SOUTH PORTLAND — On May 17, the Maine Real Estate & Development Association again brings together national and local experts and “big thinkers” to reset and refocus how we think of the American city.

This year’s program is titled “New Urbanism: Creative Models for Innovation and Economic Growth,” and will feature land use strategist, teacher, developer, researcher and author Chris Leinberger, of the Brookings Institute, and Lara Hodgson, co-founder of Insomnia, LLC, an Atlantabased firm specializing in investment, development and management of complex and innovative projects.

According to a news release, other presenters include:

— Patrick Venne, land use attorney, planner, author

— John Rohman, Mainecertified interior designer, professional engineer

— Alex Jaegerman, Planning Division director, city of Portland

All speakers will make a presentation as well as participate in a panel discussion with Leinberger and Hodgson.

The conference will be on May 17 at the DoubleTree by Hilton (formerly the Wyndham Portland Airport Hotel) in South Portland from 1 to 5 p.m., with question and answer sessions, presentations and time to talk to other local business owners and developers. A networking reception will be held after the program from 5 to 6 p.m.

More than a dozen exhibitors will also be on hand showcasing their products and services.

For more information, visit www.mereda.org.