2026 Economic Development Practitioner Workshop; presented by the NC Global TransPark EDR

Practical Tools. Real-World Lessons. Stronger Communities.

Join fellow economic development professionals for NCEDA’s 3rd Annual Economic Development Practitioner Workshop, a full day of practical insights, peer learning, and real-world strategies designed to help you strengthen your community’s economic development efforts.

This year’s workshop will focus on the tools, trends, and challenges practitioners encounter every day - from understanding how industrial real estate deals come together and exploring creative local incentive strategies to navigating the legislative process and expanding your economic development toolbox with emerging resources like C-PACE financing.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of:

• How industrial projects move from site selection to closing, including the roles of brokers, developers, and economic developers
• Creative approaches to structuring local incentive packages and lessons learned from communities that have implemented innovative strategies
• How the North Carolina legislative process works and how practitioners can effectively engage in advocacy efforts
• New financing tools and resources available to support commercial and industrial development
• Strategies for communicating and positioning your community when local decisions or public conversations may impact economic development opportunities

Designed for economic development practitioners at all experience levels, this workshop provides a unique opportunity to learn from peers, build connections, and take away actionable ideas you can apply in your own community.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

The workshop schedule is posted below for planning purposes, and the full agenda will be posted in August. Attire for the workshop is business casual.

Wednesday, August 26

• 6 - 8 pm: Optional Dutch Treat Gathering / Dinner (location TBD)

Thursday, August 27
Blue Heron Event Venue (High Point)

• 8 – 9 am: Arrival / Continental Breakfast / Networking
• 9 am - Noon: Morning Session
• Noon - 1 pm: Networking Lunch
• 1 - 3 pm: Afternoon Session
  
• 3 pm: Adjourn

LODGING OPTIONS

We're finalizing lodging options and will share those details as soon as they're confirmed. This page will be updated, and we'll email all registered attendees with the information!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!