Upcoming events

    • March 07, 2023
    • April 10, 2023
    • 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

      • April 11, 2023
      • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
      • Rockies Room (in the back of the Forte Restaurant), Pomeroy Mountain Lodge
      • 0

      REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

      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 30 with a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds after March 21, 2023.

      Please note. this event usually sells out. 

      • April 12, 2023
      • 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
      • Pomeroy Lodge-Explorer Room
      • 58
      Register

      Join Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) for an update on all of its programs and priorities for the year ahead, as well as an opportunity to ask questions and provide your input to the Building a Green Prairie Economy Act.

      Please register in advance as space is limited.

      • April 12, 2023
      • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
      • Pomeroy Lodge (Room TBC)
      Register

      In the community economic development field, mentorship is critical. It is a unique profession in that regard.

      The need for mentorship in rural and remote communities is even greater. Having a formal Mentor-Mentee relationship can be an ideal way in which to navigate challenging projects, provide advice on a strategy, or be a sounding board for new ideas.

      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 12, 2023
      • 1:00 PM
      • April 14, 2023
      • 12:00 PM
      • Pomeroy Mountain Lodge, Kananaskis
      Register

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

      In-person registration is now SOLD OUT; however VIRTUAL registration is still OPEN. 


      • April 25, 2023
      • May 29, 2023
      • 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.

      Course Details

      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 08, 2023
      • May 12, 2023
      • Alberta

      Our strategic partner, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has designated the week of May 8-12, 2023 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 an updated 2023 toolkit 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. 

      • May 10, 2023
      • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
      • Online- Via Zoom
      Register

      Thanks to the support from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, EDA is hosting a series of FREE luncheon webinars over the next several months.

      EDA’s ‘Ask an Expert’ webinars will enable rural and remote community economic development practitioners to ask an expert, or a panel of experts to provide guidance, insight, and information about possible strategies, solutions and/or resources regarding rural and remote economic development challenges and opportunities. They are scheduled every other month over the lunch hour.  

      Experts will be selected based on their experience with the proposed topic, and their ability to speak to the topic in a rural context as well. The objective is to build capacity and skillsets with relevant, timely topics. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from best practices of other communities. 

      The topic is: How to Construct Your Community's Value Proposition

      Your Session Expert: Chris Steele (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-steele-24b5595/)

        


      • May 31, 2023
      • June 02, 2023
      • TELUS Convention Centre, 136-8 Ave SE, Calgary

      Inventures gathers innovators, startups and scale-ready enterprise partners, advisors and capital. It’s a one-stop opportunity to gauge fast-growing players through pitch competitions and discover investment gems across the entrepreneurial landscape. Content also available to live stream and on demand. 

      Organized by our Partner Alberta Innovates.

      To register or find out more click here.

      • June 11, 2023
      • June 13, 2023
      • Calgary, AB

      This event explores Calgary’s current path to diversifying its robust economy.

      Consistently ranked as one of the best places in the world to live, Calgary boasts the highest GDP per capita of major Canadian cities, highest labor force participation, and highest average earnings. The city’s solid economic foundations are setting the stage for the creation of a community of lifelong learning and resilient people with skills needed to adapt to an ever-changing economy. 

      More information and registration: https://calgary.iedconline.org/

      • July 12, 2023
      • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
      • Online- Via Zoom
      Register

      Thanks to the support from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, EDA is hosting a series of FREE luncheon webinars over the next several months.

      EDA’s ‘Ask an Expert’ webinars will enable rural and remote community economic development practitioners to ask an expert, or a panel of experts to provide guidance, insight, and information about possible strategies, solutions and/or resources regarding rural and remote economic development challenges and opportunities. They are scheduled every other month over the lunch hour.  

      Experts will be selected based on their experience with the proposed topic, and their ability to speak to the topic in a rural context as well. The objective is to build capacity and skillsets with relevant, timely topics. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from best practices of other communities. 

