This past week, more than 1,000 economic developers gathered at the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) Annual Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Quinten Harris, Bricker & Eckler's senior public finance and economic development specialist was in attendance. Participants learned new strategies, discussed hot topics, and made connections to help improve business development and learn best practices from peers across the globe.
This year's conference theme was "Connect Locally, Succeed Globally." Attendees explored how economic developers are adapting to the "new" normal and rewriting the rules for economic development. Leading experts in the industry led sessions over four days on cutting-edge trends, best practices, and replicable models.
The conference program featured four learning tracks:
• Understanding Current Forces Shaping Economic Development
• Building the Foundations for Economic Growth
• Catching the Next Wave of Innovation
• Expanding Connections and Relationships: Professional Development
Economic development professionals should consider membership in professional organizations like the IEDC. These types of organizations offer peer-to-peer interaction with site selection and related industry professionals. Next year, the 2012 Annual Conference will be held September 30 – October 3 in Houston, TX at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
