Attend Mid-America EDC's 2026 Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Join Mid-America Economic Development Council (EDC) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for our 2026 Annual Conference. This is your chance to connect, learn, and grow with economic development leaders from across the region, all in one dynamic event. The conference will gather members and other economic developers for panels, workshops, and keynote presentations on hot-ticket economic development topics like data centers, ethics, and community revitalization. Network and up-skill with leading economic developers, corporate decision-makers, community leaders, and site selectors across multiple verticals including healthcare & life sciences, biotech, agtech, energy, manufacturing, education, and workforce development. View the tentative conference agenda here! Our conference setting is Grand Rapids, Michigan, a city known for its friendly atmosphere, its location off the shores of Lake Michigan, and its status as "Michigan's Best Food City". Attendees will discover Grand Rapids to be a neighborly community within a bustling metropolis. The city boasts unique opportunities in hospitality, commercial projects and academic development. Grand Rapids has uniquely positioned itself as a draw for a young and vibrant workforce and looks forward to sharing their city with you! Register today to benefit your region, your community, and your organization. See you in Grand Rapids!
Join Mid-America Economic Development Council (EDC) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for our 2026 Annual Conference. This is your chance to connect, learn, and grow with economic development leaders from across the region, all in one dynamic event.
The conference will gather members and other economic developers for panels, workshops, and keynote presentations on hot-ticket economic development topics like data centers, ethics, and community revitalization. Network and up-skill with leading economic developers, corporate decision-makers, community leaders, and site selectors across multiple verticals including healthcare & life sciences, biotech, agtech, energy, manufacturing, education, and workforce development.
Our conference setting is Grand Rapids, Michigan, a city known for its friendly atmosphere, its location off the shores of Lake Michigan, and its status as "Michigan's Best Food City". Attendees will discover Grand Rapids to be a neighborly community within a bustling metropolis. The city boasts unique opportunities in hospitality, commercial projects and academic development. Grand Rapids has uniquely positioned itself as a draw for a young and vibrant workforce and looks forward to sharing their city with you! Register today to benefit your region, your community, and your organization. See you in Grand Rapids!
Dine-Around Networking Opportunity! This year, Mid-America EDC will reserve seating at various restaurants around Grand Rapids. Attendees can sign up to go to a specific restaurant, and will be seated with other conference attendees for the chance to network and enjoy the local eats. This is a great opportunity to network with economic developers from around the region you may never have interacted with before! Cost of dinner not included.
Mobile Classroom Conference Sessions! Some of this year's conference sessions will be mobile classrooms that explore Grand Rapid's recent economic development projects. This is an opportunity to stretch your legs and learn about how you can run similar projects in your communities. Mobile classrooms will be offered as alternatives to select in-venue conference sessions.
Agenda as of June 16 2026 Conference Sponsorship Options
Agenda as of June 16
2026 Conference Sponsorship Options
Annual Conference Hotel Booking Information Mid-America EDC has reserved a hotel block in the JW Marriott Grand Rapids for conference attendees. This will allow you to get a discounted room at the venue-- lower cost, and no travel time. Be sure to book today!
Annual Conference Hotel Booking Information
Mid-America EDC has reserved a hotel block in the JW Marriott Grand Rapids for conference attendees. This will allow you to get a discounted room at the venue-- lower cost, and no travel time. Be sure to book today!