The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) announced its milestone 50th-anniversary celebration during the upcoming Spring Conference. Themed “Navigating the Next 50 Years: Stand Tall, Be Strong, Lead the Way,” and sponsored by Allo Fiber, the conference promises an enriching experience for economic development professionals.

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Scheduled from April 23 to 26, 2024, the annual conference will take place at the exquisite London Bridge Resort in Lake Havasu City. AAED members can register for $645, while non-members can participate for $745. Attendees can enhance their conference experience with additional options, including the Workforce Development Academy Course, 50th Anniversary Celebration Dinner, Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence (EDDE) Awards Banquet, or a golf morning.

Agenda Highlights:

  • The conference kicks off on Tuesday, April 23, with the Workforce Development Academy Course (optional add-on) from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and qualifies as a course credit for those pursuing their Arizona Economic Developer Pro (AZED Pro) certification.
  • Wednesday, April 24, offers a day of golf, an afternoon boat cruise (limited availability), and a welcome reception leading into the grand 50th Anniversary Celebration from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 25, features an array of sessions, covering topics such as:
    • The evolution of key economic development issues over the last 20 years
    • Industries driving investment in Arizona
    • Discussion on a holistic approach to sustainability
    • Exploration of what’s to come with a top Arizona Futurist
  • Thursday concludes with the prestigious Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence (EDDE) Awards cocktail hour and dinner. A few Award categories are Economic Development Organization of the Year, Economic Development Professional of the Year, Emerging Economic Development Professional of the Year, and William Lampkin Long Term Excellence in Economic Development.
  • On Friday, April 26, the conference wraps up a Rapid-Fire session highlighting AAED member projects.

Why Attend? This conference is a must-attend for economic development professionals seeking insights into industry trends, sustainable practices, and the future of economic development. With distinguished speakers, diverse panels, and networking opportunities, the AAED Spring Conference promises to equip attendees with the knowledge and connections needed to navigate the future successfully.

Join us in celebrating 50 years of excellence and charting the course for a prosperous future in economic development. Secure your spot now for this landmark event by registering at members.aaed.com/events.