      This month the topic is: TBC

      Your Session Expert/s: TBC

      • July 18, 2023
      • August 21, 2023
      • 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 13, 2023
      • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
      • Online- Via Zoom
      Register

      Thanks to the support from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, EDA is hosting a series of FREE luncheon webinars over the next several months.

      EDA’s ‘Ask an Expert’ webinars will enable rural and remote community economic development practitioners to ask an expert, or a panel of experts to provide guidance, insight, and information about possible strategies, solutions and/or resources regarding rural and remote economic development challenges and opportunities. They are scheduled every other month over the lunch hour.  

      Experts will be selected based on their experience with the proposed topic, and their ability to speak to the topic in a rural context as well. The objective is to build capacity and skillsets with relevant, timely topics. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from best practices of other communities. 

      This month the topic is: TBC

      Your Session Expert/s: TBC


      • September 17, 2023
      • September 20, 2023
      • Dallas, TX

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

      • September 27, 2023
      • 3:00 PM
      • September 29, 2023
      • 2:00 PM
      • Calgary TELUS Convention Centre

      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.

       

      • September 30, 2023
      • October 03, 2023
      • Summerside, PEI

      Plan now to attend the 2023 EDAC Conference.

      For more information see: https://edacconference.ca/

      • October 03, 2023
      • November 06, 2023
      • 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

      • October 18, 2023
      • 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
      • Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel, 10155-105 St., Edmonton
      • 105
      Register
      The purpose of this dinner and speed-dating style event is to bring together EDA members and  key federal and provincial Ministry representatives to network, share information and explore potential partnerships.

      This event is SOLD OUT every year, so register early.


      • November 06, 2023
      • November 09, 2023

      For more information see:

      https://rmalberta.com/events-programs/rma-conventions/

      • November 07, 2023
      • December 11, 2023
      • 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

      • November 08, 2023
      • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
      • Online- Via Zoom
      Register

      Thanks to the support from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, EDA is hosting a series of FREE luncheon webinars over the next several months.

      EDA’s ‘Ask an Expert’ webinars will enable rural and remote community economic development practitioners to ask an expert, or a panel of experts to provide guidance, insight, and information about possible strategies, solutions and/or resources regarding rural and remote economic development challenges and opportunities. They are scheduled every other month over the lunch hour.  

      Experts will be selected based on their experience with the proposed topic, and their ability to speak to the topic in a rural context as well. The objective is to build capacity and skillsets with relevant, timely topics. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from best practices of other communities. 

      This month the topic is: TBC

      Your Session Expert/s: TBC


      • January 10, 2024
      • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
      • Online- Via Zoom
      Register

      Thanks to the support from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, EDA is hosting a series of FREE luncheon webinars over the next several months.

      EDA’s ‘Ask an Expert’ webinars will enable rural and remote community economic development practitioners to ask an expert, or a panel of experts to provide guidance, insight, and information about possible strategies, solutions and/or resources regarding rural and remote economic development challenges and opportunities. They are scheduled every other month over the lunch hour.  

      Experts will be selected based on their experience with the proposed topic, and their ability to speak to the topic in a rural context as well. The objective is to build capacity and skillsets with relevant, timely topics. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from best practices of other communities. 

      This month the topic is: TBC

      Your Session Expert/s: TBC


      • March 13, 2024
      • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
      • Online- Via Zoom
      Register

      Thanks to the support from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, EDA is hosting a series of FREE luncheon webinars over the next several months.

      EDA’s ‘Ask an Expert’ webinars will enable rural and remote community economic development practitioners to ask an expert, or a panel of experts to provide guidance, insight, and information about possible strategies, solutions and/or resources regarding rural and remote economic development challenges and opportunities. They are scheduled every other month over the lunch hour.  

      Experts will be selected based on their experience with the proposed topic, and their ability to speak to the topic in a rural context as well. The objective is to build capacity and skillsets with relevant, timely topics. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from best practices of other communities. 

      This month the topic is: TBC

      Your Session Expert/s: TBC


      • March 18, 2024
      • March 20, 2024

      For more information see www.rmaalberta.com.

