Both the APA IN conference and the Hoosier Planning Awards were held this year at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Being present not only as award recipients but also as exhibitors was a wonderful opportunity to engage with the planning community and amplifying the impact of projects we advocate.

The work of helping communities plan their futures often begins with understanding and shaping their stories (who they are, where they’ve been, and where they want to go). Much like filmmaking, effective strategic planning requires translating complex ideas, research, and community input into clear narratives that people can understand and rally around.

The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Awards honor outstanding women leaders from all eight counties across Northwest Indiana, recognizing influence, innovation, and community impact across diverse industries. 500 women were nominated across 13 categories. This regional scope highlights the breadth of talent shaping the area’s future. Each nominee is carefully selected from across the entire region, making the honor a true testament to leadership at every level.

Nexus Strategy & Implementation was honored to represent the Fest in the First Committee at the APA-IN Awards Luncheon in Madison, Indiana, this May. We are especially proud to have donated our strategic planning, storytelling, and data-driven evaluation expertise to support the Fest in the First committee once again, this time as they prepare to celebrate their 22nd anniversary.