Books in Bloom Wins Award for Downtown Columbia Partnership

Books in Bloom, one of the signature events of the Downtown Columbia Partnership, was presented a Certificate of Merit Award in the Events and Programming category at the International Downtown Association (IDA) Conference and Tradeshow in San Antonio, Texas. The festival was cited for improving “the image and vitality of downtown.”

“In a community with a nationally-acclaimed library system, top tier school system, and residents with a passion for learning, Books in Bloom is a perfect fit for Downtown Columbia,” said Phillip Dodge, Executive Director of the Downtown Columbia Partnership. “It’s also an event that we can move from site to site each year to activate all of the unique spaces available in Downtown Columbia.”

“The Downtown Columbia Partnership’s project received the IDA Certificate of Merit for successfully employing best practice in urban place management,” said David Downey, IDA President and CEO. “Books in Bloom is a shining example of downtown management delivering real value to the city.”

The Downtown Columbia Partnership first presented Books in Bloom in June 2017 as part of the city’s 50th anniversary year. The daylong festival included readings, panel discussions, children’s activities, pop-up bookstore and specialty cafes, and other highlights. Its success in attracting residents and visitors prompted the organizers to produce a second festival this year. “We expect that Books in Bloom will remain one of the Downtown Columbia Partnership’s signature events for many years to come,” Dodge said, adding that the 3rd Annual Books in Bloom festival is slated for Spring 2019. “

Washington, DC-based IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Downtown Columbia Partnership is the urban place management organization representing the interests of property owners in Downtown Columbia, Maryland and is a member of IDA.

About the Downtown Columbia Partnership

The Downtown Columbia Partnership promotes and advances the growth of Downtown Columbia as a

vibrant, diverse, economically robust and desirable place for employment, entertainment, living and learning. Its initiatives, such as Books in Bloom, include supporting cultural and arts programs aimed at enhancing residents’ quality of life. Howard County is home to one of the most well-educated communities in the country and is well-known for its book clubs, poetry and literature organizations, literary publications and award-winning library system.

About IDA

The International Downtown Association is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Our members are city builders and downtown champions who bring urban centers to life, bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. We represent an industry of more than 2,500 place management organizations, employing 100,000 people throughout North America and growing rapidly around the world. Founded in 1954, IDA is a resource center for ideas and innovative best practices in urban place management. For more information, visit downtown.org.