There are many big happenings in Milwaukee this weekend and next week.

Not only is it Milwaukee Beer Week next week, it's Pedestrian Safety Week and, most importantly, the International Downtown Association's (IDA) annual conference rolls into our city beginning this weekend.

The organization is comprised of more than 650 cities and urban centers from around the world.

I'll be at many of the IDA events and will moderate several sessions. So, watch for my reports and blogs.

To kick off the 55th Annual IDA conference, I asked Kit Cramer, president of the International Downtown Association, five quick questions.

Jeff Sherman: What's the theme/mood of this year's conference?

Kit Cramer: The theme of the conference is The Urban Canvas: The Art of Downtown Development. It's an appropriate theme. For anyone who has done this kind of work there is a lot of artistry involved. I've found our members to be very creative, passionate people who love their work.

JS: When was your last visit to Milwaukee? What are your expectations?

KC: I haven't been to Milwaukee before so I'm really looking forward to learning more about the city! I can tell you this, the people we've worked with have been fabulous!

JS: How have Downtowns changed the most in the past 5 years?

KC: There has been strong interest in living and working downtown in recent years. It has been a trend across the country. And young people have also been particularly interested in thriving downtown areas. That's important because in the era of aging baby boomers, the cities that attract young talent will have a distinct advantage. I imagine we'll hear more about that from Rebecca Ryan.

But it's not just the millennials. My husband and I recently moved to DC from Charlotte and have adopted an urban attitude. We left our cars behind and down sized considerably. It's an exciting way to live, and far more sustainable.

JS: What, specifically, can Downtowns do to become more pedestrian friendly?

KC: Since we walk or use mass transit almost everywhere we go now I'm more sensitive to pedestrian friendly environments than ever before. There are all the basics--the safe and clean kinds of things that are foundational--but beyond that I think creating a sense of place is important. Having places where people can gather, and linger, is important. And having retail that is unique is also an important factor. Those things bring more people, which then begins to build downtown as a destination

JS: Finally, be honest -- your favorite Downtown in the world is?

KC: My favorite downtown? Right now (as of Wednesday this week) we're enjoying exploring Washington D.C, which has so much to do! Plus there is great mass transit. But I also love the high streets of London.

And I love downtown Charlotte. I worked there for 17 years and saw it evolve enormously.