2013 International Economic Development Council Annual Conference
Philadelphia Downtown Marriott, October 6-9, 2013
#IEDCPHL

Last year in Houston, TX, over 1,350 economic development professionals from all 50 states, 7 Canadian provinces, and 17 countries exchanged information, experience, and best practices at IEDC’s Annual Conference. This October, IEDC presents its 2013 Annual Conference in Philadelphia, where you’ll learn new strategies for creating jobs and building local wealth, and make important connections to help further your career.

Opportunities to Grow Your Economic Development Network at IEDC’s Annual Conference:

Sunday, October 6
New Member Reception
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Join us and connect with your fellow new members, IEDC Board of Directors, and Membership Advisory Committee. Learn more about IEDC to get maximum benefit from the organization understand how you can be more engaged within IEDC..

Non-Member Reception
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Come and meet IEDC’s Board of Directors and Membership Advisory Committee members. They will share with you the benefits of their own IEDC memberships.

Chairman's Reception
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Don't miss the opportunity to see old friends and make new acquaintances. Join IEDC Chair Paul L. Krutko and your colleagues for an evening of networking and fun in the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. 

Young Professional & Student Networking Event
9:00 pm

Are you a young economic development professional? Come get involved with your fellow professionals, have a good time, and take this opportunity to expand your networking field. Sponsored by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. 

Monday, October 7
Networking Breakfast in the Economic Development Marketplace
7:00 am - 8:00 am

Focus Group: Business-to-Business Collaboration in Advanced Manufacturing
10:30 am – 12:00 pm

How can economic development organizations tap into global intellectual property (IP) to drive new opportunities in advanced manufacturing? Independently established by 180 manufacturing leaders from industry and government, AutoHarvest offers a dynamic ecosystem for innovators and commercializers to accelerate the adoption of innovation and supercharge the new economy. Join a live demonstration with AutoHarvest co-founder Jayson Pankin and learn how this emerging technology platform can impact your community.

Small Business Financing for Economic Recovery Workshop
1:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Small businesses are the cornerstone of many local economies. Following a disaster, one of the biggest demands of small businesses is financial support for rebuilding, business continuation and growth. This workshop brings economic developers together to explore tactics to aid small businesses in identifying funding sources and strategies. This workshop is funded through a grant by the United States Economic Development Administration, Philadelphia Region for communities in counties that received a presidential disaster declaration between October, 2010 and September, 2011.

Silent Auction & Ice Cream Social in the Economic Development Marketplace (Exhibit Hall)
3:15 pm - 3:50 pm

Bid on an extraordinary and unique range of items that our 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. 

fDi American Cities of the Future 2013/14 Awards Ceremony
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

fDi American Cities of the Future 2013/14 recognizes cities which have the best prospects for crossborder investment, economic development and business expansion. Join them for their second edition of the Awards for fDi Cities of the Future across the American continents. Places are limited so to secure your VIP ticket contact [email protected]. 

Tuesday, October 8
Networking Breakfast in the Economic Development Marketplace
7:00 am - 8:00 am

Preparing for the CEcD Exam Workshop
7:00 am – 8:30 am

If you are planning to sit for the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) exam, it's never too early to start learning more about the process. All participants and attendees at this workshop will be provided with a complete overview of the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) exam process, from application to the oral examination. Attendees will learn tools and techniques for preparing for the exam and witness a mock oral interview.

Excellence in Economic Development Awards Ceremony
3:45 pm – 5:45 pm

Networking Reception
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Wednesday, October 9
Networking Breakfast

7:30 am - 9:00 am

Site Consultants Forum
11:00 am – 12:30 pm

This year, IEDC will once again present our popular Site Consultants Forum, an opportunity for economic development leaders to engage with the country's premier site selection professionals on the hottest industry trends, leading business location indicators, and what local communities must do to stay in the game. Stick around for the conference's final day and make sure to mark this premier event on your calendar.

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The 2013 Annual Conference is shaping up to be our best ever and we’re looking forward to your participation!

This year’s conference theme, “Creating Tomorrow’s Economy Today” will address obstacles facing economic developers, and existing trends in our dynamic economy. With the right tools, economic developers everywhere can create a vision for the future, stimulate consensus, and prepare their communities for 21st century success. View the program-at-a-glance to see the full conference schedule.