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2017 just keeps getting better and better for Canada. With the 150th anniversary celebration in full swing, Nova Scotia and provinces across the country expect record-breaking numbers for tourism this year. The rich history of Canada will be on display for millions of visitors as the warmer spring and summer months approach. IEDC will be visiting Toronto, Ontario this September and adding to the excitement. Plan your travel now - This is one 2017 event you won't want to miss.
Introducing: ED Talks
Here's your chance to speak in Toronto, Ontario, Canada! 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.
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.
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
 Justify Your Annual Conference Expenses
Need help explaining why you need to attend IEDC's 2017 Annual Conference? Look no further, we've created a justification letter and benefits page.
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.
Here's what IEDC 2016 Annual Conference attendees had to say:
"I came to the conference this year to be able to have the great networking opportunities and also to take advantage of the educational opportunities here." - Michelle Kershner, Business Development Specialist, City of Frederick, Maryland.
"We really feel that IEDC offers us the best opportunity to learn from other large cities." - Dallas Gislason, Project Manager/Advisor, South Island Prosperity Project, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
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 CAD 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.
Contact IEDC's Director of Sponsorship, Shari Nourick, for information: snourick@iedconline.org or 202.545.7339.
Join IEDC and your peers in Toronto this fall. You'll have many networking opportunities to create new connections and strengthen existing ones. Register now to save on your budget.
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