CALL FOR SESSION PROPOSALS

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) invites bold, forward-thinking proposals that equip economic development practitioners with actionable strategies, innovative models, and real-world solutions. Submissions should demonstrate clear impact, replicability, and alignment with one or more of the following tracks. We welcome proposals that reflect the full diversity of economic development contexts, including rural and small communities, and demonstrate how strategies can be adapted across different geographies.

Strong proposals will:

• Present evidence-based or field-tested approaches
• Offer replicable models applicable across regions and community types
• Include clear outcomes, tools, or frameworks participants can implement
• Demonstrate cross-sector collaboration

This year, IEDC prioritizes sessions that:

• Move beyond theory into application
• Provide practical tools, frameworks, or implementation strategies
• Demonstrate measurable outcomes or documented impact
• Offer transferable lessons across communities and regions
• Reflect collaboration across sectors, including public, private, nonprofit, and academic partners

Before You Submit: Key Requirements & Expectations

• You will be prompted to create an account after clicking on the "Submit Abstract" button. Click on "Need to create an account?" to start submission.
• All submission questions are mandatory. Only complete applications will advance to the review process.
• IEDC seeks presenters who are willing to share their expertise in the spirit of cooperation and networking. Speakers are required to register and pay discounted registration. IEDC is unable to provide speaker stipends or honorariums, and speakers are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and any other related expenses.
• Wait to register for the conference until the status of your submission is received and next steps are provided.
• If your submission is accepted, we cannot guarantee scheduling or agenda placement requests.
• Session submission deadline is June 3, 2026.
• Notifications will be sent the week of July 13, 2026.

If you have questions, please contact Carly Spiewak at cspiewak@iedc.org.

1. Legacy, Leadership & Systems Stewardship: Foundations That Shape the Future
Today’s economic developers are not just practitioners; they are systems stewards navigating complex, interconnected challenges. This track focuses on how leaders can leverage institutional knowledge, align cross-sector stakeholders, and manage long-term investments that shape sustainable economic outcomes across communities of all sizes.

Sessions should demonstrate how to:

• Translate historical and institutional context into modern strategy
• Align incentives and collaborate across public, private, and civic systems
• Lead through complexity, ambiguity, and competing priorities

2. Innovation, AI & Global Competitiveness
This future-focused track highlights how regions can compete and thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy. Proposals should showcase how technology, data, and global dynamics are reshaping economic development strategy and enabling communities—large and small—to participate in the next economy.

Priority topics include:

• AI applications in economic development and site selection
• Digital infrastructure and data-driven decision-making
• Global talent flows, FDI, and export competitiveness
• Smart cities and innovation ecosystems

3. Entrepreneurship & Ecosystem Building
Entrepreneurs and small businesses are central to economic vitality. This track explores how to design and scale inclusive, high-performing entrepreneurial ecosystems, from Main Street to high-growth innovation hubs.

Sessions should highlight:

• Capital access and innovative funding models
• Minority and underserved business development
• Startup ecosystem design and acceleration strategies
• Bridging high-growth ventures with Main Street economies

4. Cultural Economy & Place-Based Prosperity
Economic development is deeply rooted in identity, culture, and place. This track examines how communities can leverage cultural assets to drive sustainable economic growth and differentiation.

Topics may include:

• Creative industries and workforce development
• Tourism strategy and destination economics
• Placemaking and cultural asset mapping
• Leveraging heritage and local identity as a competitive advantage

5. Workforce, Housing & Community Trust
A people-centered approach to economic development requires aligning workforce systems, housing strategies, and community trust. This track focuses on building inclusive pathways to economic mobility and long-term community resilience.

Sessions should demonstrate how to:

• Strengthen talent pipelines and employer partnerships
• Address housing affordability and workforce alignment
• Build trust through community engagement and participatory models
• Advance equitable access to opportunity