HAMILTON, ON – July 27, 2015. The “Our Future Hamilton: Communities in Conversation” free two-day event aims to inspire everyone in the city to shape the vision for the future of Hamilton. Presented by the City of Hamilton, Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen's and The Carmen's Group, the event kicks off on Friday, September 18th at 7 pm at Hamilton Place with inspirational Canadian keynote speaker Colonel Chris Hadfield. On Saturday, September 19th at the Hamilton Convention Centre, participants can engage in thought-provoking conversations featuring leading experts on the challenges and opportunities facing Hamilton today.

In 1992, the City of Hamilton asked residents what Hamilton would look like in 25 years. The result was Vision 2020 - Hamilton’s current community vision and the catalyst for significant progress in Hamilton in the areas of arts and heritage, reducing and managing waste, improving air quality, improving water quality and protecting natural areas. Reflecting back on the original Vision 2020 experience, and thinking towards the next 25 years in Hamilton, Mayor Fred Eisenberger knows one thing is clear. “We all have a role to play in shaping how we move forward as a City, says Eisenberger. “What will Hamilton look like in 25 years? That is the question we want to ask everyone in our community. And coming together through the events like this, voicing our thoughts, suggestions and sharing with our community partners, ensures we are on the right path and creating a community we can all be proud of.”

Participants can register for either day one, day two or both days by visiting: www.hamilton.ca/ourfuturehamilton

Day One: An Evening with Chris Hadfield

Join us as ‘the most famous astronaut since Neil Armstrong’ inspires us to look at our magnificent city from a different perspective.

When: Friday, September 18, 2015 7 to 9 pm (EDT)

Friday, September 18, 2015 7 to 9 pm (EDT) Where: Hamilton Place: 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 4Y2

Hamilton Place: 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 4Y2 Register: www.hamilton.ca/ourfuturehamilton

Day Two: The Our Future Hamilton: Communities in Conversation Workshop

Hosted by MC Terry Cooke, President and CEO of Hamilton Community Foundation, participants will experience interactive sessions featuring engaging and thought-provoking speakers on the opportunities and challenges facing Hamilton today.

When: Saturday, September 19, 2015, 8:30 am to 4 pm (EDT)

Saturday, September 19, 2015, 8:30 am to 4 pm (EDT) Where: Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen's: 1 Summers Lane, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 4Y2

Featured Keynote speaker: Spencer West (Me to We). Spencer’s charisma and dynamism captivate audiences every time he speaks. Listeners are mesmerized as Spencer describes his journey after losing both legs from the pelvis down at the age of five to last year, when he climbed, and summited, Mount Kilimanjaro using his hands and wheelchair. For more information on Saturday’s itinerary and complete list of speakers, please visit: www.hamilton.ca/ourfuturehamilton

The City of Hamilton is pleased to offer complimentary parking behind City Hall (71 Main St. W). Complimentary HSR bus passes and daycare for the Saturday event are also available by contacting [email protected]