Annual Conference 2019

Highlights

Earlier this month, over 400 SEDC members, partners, and guests attended the 2019 SEDC Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA. The conference themed Brave. New. World., featured numerous sessions that set the stage for our presenters to showcase their disruptive and provocative ideas to ultimately help us grow. 

The conference opened Sunday evening with a welcome reception at The National WWII Museum, which allowed conference attendees and guests to network in a more casual environment before the official conference activities began on Monday.

After the opening remarks and keynote address, attendees spent Monday in a series of breakout sessions covering everything from "How You Can Maximize Success through Innovative Digital, Data, and Marketing for Economic Development" to "Placemaking - Being a Community that Decision Makers Remember." SEDC used member input to create the ideal topic selections.  Each session engaged the audience and allowed for discussion between the presenter(s) and the audience.  The first full day ended with a silent auction reception benefiting the SEDC Educational Foundation.  This year, conference attendees and guests raised more than $14,000 to help provide scholarships for economic development professionals. 

Tuesday morning began bright and early with the SEDC Fun Run 5K.  Attendees used the guided run around Downtown New Orleans as a unique way to combine fitness and networking.  After breakfast, attendees enjoyed a full day of general sessions in the Grand Ballroom.  Topics included "Be Future FDI Ready" and "Site Consultants Bring Their Crystal Ball." The casual, panel-style format allowed the audience to interact with the four site selectors and ask thought-provoking questions.  The conference ended with one of SEDC’s most fun receptions to date – an exclusive party at B.B. King's Blues Club, located in the historic French Quarter. We danced to live music, enjoyed delicious food, and libations. 

SEDC would like to thank the conference planning committee, The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans, Louisiana Economic Development, and the remarkable state of Louisiana for its hard work and incredible hospitality.  We’d also like to thank our generous sponsors, without whom we couldn’t do all that we do.

• Hodges and Pratt    
• Enterprise Florida, Inc.    
• Douglas County Economic Development Authority

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ATLANTA

2019 YOUNG PROFESSIONALS MEET THE CONSULTANTS
November 7-8

ATLANTA

2019 CAPITAL CONNECTIONS
November 18

ATLANTA

2020 MEET THE CONSULTANTS
March 26-27