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EDA Events

EDA Members receive exclusive access to and discounted pricing on our world-class events! 

Most of our online events are free and designed to be exciting professional development opportunities to help our members and others practicing economic development to sharpen their skill-set and network with top tier professionals.

We also help to promote the events of  EDA members and EDA strategic partners. 


    • March 05, 2024
    • April 08, 2024
    • Online through the University of Calgary

    Learn key concepts related to business and investment attraction in economic development. Cover community investment readiness; competitive advantage, how to select key target markets for investment attraction; working with site selectors; and, attracting foreign direct investment to help your community expand its economic base. Learn how to develop business investment strategies that will benefit your community.   

    Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

    • Recognize the different types of new investment versus investment attraction
    • Examine criteria to evaluate if your community is in fact ‘investment ready’
    • Describe components that may be included in an Investment Attraction Strategy
    • Identify methods to recognize the target industries that may be attracted to your community
    • Explore investment attraction tools and resources
    • Classify the different types of site selectors and what their search criteria may be
    • Recognize the four basic stages of site selection
    • Review types of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and support resources
    • Compare methods of measuring your BI&A program or activities success

    Online registration: https://conted.ucalgary.ca/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=15410870

    Instructor: Natalie Gibson

    • March 18, 2024
    • March 20, 2024
    • Edmonton Convention Centre

    For more information see www.rmaalberta.com.

    • March 27, 2024
    • 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    • Zoom
    Register

    Once again, our AGM will take place online.

    Only EDA VOTING members in good standing are eligible to attend the AGM.

    Please ensure you are signed into the EDA website with your user email and password associated with your membership. If you are having trouble registering please check your membership to ensure you are a voting member.

    Please register in advance if you can. You will be sent a password. All voting will be done during the meeting. 

    At the AGM we will be electing our 2024-25 Board of Directors. 

    All documents required in advance will be available on our website, under the members-only section. Please note only EDA voting members are able to access this web page.

    If you have trouble accessing this page, please ensure you are logged in to the EDA website with your user email and password. 

    • April 09, 2024
    • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Rockies Room (in the back of the Forte Restaurant), Pomeroy Mountain Lodge
    • 43
    Register

    Are you thinking of coming to the conference early?

    Then think about coming to our pre-conference mixer to enjoy some drinks, tasty snacks and catching up with new and old friends!

    Kickstart in Kananaskis is held in the Rockies Room in the rear of the Forte Restaurant at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. You must register in advance to attend. 

    Your ticket will include a some tasty snacks and a beverage ticket (wine, beer, highball or pop). Cancellations will be refunded before March 24 with a $25 cancellation fee.

    No refunds after March 25, 2024.

    • April 10, 2024
    • 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Pomeroy Mountain Lodge, Mount Kidd Ballroom A/B
    Register

    This session is designed for elected officials looking to navigate the intricacies of economic development effectively. Through some in- depth discussions and interactive learning, you'll gain a unique understanding of the complexities of economic development. More importantly, you'll be equipped with practical tools and strategies to support successful economic developers in your community. This session promises a vibrant start to our conference, offering invaluable insights to boost your leadership skills in community economic development. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to enhance your understanding, sharpen your skills, and network with like-minded leaders.

    Register now, and let's kick-start the conference on a high note.

    • April 10, 2024
    • 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
    • Pomeroy Lodge (Walker Room)
    Register

    Mentorship plays a crucial role in the field of community economic development. The demand for mentorship is particularly pronounced in rural and remote communities. Establishing a formal Mentor-Mentee relationship offers an ideal framework for navigating complex projects, receiving strategic advice, and having a platform to explore new ideas. Whether you're looking to become a Mentor or a Mentee, EDA's Mentorship Program, a perk to EDA members, could be the perfect solution. Join us to discover more about how you can actively participate in this program and contribute to the growth of your professional community.

    Are you an EDA member? Are you interested in becoming a Mentor or Mentee? Then EDA’s Mentorship Program may be exactly what you need. Join us to learn more about how you can get involved in this program. Involvement in EDA's Mentorship Program is a perk to EDA Membership. 

    • April 10, 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Pomeroy Mountain Lodge-Explorer Room
    • 82
    Register

    Join our Platinum Partner, Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), for an interactive session on programs and priorities for the year ahead and an update on the Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy launched in December 2023. As part of the session, participants will also have an opportunity to interact with several federal government departments to learn about other federal programs and initiatives underway.

    The Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy sets out a vision for a green Prairie economy that is prosperous, sustainable, and reliable for everyone. It is a long-term commitment by the federal government to have stronger coordination between federal departments on investments for the Prairies and closer collaboration with Prairie partners on priorities to seize new opportunities in the transition to a net-zero future.

    Please register in advance as space is limited.

    • April 10, 2024
    • 1:00 PM
    • April 12, 2024
    • 12:00 PM
    • Pomeroy Mountain Lodge, Kananaskis
    Register

    EDA Xperience 2024 Leaders' Summit and Conference attracts more than 400 economic development experts and elected officials from across Alberta, Canada and around the world. 2024 marks EDA's 50th Anniversary. 

    In Person is Sold Out! 

    ONLINE registration is unlimited!

    Important information: Please ensure the email used to register matches the delegate that is attending. 

    EDA Xperience 2024 Online is your backstage pass to an enhanced conference experience.  Hosted by EDA member and economic development expert Bob Bezpalko, our online event will be  interactive with extra content, unique storytelling and live interaction with speakers!

