2008 Economic Development Regional Conference: Text Only Page

2008 Economic Development Regional Conference

OVERVIEW

The Chicago and Philadelphia Regional Offices of the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) will conduct "Beyond Innovation: Partnerships and Comprehensive Strategies for Transforming our Regional Economies", May 12 – 14, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio.

Over 300 representatives from EDA-funded economic development districts, university centers, revolving loan funds and tribal planning programs are expected to attend this conference. It will offer economic developers from the 19-states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands invaluable lessons and strategies on both the tried and true and the cutting-edge in economic development practice.

Download the conference brochure.

The conference program includes: (for a complete agenda, click here)

Pre-conference events on May 12 that promote peer networking among representatives from university centers and economic development districts, and a session that provides an EDA primer on the basics of the agency and its approach.
Three plenary sessions that will address lessons learned from innovators, entrepreneurs and change agents; the realities of economic development n the 21st century; and an update on EDA programs and policies.
A host of sessions addressing topics and issues of relevance to EDA-funded projects in the two regions: broadband and telecommunications, alternative energy, bio-science and bio-medicine innovations, RLFs, leveraging capacity and expertise of colleges and universities, best practices in regionalism, taking CEDS to the next level, regionalism, future trends in economic development implementation, and university center best practices.

And, the conference agenda has many opportunities for attendees to network with peers as a means to share information and learn from each other.

In addition to the conference, there will be a very-special event at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for attendees on the evening of May 12th – the Hall of Fame will be made available for conference attendees only for dinner and access to the exhibits.

Conference attendees can also attend the Cleveland Indians – Oakland A’s game on Wednesday evening (we have reserved a block of tickets; they are available for $15 per person – please refer to the conference registration page for more information).

Please note there is no fee to attend the conference sessions themselves; there is a $225 event fee that covers all meals and beverage breaks (two lunches, two full breakfasts, coffee breaks and the dinner at the Hall of Fame). Please refer to the conference registration page for more information.

[back to menu]

AGENDA

For a detailed conference agenda, click on the link below:

Detailed Conference Agenda

MONDAY, MAY 12

Conference registration
Pre-conference events
- EDA 101 Introduction
- Economic Development District Peer Networking
- University Center Peer Networking
Opening event and dinner: Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame, An EDA Investment Success Story

TUESDAY, MAY 13

Conference registration
Welcome from Cleveland's Mayor Frank G. Jackson (invited)
Opening Plenary Session: Lessons Learned from Innovators, Entrepreneurs and Change Agents
Breakout Sessions:Forging Partnerships to Advance Our Regional Economies
- Leveraging the Capacity and Expertise of Our Colleges and Universities for Economic Development Initiatives
- Best Practices in Regionalism: Economic Development Strategies to Enhance Your Region’s Competitiveness
- Taking Your CEDS to the Next Level
Luncheon:Realities of Economic Development in the 21st Century
Breakout Sessions: Capturing Opportunities through Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Partnerships
- Broadband/Telecommunications
- How Alternative Energy Strategies Fit Your Region’s Vision
- Tapping into the Potential of Bio-Science and Bio-Medicine Innovation
Plenary Session: EDA Update
- Policy and Legislative Update
Regional Reports, News and Connections with EDA Regional Office Staff
Cleveland Indians vs. Oakland Athletics Home Baseball Game

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14

EDA Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Training
Advancing Your Regions Economic Development Initiatives
- Regionalism
- Future Trends in Economic Development Implementation
- University Centers Best Practices

[back to menu]

REGISTRATION

Below are all the costs associated with the event:

Conference Sessions = FREE
Special Event Fee = $225
Covers two breakfasts, one lunch and a special tour and dinner at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (including transportation to and from the Hall of Fame).
Baseball Game = $15
Cleveland Indians vs. Oakland A's (Tues, May 13). Limited seats are reserved.
Hotel Room = $107
Special conference rate at Crown Plaza Cleveland City Centre (Deadline: April 8, 2008)

Click here to Register Online

Registration MUST be completed online; however, you may pay by check via mail or by credit card via the Internet. You must fill out 1 form per attendee.

HOTEL REGISTRATION: Registering for the conference DOES NOT automatically register you for a hotel room. To register for your hotel room at the special conference rate, call (800) 321-1090 or (216) 771-7600 by April 8 and mention "EDA" for your special rate of $107.

[back to menu]

If you have conference questions or needs, please contact the following staff:

HOTEL INFORMATION
Vicki Glass
202.624.8574
vglass@edaconference.com

CONFERENCE INFORMATION
Laurie Thompson
202.624.5948
lthompson@edaconference.com

[back to menu]

HOTEL & TRAVEL

HOTEL REGISTRATION: To register for your hotel room at the special conference rate, call (800) 321-1090 or (216) 771-7600 by April 8 and mention "EDA" for your special rate of $107.

Crowne Plaza Hotel at Cleveland City Centre
777 St. Clair Avenue, NE
Cleveland, Ohio

Click here for hotel and travel information

[back to menu]

WORKSHOPS

For a complete list of workshop descriptions, click here.

[back to menu]

AROUND TOWN

For a list of restaurants and entertainment options in Cleveland, visit http://www.positivelycleveland.com

[back to menu]

PRESENTATIONS

Presentations will be available for download following the conference.

[back to menu]