Create the
Future Awards

Recognizing the people, projects, and initiatives driving the bright future of Downtown.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!

Thank you for joining us at the Create the Future Awards recognizing the excellence happening in our community. It was an exceptional night celebrating Downtown’s next chapter as well as the Downtown Partnership’s 30-year anniversary.

A special thank you to our amazing sponsors, including our 30-year anniversary sponsors at SDG&E and US Bank, for making this event possible. A big thank you to our incredible Master of Ceremonies, Luis Cruz. And of course, congratulations again to all our 2023 award recipients.
Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to working with all of you on this exciting vision for the future in the years and months ahead.

March 14, 2023

Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel
1 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

5:00 p.m. | Welcome Cocktail Reception
6:30 p.m. | Entertainment & Networking
7:00 p.m. | Dinner & Program

Official after party at Hilton’s Hudson & Nash immediately following the awards program

Master of Ceremonies:

Luis Cruz
Community and Public Relations Director
San Diego Union-Tribune

Award WINNERS

Government Partner of the Year Award – City of San Diego Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, District 3

Small Business Impact Award – Good Earth Plant Company

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award – San Diego Tourism Authority DEI Tourism Accelerator

Grow Urban Sustainability Award – Circuit

Cultural Vitality Award – San Diego Bowl Game Association & Sports San Diego

The Jim Dawe Humanitarian Award – Third Avenue Charitable Organization

Create the Future Award – GENESIS San Diego

Founders Award – Laurie Black

Previous Award Winners

Reference the list of previous winners below to learn more about the people, projects, and initiatives that have been recognized.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you ensure our health and safety?

Our top priority remains the health and safety of our attendees, speakers and staff. By adhering to COVID-19 safety guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities, we believe that we and our venue partners can create a safe, welcoming environment for our communities to share the experiences they rely on the Downtown San Diego Partnership to provide.

How will funds from this event be used?

Funds raised from this event will be used to support the Downtown Partnership’s mission of advancing an economically prosperous and culturally vibrant Downtown. This includes the following areas:

Advocacy for economic growth and revitalization of Downtown.

Partnerships with regional business organizations and government agencies to strengthen the business climate in Downtown.
Identifying needs, developing strategies, shaping public policy and implementing programs to improve the quality of life in Downtown.

Your Event Team

These modifications are subject to change. Changes and event updates will be posted here and communicated to attendees prior to the event.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the events team.

Kathryn Newstead
knewstead@downtownsandiego.org
(619) 933-0032

Jenny Brenner
jbrenner@downtownsandiego.org
(661) 644-5387

"They say you reflect the company you keep; that’s why Intesa is a proud annual sponsor of the Create the Future Awards. This investment elevates our brand recognition while giving us the opportunity to connect with executives, policy makers, and awardees who are changing Downtown San Diego for the better. I highly recommend sponsoring and attending this and other Downtown San Diego Partnership events to bring greater visibility to your services and grow your network."