Smart City Expo 2022: Three weeks left for the world's leading event for cities

Since the dawn of time, humans have been drawn together, for love, protection, improvement, for inspiration. Just as the first urban settlements became a beacon of development, they also became a mirror to envision the potential that lies within us. Throughout history, cities have inspired artists, scientists, and politicians to drive civilization forward. But who or what inspires cities? At Smart City Expo World Congress, we believe that cities are inspired by people.

Every city is different. Under the seemingly chaotic tapestry that is a city, there is an array of singular fibers interweaving into something unique. Those fibers are its citizens, and as there are no two cities with the same citizens, no two cities are alike.

Furthermore, cities drive innovation for humankind, but it’s people who fuel those cities, take them to new levels, and inspire them to become the very best version of themselves. Smart City Expo World Congress will showcase examples of this. In November we once again bring together cities, governments, companies, and experts from all over the world to share ideas, showcase innovative solutions, and make better cities together.

Small changes are also powerful. Ron Finley, who will be speaking at the Congress, is a paradigmatic example of this. Known around the world as the "Gangsta Gardener", ten years ago Ron set out to fix a problem in his Los Angeles South Central neighborhood and reclaimed the neglected dirt patches next to the streets by planting vegetables. After a turf war with the City of Los Angeles for gardening without a permit in public spaces, Ron managed to force the city council to change the law and allow local communities to use parkways as communal gardens. A decade later his gardens have not only grown vegetables and flowers but have also created healthier, stronger, and more sustainable communities, inspiring a better city of Los Angeles.

This is one of the many examples of how cities are inspired by people.

In a scenario with ever-growing environmental challenges and a geostrategic shake of the global stage, Smart City Expo World Congress 2022 will show that the urban innovation ecosystem is back on track, bringing together over 20,000 global attendees, 1,000 exhibitors, and representatives from over 700 cities.

After ten years of helping smart cities flourish, we’re entering a new decade with a global, ever-growing community of urban leaders shaping what’s next for cities. Thousands of city enthusiasts and professionals have found with us a place to present or discover projects that are being implemented around the world in the areas of mobility, energy, construction, security, governance, living, and inclusion. This is a meeting point for sharing, learning, and above all, connecting with the people who have helped make our cities better places to live – a space inspired by and for people.