NCEDA 2026 Fall Conference, presented by Alliance Consulting Engineers


Renaissance Asheville Hotel
31 Woodfin Street
Asheville, NC 28801

10/19/2026 - 10/20/2026

Pricing

GENERAL REGISTRATION OPTIONS

  • Member Registration: $525 ($425 early bird rate valid through October 2)
  • Emerging Executives Member Registration: $375 ($275 early bird rate valid through October 2)
  • Retiree Member Registration: $275
  • Student Member Registration: $25
  • Non-Member Registration: $975 ($875 early bird rate valid through October 2)
  • Spouse / Personal Guest Registration: $100 (includes Monday evening reception only)

OPTIONAL REGISTRATION SELECTIONS / ACTIVITIES

There will be an opportunity for table-top exhibits. Please select the 'exhibitor' option under 'Additional Items".

Monday, October 19 Activities:

  • Golf Outing at the Asheville Municipal Course: $45 (tee times starting at 11 am - 9 holes only!)
  • Fly Fishing Excursion: $175 (Noon - 4 pm, limited to 10 participants)
  • River Arts District Tour and Art Experience: $50 (1 - 4 pm, limited to 10 participants)
  • E-Bike Tour of Downtown Asheville $85 (1:30 - 4 pm, limited to 15 participants)
  • Asheville Botanical Gardens Nature Walk: $35 (2 - 4 pm)
  • Highland Brewery Tour: $25 (2:30 - 4 pm, limited to 24 participants)
  • French Broad Chocolates Bean to Bar Factory Tour: $20 (3 - 4 pm, limited to 25 participants)

Tuesday, October 20 Activity:

  • Group Walk/Run: no fee (6 - 7 am)

EARLY BIRD PRICING AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Registrations submitted by Friday, October 2 are eligible for the early bird registration rate, a $100 savings. NCEDA member and non-member rates increase $100 if submitted after Friday, October 3.

Refunds can be made (minus a $25 processing fee), if cancellations are received by Friday, October 2 at 5 pm. For cancellations, please call 888.246.2332 or email liz@nceda.org. No refunds will be granted after October 2.

Event Details


BUILDING THE FUTURE

The future isn’t something we wait for. It’s something we build.

Join NCEDA in Asheville for the 2026 Fall Conference: Building the Future, where North Carolina’s economic development community will come together to explore the strategies, partnerships, and investments shaping our state’s next chapter.

From building a competitive advantage and preparing communities for industrial investment to developing a future-ready workforce and strengthening relationships with local leaders, we’ll focus on the work that makes growth possible. Make plans to join us in Asheville - we can’t wait to see you there!

Build your knowledge. Build your network. Build your community’s advantage.


CONFERENCE DETAILS

The conference schedule is posted below for planning purposes, and the agenda will be posted later. Attire for the full conference is business casual.

Monday, October 19

  • Optional Activities (Afternoon)
  • Connector's Network Reception for New Members and Emerging Execs (5:15 - 6 pm)
  • Welcoming Reception (6 - 7:30 pm)
  • After Hours Karaoke (8 - 11 pm)

Tuesday, October 20

  • Breakfast (7:30 - 8:30 am)
  • Conference General Session (8:30 am – 12:30 pm)
  • Luncheon and Keynote Presentation (12:30 – 2 pm)
  • Adjourn (2 pm)

LODGING DETAILS

  • Renaissance Block (Main Hotel)
    • Dates Available: Night of October 19 (limited rooms also available for October 18 and 20 for those arriving early or staying late)
      Note: The reservation page defaults to check-in on October 15 and check-out on October 24 as they are honoring our group rate three days pre and post conference — be sure to adjust your check-in/out dates as needed!!
    • Rate: $204/night++
    • Cutoff Date: September 27, 2026 (block will likely fill very quickly!)
    • Reservation Link: NCEDA Renaissance Resort Block (or call Marriott Reservations at 800.468.3571 and request the NCEDA Block or Group Code NCENCEA.)