    • April 23, 2024
    • May 27, 2024
    • Online through the University of Calgary

    This course is the first in a series that will provide you with the knowledge and skills to become proficient at economic development. The function of economic development (ED) is often complex, and understanding your role in the process will be key both to the success of your career, and to the overall success of your economic development activities.

    This course is the 30,000-foot view of the process of economic development. It provides the theory and fundamentals of ED along with examples of how it can be applied. There is no one way to do ED. Each community, organization or volunteer group will do ED differently.

    The primary goals of this course are to:

    • Identify what economic development is;
    • Determine how you fit into the function;
    • Examine how you can best serve your community as an economic development professional; and
    • Identify the tools and resources that can help economic developers meet local development challenges.

    To register: 

    https://conted.ucalgary.ca/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=12618114

    Instructor: Holly Sorgen

    • May 06, 2024
    • May 10, 2024
    • Alberta

    Our strategic partner, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has designated the week of May 6-10, 2024 Economic Development Week.

    We invite you to take part in this North America-wide campaign that consists of activities designed to create awareness of the economic development programs in your communities that enhance your quality of life.

    Check www.iedconline.org for updated resources to help you get started on your campaign to increase exposure for the profession and the benefits of economic development. 

    View our video @ www.economicdevelopmentmatters.com.

    Email us at nancy.toombs@edaalberta.ca with your iconic development week initiative and we will post it on our website. 

    • June 16, 2024
    • June 18, 2024
    • Spokane, WA

    To find out more information on IEDC's Economic Future Forum go to:

    https://www.iedconline.org/events/2024/06/16/conferences/2024-economic-future-forum-in-spokane-wa/


    • July 16, 2024
    • August 19, 2024
    • Online through the University of Calgary

    Business retention and expansion (BR&E) is a primary economic development strategy. BR&E supports and fosters the development and growth of the business community. The result of a strong BR&E strategy is a healthy and thriving business community which in turn provides a long term sustainable community foundation. Long-term BR&E programs are a means of connecting businesses with resources and opportunities that will improve their competitive position, market networks and ultimately their profitability.

    If you wish to have credits applied to Continuing Education’s Professional Management Certificate – Economic Developers, you will need to contact our office at 403-220-2866 . Credits for the Community Economic Development courses equals 2/3 of the instruction hours to a maximum of 30 hours, i.e. for a 15 hour course you will receive 10 hours credit.

    Instructor: Natalie Gibson 

    To register: https://conted.ucalgary.ca/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=15264259

    • September 15, 2024
    • September 18, 2024
    • Denver, Colorado

    This is the annual IEDC conference. For more information click here.

    • September 25, 2024
    • 3:00 PM
    • September 27, 2024
    • 2:00 PM
    • Red Deer Westerner Park

    Join us at the Annual Alberta Municipalities convention.

    Come and visit us at our booth. We look forward to seeing you there!

    For more information and to register go to www.abmunis.ca.

     

    • October 01, 2024
    • October 03, 2024
    • Edmonton Region

    Plan now to attend the 2024 EDAC Conference.

    Register here.

    • October 24, 2024
    • 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel, 10155-105 St., Edmonton AB.
    • 103
    Register

    The purpose of the Annual EDA Ministry Dinner is to bring together EDA members and stakeholders with specific Ministers and senior staff from the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta, to network, share information about programs and explore potential partnerships. 

    The dynamic format of the dinner involves rotating table visitations to maximize networking during the meal.


    • November 04, 2024
    • November 07, 2024
    • Edmonton Convention Centre

    For more information see www.rmaalberta.com.

    • March 17, 2025
    • March 19, 2025
    • Edmonton Convention Centre

    For more information see www.rmaalberta.com.

    • April 09, 2025
    • 12:00 PM
    • April 11, 2025
    • 12:00 PM
    • Pomeroy Mountain Lodge, Kananaskis

    SAVE THE DATE

    EDA Xperience 2025 Leaders' Summit and Conference attracts more than 400 economic development experts and elected officials from across Alberta, Canada and around the world.

    • October 23, 2025
    • 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel, 10155-105 St., Edmonton AB.
    • 118

    SAVE THE DATE

    The purpose of the Annual EDA Ministry Dinner is to bring together EDA members and stakeholders with specific Ministers and senior staff from the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta, to network, share information about programs and explore potential partnerships. 

    The dynamic format of the dinner involves rotating table visitations to maximize networking during the meal.


    • November 17, 2025
    • November 20, 2025
    • Edmonton Convention Centre

    For more information see www.rmaalberta.com.

    • April 14, 2026
    • 12:00 PM
    • April 17, 2026
    • 12:00 PM
    • Pomeroy Mountain Lodge, Kananaskis

    SAVE THE DATE

    EDA Xperience 2026 Leaders' Summit and Conference attracts more than 400 economic development experts and elected officials from across Alberta, Canada and around the world.

    • October 22, 2026
    • 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel, 10155-105 St., Edmonton AB.
    • 118

    SAVE THE DATE

    The purpose of the Annual EDA Ministry Dinner is to bring together EDA members and stakeholders with specific Ministers and senior staff from the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta, to network, share information about programs and explore potential partnerships. 

    The dynamic format of the dinner involves rotating table visitations to maximize networking during the meal.


Economic Developers Alberta

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#406, 917-85 Street SW 
Calgary, AB, Canada T3H 5Z9 

Contact Us

Toll Free Phone: 1-866-671-8182

Email: admin@edaalberta.ca

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