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Visit IEDC's 2017 Annual Conference website


Let us know if you're planning to submit a concurrent session proposal for IEDC's 2017 Annual Conference - Take a quick two minute survey.


See the Request for Session ProposalsConsider submitting a session proposal. The deadline is next Friday, November 18.

Aside from the fact that all your peers will be in Toronto, Ontario, Canada next year for IEDC's 2017 Annual Conference, there are more reasons to prepare for the trip. The Conference theme is "Going Global: Connect. Collaborate. Create." You are invited to help shape the agenda. Let us know if you're planning to submit a proposal and what topics you would like to cover. Answer two quick questions on this survey.


Content areas you'll cover during Annual Conference

1. Building Local Linkages and Expanding Global Trade
2. Cashing in on Creative Capital
3. Nurturing the Startup Ecosystem
4. Regional Collaboration for Investment Promotion
5. The Nuts and Bolts of Economic Development

See descriptions for each area.

Please note: Session proposals should address trends and topics that reflect the wide-ranging needs and interests of IEDC's diverse membership. The call for session proposals will close before U.S. Thanksgiving on November 18, 2016. We thank you in advance for submitting your proposals by this deadline.

Download the RFSP.


Going Global in 2017 with IEDC requires that you prepare for international travel. Did you know that less than half of the United States population have a valid passport?

Interesting fact:
According to passport statistics released by the U.S. State Department, at the end of 2015, there were 125,907,176 passports in circulation, meaning roughly 39% of Americans have one. If you're part of the other 61% that don't have a valid passport, now is the time to change your ability to travel to countries that require one. Canada is among that list. Make sure nothing stops you from attending the largest annual gathering of economic developers.

Here's a checklist to help you prepare:

1. Get or update your passport now. Download the passport application to get started. Visit the U.S. Department of State site for more information.

2. Book your hotel and register for the conference. The event will he held at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel from September 17-20, 2017.

3. Book your travel - Toronto is easily accessible from many United States cities. Lock down your travel plans to eliminate any last minute delays.


The International Economic Development Council (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.

Stay connected to IEDC on our social sites: Connect with IEDC on LinkedInConnect with IEDC on TwitterConnect with IEDC on Facebook #IEDC #EconDev

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