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Visit IEDC's 2017 Annual Conference website


Introducing: ED Talks



While attending 2017 Annual Conference this fall, why not get in on the action yourself? IEDC is debuting a new session format for the 2017 Annual Conference in Toronto: ED Talks. The most compelling speaker nominations will demonstrate that the speaker will bring a fresh and unique perspective to the conference in terms of topics such as but not limited to local or global issues, culturally significant breakthroughs and advancements, and finding a deeper meaning in professional or personal endeavors. The application deadline is April 14. See details and requirements.

Check out a sample of discussion topics you may have during concurrent sessions at 2017 Annual Conference:

- Building Local Linkages and Expanding Global Trade
- Cashing in on Creative Capital
- Nurturing the Startup Ecosystem
- Regional Collaboration for Investment Promotion
- The Nuts and Bolts of Economic Development


Annual Conference Keynote Speakers Spotlight:

Dr. Richard Florida

Author and Professor
The Creative Class Group, LLC
Miami Beach, Florida

Richard Florida is one of the world's leading urbanists. He is a researcher and professor, serving as University Professor and Director of Cities at the Martin Prosperity Institute at the University of Toronto, a Distinguished fellow at New York University's Schack Institute of Real Estate, and a Visiting Fellow at Florida International University.

He is a writer and journalist, having penned several global best sellers, including the award winning The Rise of the Creative Class and serving as senior editor for The Atlantic, where he co-founded and serves as Editor-at-Large for CityLab. And he is an entrepreneur, as founder of the Creative Class Group which works closely with governments and companies worldwide. See full bio.


Dr. Ron Foxcroft
Chairman, Founder & CEO
Fox 40 International Inc.
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Over the last 6 months, Ron has been featured in the New York Times, CBC, ESPN, the History Channel, he's had an audience with the Queen at Buckingham Palace and was named Burlington, Ontario Citizen of the Year.

Ron continues today as a logistics entrepreneur. Starting in 1982, he built Fluke Transportation from 3 trucks to 176 trucks and 4 75 trailers. Beginning with 250,000 square feet of warehousing space Fluke grew to 1.3 million square feet. He is Chair of the Hamilton John C Munro Airport the largest packaging freight airport in Canada. He serves on many boards throughout the world.

Ron is the Inventor of the Fox 40 Pealess Whistle which is now sold in 140 countries and is sanctioned by almost all major sports worldwide. Fox 40 a Canadian company proudly dominates the world-wide sport and safety whistle industry. See full bio.


Annual Conference Ethics Workshop Spotlight:

Date: Monday, September 18
Time: 11:40 a.m. - 1:40 p.m.
Price: Free, but registration is required

Are you faced with ethical dilemmas in your professional life? Do you have the tools to deal with ethical issues? Economic developers regularly encounter situations that require sound judgment and strength of character. This session will provide essential instruction on ethics in economic development and provide you with the tools to foster an environment of high standards in your organization. No theoretical lecture, this workshop will focus on real life ethical decision-making situations faced by economic developers.


Networking Galore - Here's one of opportunities for you to bond with peers:

Silent Auction and Ice Cream Social
Date: Monday, September 18
Time: 3:15 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
Price: Free, but registration is required

Bid on an extraordinary and unique range of items that the communities donate to express their individual pride of place. Silent auction items may be previewed and bid on in the Exhibit Hall beginning Sunday and concluding Monday during the ice cream social. Get the scoop from exhibitors while enjoying your favorite flavors. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Diane Lupke Scholarship Fund, helping train economic developers in distressed areas.


Don't wait till the last minute. Spaces will go fast. Book your room now to stay at the Annual Conference headquarters hotel:

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
123 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2M9

IEDC Room Rate: $249 single/double
Group Rate Cutoff: Friday, August 25, 2017

Book your room now.

Other important dates:
Conference Dates: September 17-20, 2017
Early Bird Registration Rate Cutoff: June 30, 2017





Sponsor Annual Conference

IEDC offers a range of sponsorship packages and exhibit opportunities to fit any marketing budget. Your sponsorship allows us to provide world-class speakers, a dynamic and enlightening program, and a valuable networking forum for economic professionals. Whether you are looking to market your services as an exhibitor or gain unparalleled exposure as an event sponsor, we have the perfect opportunity for you. See sponsorship packages and more information.



IEDC is offering plenty of other learning opportunities all across Canada this year. See what training courses are coming to your province:

Coming next month!
Economic Development Credit Analysis
Date: April 26 - 28, 2017
Location: Toronto, ON

Economic Development Credit Analysis
Date: June 14 - 16, 2017
Location: Victoria, BC

Economic Development Strategic Planning
Dates: September 14-15, 2017
Location: Toronto, ON

Real Estate Redevelopment & Reuse
Date: October 26 - 27, 2017
Location: Edmonton, AB

Don't miss out on the largest annual gathering of economic developers, coming to Canada for the first time. And consider contributing to the program by submitting your idea for an ED Talk. See more info on the conference.


IEDC is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 5,000 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban and local to international, IEDC's members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions.

734 15th Street NW, Suite 900
Washington DC, 20005
Phone: 202.223.7800

Official Hashtags: #IEDC #EconDev

Link: Visit IEDC's website