Destination & Brand Marketing Strategy: Community Listening Sessions
Date/Time
Date(s) - 01/26/2026 - 01/28/2026
12:00 am
Location
Carbondale Civic Center
Categories
CARBONDALE –
The City is working with Zo Agency, a national marketing and place-branding firm selected by City Council, to
develop a long-term strategy for how Carbondale tells its story—both internally and to audiences outside the
community. This includes how we communicate our strengths, acknowledge challenges, and present
Carbondale in a way that reflects the community today and into the future.
As part of this effort, Zo Agency will be in Carbondale next week to host several listening sessions open to a
range of community voices. These sessions are designed to hear directly from participants about the challenges,
possible solutions and the messages that need to be heard when it comes to how Carbondale is understood and
represented.
Carbondale’s City Manager, Stan Reno, shares “Carbondale’s story is best told by the people who live it every
day. These listening sessions are an important opportunity for residents, students and stakeholders to share what
makes this community special, what challenges we face and how we want to be seen moving forward. We
encourage everyone who wants to contribute to Carbondale’s future to take part and help shape a brand that
truly reflects who we are.”
The sessions are at the following times and locations at the Carbondale Civic Center (200 S. Illinois Ave.):
Monday, Jan 26, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Community Listening Session #1 -Room 118
Wednesday, Jan 28, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, Community Listening Session #2-Room 111/112
Wednesday, Jan 28, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Community Listening Session #3- Room 111/112
If interested in participating, register using the link below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054AA8AD23AAF9C61-61774570-destination#/
The listening session will be a guided, small-group conversation. No preparation is required, and participants do
not need any prior involvement with City planning or marketing efforts.
The feedback gathered will directly inform the development of the Strategic Marketing Plan and related
branding and messaging work.
For more information and media requests contact Public Relations Officer, Eva Fisher, at 618-713-0711 or via
email at efisher@carbondaleil.gov.