrow will feature provocative interviews, lively conversations, and an audience of urban power players-policy and government officials, entrepreneurs, cultural figures, thought leaders and executives from diverse industries-all gathered to identify and assess the challenges of urban centers today and the winning formulas that lead to flourishing cities. In addition to gaining essential insight into what drives urban success, attendees will also engage with the most vibrant aspects of New Orleans itself through a follow-on weekend of unique local experiences.

'This is an exciting time for New Orleans, and we are thinking differently and collaborating in new ways to showcase the many terrific attributes of this city,' said Katie LeGardeur, market leader for JPMorgan Chase in New Orleans. 'JPMorgan Chase is so proud to have been a part of this community for more than 180 years, and, as our city's steadfast partner in creating greater opportunity for all in New Orleans, we are delighted to support this influential conference.'

To apply for an invitation, view the agenda and speaker lineup, or learn more about The New York Times Cities for Tomorrow, please visitNYTCitiesforTomorrow. Follow@NYTLivefor live updates from the conference and use hashtag #NYTCities to join the conversation.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please email Jessica Flood at Jessica.Flood@nytimes.com.

To request a press pass, please email Adenike Olanrewaju at Adenike.Olanrewaju@nytimes.com for consideration. Freelancers should provide information on conference topics of interest, accompanied by an accreditation letter from the outlet for which they are covering. Complimentary media registrations are reserved for active members of the media. Only pre-registered press will be granted entry. Please note that there will be no onsite accreditation.

About The New York Times Company

The New York Times Companyis a global media organization dedicated to enhancing society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news and information. The Company includes The New York Times, NYTimes.com and related properties. It is known globally for excellence in its journalism, and innovation in its print and digital storytelling and its business model. Follow news about the company at@NYTimesPR.

About NOLA Media Group

NOLA Media Groupis New Orleans' largest local media company serving the community since 1837. NOLA Media Group produces award winning journalism through NOLA.com, the #1 local news and information website in the state, and The Times-Picayune, the metro area's most-read print publication. NOLA Media Group is part of Advance Local, one of the largest media groups in the United States, which operates the leading news and information companies in more than 25 cities, reaching 50+ million people monthly with our quality, real-time journalism and community engagement.