The Greater Dallas Planning Council hosts a variety of annual special events and conferences that promote sustainable, livable communities in North Texas.

Events that serve as a forum for discussion on critical planning and development trends and those that serve as recognition for those entities creating built projects that help define our region's great cities – projects that include desirable neighborhoods, superior art facilities, great streets, memorable places, destination parks, economic parity, sought-after educational institutions, and growth patterns that protect our water resources and do not lead to further traffic congestion and poor air quality.

A signature annual event, the Urban Design Awards, provide a 10-year tradition of hosting a lavish special evening event to recognize excellence in local urban planning and design. Outstanding development projects are honored in four categories: Dream Study Award, Built Project Award, Kessler Award and the Dunnigan Media Award.

The Metromorphosis Conferences schedule educational workshops by national and state leaders in related planning fields. Forums and breakout sessions are held to discuss how to meld this region's projected population growth along with current and planned resources in the built environment. These discussions form the basis for overcoming obstacles and capturing opportunities as local cities transform.

In addition, GDPC hosts an annual meeting, sometimes a luncheon, providing a "state of the area" perspective of where we have been and where we are going as it relates to urban planning in Dallas.