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

      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
      • 99

      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
      • 1:00 PM
      • April 12, 2024
      • 12:00 PM
      • Pomeroy Mountain Lodge, Kananaskis
      • 399

      Plan now to attend the 2024 conference. This event will be SOLD OUT.

      So register early.

      • May 08, 2024
      • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
      • Online- Via Zoom
      Register

      Thanks to the support from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, EDA is hosting a series of FREE luncheon webinars over the next several months.

      EDA’s ‘Ask an Expert’ webinars will enable rural and remote community economic development practitioners to ask an expert, or a panel of experts to provide guidance, insight, and information about possible strategies, solutions and/or resources regarding rural and remote economic development challenges and opportunities. They are scheduled every other month over the lunch hour.  

      Experts will be selected based on their experience with the proposed topic, and their ability to speak to the topic in a rural context as well. The objective is to build capacity and skillsets with relevant, timely topics. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from best practices of other communities. 

      This month the topic is: TBC

      Your Session Expert/s: TBC


      • July 10, 2024
      • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
      • Online- Via Zoom
      Register

      Thanks to the support from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, EDA is hosting a series of FREE luncheon webinars over the next several months.

      EDA’s ‘Ask an Expert’ webinars will enable rural and remote community economic development practitioners to ask an expert, or a panel of experts to provide guidance, insight, and information about possible strategies, solutions and/or resources regarding rural and remote economic development challenges and opportunities. They are scheduled every other month over the lunch hour.  

      Experts will be selected based on their experience with the proposed topic, and their ability to speak to the topic in a rural context as well. The objective is to build capacity and skillsets with relevant, timely topics. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from best practices of other communities. 

      This month the topic is: TBC

      Your Session Expert/s: TBC


      • September 11, 2024
      • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
      • Online- Via Zoom
      Register

      Thanks to the support from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, EDA is hosting a series of FREE luncheon webinars over the next several months.

      EDA’s ‘Ask an Expert’ webinars will enable rural and remote community economic development practitioners to ask an expert, or a panel of experts to provide guidance, insight, and information about possible strategies, solutions and/or resources regarding rural and remote economic development challenges and opportunities. They are scheduled every other month over the lunch hour.  

      Experts will be selected based on their experience with the proposed topic, and their ability to speak to the topic in a rural context as well. The objective is to build capacity and skillsets with relevant, timely topics. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from best practices of other communities. 

      This month the topic is: TBC

      Your Session Expert/s: TBC


      • November 04, 2024
      • November 07, 2024

      For more information see www.rmaalberta.com.

      • November 13, 2024
      • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
      • Online- Via Zoom
      Register

      Thanks to the support from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, EDA is hosting a series of FREE luncheon webinars over the next several months.

      EDA’s ‘Ask an Expert’ webinars will enable rural and remote community economic development practitioners to ask an expert, or a panel of experts to provide guidance, insight, and information about possible strategies, solutions and/or resources regarding rural and remote economic development challenges and opportunities. They are scheduled every other month over the lunch hour.  

      Experts will be selected based on their experience with the proposed topic, and their ability to speak to the topic in a rural context as well. The objective is to build capacity and skillsets with relevant, timely topics. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from best practices of other communities. 

      This month the topic is: TBC

      Your Session Expert/s: TBC


      • March 17, 2025
      • March 19, 2025

      For more information see www.rmaalberta.com.

      • April 09, 2025
      • 1:00 PM
      • April 11, 2025
      • 12:00 PM
      • Pomeroy Mountain Lodge, Kananaskis
      • 400

      Plan now to attend the 2025 conference. 

      • November 24, 2025
      • November 27, 2025

      For more information see www.rmaalberta.com.

      • April 14, 2026
      • 1:00 PM
      • April 16, 2026
      • 12:00 PM
      • Pomeroy Mountain Lodge, Kananaskis
      • 400

      Plan now to attend the 2026 conference. 

    Your Economic Development Network in Alberta

    www.invest-in-alberta.ca

    Toll Free Phone: 1.866.671.8182

    www.edaalberta.ca 

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