Quick and risk-free site selection and swift operationalization are pivotal for economic development success. The American South boasts a remarkable global speed-to-market advantage, with communities and partners within the SEDC footprint making unprecedented investments in product development. I...

Just last year, the SEDC network generated over $220 billion in new capital investment, creating more than 250,000 new jobs. In this session, economic development leaders from across the SEDC footprint will discuss innovative, pro-growth strategies currently being implemented, particularly those...

Let’s dive into earned media opportunities for economic development organizations! With media training and story-pitching techniques, EDOs of all sizes can find a place in local and regional media outlets. And no, it doesn’t always take a major announcement to get in the news. In this workshop-st...

Rural communities and economic development partners in the #AmericanSouth are thriving on the highly competitive global stage. As the world’s premier investment location, the American South’s rural areas are setting the standard for strategy and opportunity. In 2023 alone, rural communities contr...

Urban economic developers in the #AmericanSouth are leading the charge in advancing regional development on the global stage. As the world’s premier investment location, the American South’s urban centers are pivotal in shaping our economic future. This session will explore the unique opportuniti...

Leaders will explore how the #AmericanSouth has become one of the world’s leading destinations for motion picture, TV, and film projects. These projects not only create jobs but also spotlight our communities on a global stage and often revitalize local areas. This panel will highlight how film p...

In this session, we will explore how economic developers in the American South are deploying cutting-edge strategies and leveraging the latest technologies to maintain and enhance our position as the world’s premier investment location. Leading experts will delve into the application of artificia...

Global enterprises flourish in the American South, as our region outpaces competitors in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). International companies channel billions annually into industrial projects in the United States, yet securing such investments poses significant challenges. We’ll d...

Join us as we celebrate and delve into a compelling case study showcasing how the #AmericanSouth is driving and charging the future of global economic development as the world’s premier investment location. Enterprise thrives in the American South, and this session will highlight why by showcasin...

Iconic brands that have defined global commerce and emerging industries that supercharge new markets call the #AmericanSouth home. As the world’s third-largest economy, the south is rooted in iconic tradition and poised for accelerated growth. In this session, leading experts share the latest glo...

As the world’s best economic developers network during lunch, the Savannah Economic Development Authority will provide a benchmarking presentation on a century of learning, growing, and transforming the Savannah region. In 2025, the Savannah Economic Development Authority will celebrate 100 years...

Join Council leaders for a “State of SEDC” update and special announcements.

In this session, Amy Holloway and Brian Kelsey from EY’s Economic Development Advisory Services practice will discuss the state of the economy in the #AmericanSouth and highlight key trends shaping opportunities for SEDC members. Attendees can expect a fast-paced overview of macro trends in the r...

The #AmericanSouth’s leading state EDO Secretaries, Commissioners and CEOs join a one-of-a-kind panel to showcase why the SEDC footprint is the world’s leading and best-positioned region. In 2023, panelists deployed strategies and practices responsible for the development of 50 billion in capital...

Join us for an insightful panel featuring leading economic development attorneys discussing their vital roles in the economic development process. This session will cover a range of topics, including real estate transactions, deal closing, navigating federal policies, and understanding incentives...

Join us for an impactful session regarding leveraging federal grant opportunities to fill
gaps in project financing. You’ll learn from real-life examples and get basic information of the broad range of potential federal grant and resource programs available to support economic development strateg...

As the world’s premier investment location, the #AmericanSouth boasts the finest economic developers implementing the most strategic and forward-focused approaches. The SEDC Communications and CEDA Awards honor the best of the best. Join us in celebrating the transformative initiatives, programs,...

Gather with the #AmericanSouth economic development community for an
unparalleled interactive opportunity with the head of the United States Economic Development Administration

Leading utility partners will discuss the essential partnership between utilities, prospects, and economic developers. As the #AmericanSouth continues to lead as the world’s premier investment location, this session will explore strategies to perpetuate and enhance our global position. Emphasizin...

Leading experts explore how youth sports facilities are transforming real estate developments. Discover successful projects like AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk and Emerald Acres Sports Connection, and learn how these developments drive economic growth and enhance community life. You’ll gain ...

Enhance your executive presence and become a thought leader in the field of economic development with our dedicated session on executive leadership development. This session will focus on personal leadership growth, executive-level branding, and advanced communication strategies. Gain the tools a...

Dr. Gary Wagner of the University of Louisiana breaks down the economic trends, key indicators, and data necessary to inform perspectives and projections relative to the United States economy.

Space is becoming big business, with successful launches up nearly 20% worldwide and commercial space revenue growing rapidly. Today, 91 nations operate in space, driving a new era of entrepreneurship, manufacturing, logistics, research, STEM education, and tourism. This session will explore how ...