Ec Dev Leadership Learning Exchange

Formerly the Western Economic Development Course

October 20th to 22nd, 2024
Coast Bastion Hotel - Nanaimo

Pre-register Now
Book your stay

Registration Fees:

BCEDA Member: $795.00 + GST
Non-Member: $895.00 + GST

The "Economic Development Leadership Learning Exchange" is a comprehensive three-day course designed to foster leadership excellence in the field of economic development. This dynamic program offers a unique platform for leaders, professionals, and aspiring practitioners to engage in an interactive and collaborative learning experience.

Over the course of three days, participants will delve into the fundamental principles and best practices of economic development leadership. Through a combination of insightful lectures, engaging discussions, and interactive workshops, attendees will gain valuable knowledge and skills to effectively lead economic development initiatives within their organizations and communities.

Throughout the program, emphasis will be placed on practical application and real-world case studies, enabling participants to translate their learning into actionable strategies and initiatives. Topics covered may include strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, resource mobilization, economic impact assessment, sustainable development practices, and innovative approaches to economic growth.

By the end of the three-day course, participants will emerge with enhanced leadership capabilities, a deeper understanding of economic development dynamics, and a toolkit of strategies to drive positive change and foster economic prosperity in their respective contexts.

The Economic Development Leadership Learning Exchange is an invaluable opportunity for professionals seeking to elevate their leadership skills and contribute to the advancement of economic development practices. Join us for this transformative journey of learning, collaboration, and inspiration.

Funding Opportunities

Rural and Indigenous communities can apply to the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) for funding, under the Economic Capacity category.

Eligible Participants

Small rural communities with populations of less than 2,500
Indigenous communities and organizations

Click here to read more and apply.

Draft Agenda

Sunday, October 20th	Day 1 - Economic Development Basics Day one emphasizes the importance of ethical, economic development practices, leveraging data analysis for insights, fostering partnerships for Indigenous and municipal development, and establishing tailored economic development structures. These economic development basics lay the foundation for advancing economic development excellence for long-term, sustainable growth and community prosperity.
	Foundations of Ethical Economic Development: Navigating the First 90 Days
	Unleashing the Power of Data: Discovering Economic Development Insights through Data Analysis
	Indigenous and Municipal Economic Development Partnerships
	Establishing the Economic Development Structure that Works for Your Community
Monday, October 21st	Day 2 - Empowering Economic Growth: Shaping Your Economic Development Program Today will focus on empowering communities and organizations with effective economic development strategies to drive growth and resilience. The sessions aim to provide participants with practical steps, tools, and insights to design inclusive local economic development strategies, foster business engagement for vibrant communities, nurture thriving small business ecosystems, and unlock investment potential through strategic marketing. The overarching goal is to inspire and equip attendees with the knowledge and resources needed to accelerate your communities economic development initiatives.
	A Local Economic Development Strategy in Five Steps
	Building Enterprising and Vibrant Communities through Business Engagement
	Building a Thriving Small Business Ecosystem: Entrepreneurial Development
	Unlocking Investment Potential: Marketing for Economic Development
Tuesday, October 22nd	Day 3 - Elevate: Breaking Boundaries in Economic Development Today we will capture the essence of taking economic development programs to new heights, pushing beyond conventional norms, and advancing strategies for greater success. It emphasizes the idea of going beyond the ordinary to achieve extraordinary results in economic development.
	Making the Most of your BCEDA Membership
	Economic Development and Tourism
	Housing Development
	Workforce Development/Healthcare Recruitment
	Energy Needs for the Future
	Revitalizing Communities: Strategies for Vibrant Neighborhoods and Downtowns

Who Should Attend?

Economic Development Staff
Mayor/Chief & Council Members
Board Members
Department Heads
Chamber of Commerce
Planners/Development Services
CAO
Interns
Students
Federal/Provincial Government Employees
Those with an interest in economic development

Cancellation Policy:
Substitutions will be accepted at any time. All registered attendees cancelling their registration, will be charged a $75 processing fee, regardless of when the cancellation notice was received. Cancellations by phone are not accepted. Cancellations must be received in writing by mail, fax or email to Ashleigh Volcz (e-mail: info@bceda.ca or Fax: 604-795-7119). Cancellations received in writing on or before August 31, 2024 will be refunded or credited to a future BCEDA event (less a $75 processing fee). These transactions will be processed after the course. There will be no refunds or credits for cancellations received after August 31, 2024. A registered attendee, who does not submit a written cancellation or attend the course is considered a No-Show and is not eligible for a refund or credit. A registered attendee, who does not submit a written cancellation or attend the course, is still liable for any outstanding balances.