Thanks to the convergence of several significant downtown developments nearing completion, 2012 is being called The Year of Downtown. Spokespersons from six of these landmark projects gather for the Symphony Park Lecture on Wednesday, October 12 at the historic Fifth Street School.

The community is invited to attend the free event, featuring a panel of downtown influencers in a discussion moderated by Flo Rogers of Nevada Public Radio. Panelists include:

• Myron Martin, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts at Symphony Park - The $450 million world-class performing arts center designed by David M. Schwarz puts Las Vegas on par with the world's great stages.
• Linda Quinn, Discovery Children's Museum - The community cornerstone for interactive education will move to a 58,000-square-foot, three-story building at Symphony Park.
• Danielle Kelly, Neon Museum - The much anticipated museum housing historic neon signs from the city's glamorous past is already a favorite photo spot for rock bands, brides and fashion magazines.
• Jonathan Ullman, The Mob Museum - The $42 million museum is being created by the same world-class team that designed the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
• Betsy Fretwell, Las Vegas City Hall Complex - The five-block, multiuse project features a new 310,000-square-foot city hall as an anchor.
• Zachary Ware, Zappos.com - The $1 billion online shoe and apparel retailer owned by Amazon.com will move its  headquarters and more than 1,000 employees to the existing Las Vegas City Hall.

5:00-6:00 p.m. - Wine reception hosted by Newland and Faiss Foley Warren Public Relations

6:00-6:15 p.m. - Presentation of the CAPTURE DOWNTOWN! Photo Competition winners. The 24 winning photographs will also be on display in the gallery of the historic Fifth Street School.

6:15-7:15 p.m. - Panel discussion

The presentation and reception are free and open to the public. For more information and to RSVP, please email Nancy at  nhiggins@newlandco.com.

Photo: Group enjoying the hosted wine reception at the last Symphony Park Lecture.