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNTIES

North Carolina’s economic future isn’t going to build itself, and we want you on the construction crew!

Sponsoring the 2026 Fall Conference is a chance to put your organization on the job site alongside the people shaping North Carolina’s economic future. Whether you’re looking to build brand awareness, strengthen relationships, showcase your expertise, or support the economic development professionals working across our state, there’s a sponsorship opportunity for you.

Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $2,500. Explore the 2026 Fall Conference Sponsorship Opportunities to find the level that’s right for your organization, and contact Liz Dobbins-Smith with any questions or to confirm your support.


THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!


Registered Guests(156)

Andy Acosta
Jennifer Allen
Robert Allen
Albert Alwang
Mike Barnes
Niki Bayne
Larry Bennett
Jim Bevers
Peter Bishop
Trey Blackwood
Kelly Bowers
Brittany Brady
Steve Brantley
Don Brown
Kara Brown
Cliff Brumfield
Donald Bryson
Danielle Buckins
Bill Bullock
Stephanie Burleson
Hunter Burnette
Martie Butler
Taylor Butler
Teresa Campo
Jason Cannon
Gaius Carter
Don Cason
Brittany Cates
Mark Caudill
Melissa Cerrito
John Chaffee
Marley Cloer
Scott Cocherell
Leigh Cockram
Andy Coe
Cindy Daily
Jay Daily
Reggie Delahanty
Scott Dorney
Bryan Eatmon
Michael Ebert
Lauren Ellis
Nathan Ellis
Tripp English
Mac Enterline
Benji Flanagan
Matthew Fogleman
Kellie Ford
John Fordree
Eric Fronzaglio
Amanda Garner
John Geib
Dan Gerlach
Daniel Getting
Crystal Gettys
Darrell Gettys
Brian Gwin
Blake Hall
Scott Hamilton
Tanara Hansen
Adam Hardy
Joshua Harris
Chris Hartzler
Eli Hashemi
Natalie Hawkins
Savannah Heath
Martin Hendrix
Tiffany Henry
Bella Herndon
Kimberly Herndon
Loren Hill
Scott Hinson
Paul Hoben
Hope Hopkins
Peyton Howell
Robert Hyatt
Liz Isley
Linda Johnson
Tom Johnson
Nancy Johnston
Amy Jones
Rick Kiernan
Rick Kiger
Bryan Kizer
Michael Kriston
Gary Lanier
James Larkin
Mark Lawson
Amanda Lewis
Geoffrey Lewis
Trey Little
Roseanney Liu
Brian Maas
Emily Martin
Ryan McDaniels
Meg McFadden
Melissa McGurk
Congressman Mike McIntyre
Morgan McKinney
William McKinney
Colleen Merays
Maria Miles
Emily Miller
Blake Moyer
Jim Nichols
Melanie O'Connell Underwood
Scott Osterhoudt
Nancy Padgett
David Payne
Steven Pearce
Ernie Pearson
Mary Lesa Pegg
Jack Pendergraph
Raul Peralta
Garrett Pittman
Mark Pope
Neal Porter
Rich Price
Kristen Proctor
Julie Pruett
David Ramsey
Nathan Ramsey
Dodie Renfer
Jake Ross
Evan Sassaman
Gretchen Saussy
Sara Schmidt
Brian Sciba
Susan Scott-Yancey
Adam Shull
Sam Shumate
Bill Slagle
Bryan Smith
Jim Smith Jr.
Michael Smith
Terry Snow
Matthew Spencer
Susan Squires
Ellie Stephenson
Amy Sullivan
Pearl Sullivan
David Swenson
Leslie Sykes
Kevin Szostak
Kerry Taylor-Pinnix
Shaunne Thomas
Callyce Tucker-Reves
Ann Turnbill
Elizabeth Underwood Kazimir
Robert Van Geons
Kerri Ward
Sam Watts
Tammy Whaley
Brian White
Monique Wilkins
Shane Wycuff
Additional Information
Event Contact:
Liz Dobbins-Smith
Contact Organization:
NCEDA
Email:
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