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Opportunities for Networking and Learning 


Engaging Events

The Great Lakes Economic Development Council plans a broad range of opportunities to collaborate, network, learn, and grow professionally. The GLEDC brings together economic development, business, governmental and academic leaders, speakers, and training instructors for engaging growth opportunities.

Be Greater! - Monthly digital learning series

Upcoming events

    • 17 Jul 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Zoom meeting - link to be shared
    • 88
    Register


    Join the Great Lakes Economic Development Council (Great Lakes EDC) for the latest installment of our Be Greater! digital learning series. 

    How do you prepare for a public meeting? What about a media interview? As economic development staff members, what are you doing to prepare your execs and build their confidence before large conferences, board meetings or presentation opportunities? Are you worried you will be misquoted or say the wrong thing when out in public forums? What happens if you get a "gotcha" question in a meeting? Are you too nervous to attend events and speak neutrally during volatile political times?

    As economic development pros, we should all hone our skills and “think like a spokesperson”, no matter the venue or external audience we may encounter. Leveraging a combined 40+ years of communications consulting experience, Violet PR President April Mason and Senior Account Manager Amanda Ferraro will: 

    • Share best practices for how economic development teams can maximize their public-facing opportunities through clear communication and specific message preparation approaches.
    • Discuss the changing communication landscape of today, and tips and tricks for delivering on economic development messaging goals in a variety of forums.
    • Speak to the art of the sound bite and the pivot, and how these tools can be valuable to all of us.
    • Offer insights into how economic developers can achieve political neutrality in their language in meetings or in interviews.

    You'll come away from this webinar session with a basic understanding of how to arm yourselves and your colleagues for a variety of speaking opportunities. They’ll also provide useful tips to make sure your economic development organization's key messages are successfully incorporated into any external-facing situation. Learn more about Violet PR at www.violetpr.com. 

     

    Our Presenters:

    April Mason
    President & Founder
    Violet PR

    With 30 years of experience marketing places and a talent for crafting compelling narratives, April founded Violet PR in 2010. Passionate about working with civic leaders, economic developers and entrepreneurs, she is dedicated to helping communities thrive and grow. An expert in economic and real estate development, April has led public relations campaigns for states including New Jersey, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Georgia and North Carolina, as well as metro areas such as Newark, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Savannah and Kansas City. She has orchestrated hundreds of media interviews for governors, mayors, CEOs and industry leaders, elevating the profiles of cities, states, developments and organizations. Most recently, she is proud to have earned the 2024 PRSA Silver Anvil Award for the nation’s Best Boutique Agency. April holds an M.A. in journalism/marketing communications from the University of Kansas and lives in South Orange, NJ.

    Amanda Ferraro
    Senior Account Manager

    Amanda is a seasoned storyteller with over 15 years of experience in public relations and marketing. She’s built several successful campaigns for a broad range of economic development and real estate clients, securing coverage in top-tier publications like Bloomberg, Forbes, and the Wall Street Journal. Amanda is particularly savvy in the real estate landscape, supporting clients like the Connell Company, Lincoln Equities Group, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Dresdner Robin, Newark Alliance and Invest Newark. Amanda holds a B.A. in communications from Seton Hall University.

    • 15 Oct 2025
    • 17 Oct 2025
    • Akron, OH


    About the Summit

    The 2025 OEDA Annual Summit will convene more than 500 economic development professionals for three energizing days of learning, inspiration, and meaningful connection, right in the heart of downtown Akron. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just starting out, the Summit is designed to help you sharpen your skills, expand your network, and amplify your impact.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

    Highlights of this year’s Summit include:

    • 30+ Breakout Sessions organized into six dynamic tracks:
      Energy & Infrastructure, Housing, Workforce Development, Technology & Tools, Real Estate Development, and Principles & Practices.

    • Content for All Levels: Each track features sessions for beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioners, as well as focused spotlights on Akron and Northeast Ohio innovations.

    • 5 Experiential Tours / Learning Labs showcasing real-world projects and community partnerships.

      • Bounce Innovation Center Tour
      • Lock 3 Redevelopment & InterBelt Tour
      • Polymer Science Center at the University of Akron Tour
      • AES Power Generation Facility Tour
      • JobsOhio Liquor Enterprise Tour
    • 10 high-impact IGNITE presentations—quick, powerful talks that spark new thinking.

    • 6 AMplify Talks are designed to share bold ideas in short, focused formats happening in the mornings. 

    • Inspiring General Sessions and Keynotes featuring statewide and national voices in economic development.

      • Keynote Speaker: Strong Towns – sponsored by Neighborhood Strategies.
    • Engaging Networking + Social Events that foster collaboration and community—like the Chairman’s Reception, Women in ED, and the always-popular Late Night Trivia.

    • Pre-Conference Activities on October 14, including our first-ever community service project, a golf scramble, and early arrival tours.

    • 22 Oct 2025
    • 24 Oct 2025
    Register

    The Great Lakes Economic Development Council Annual Conference brings together economic developers, site selectors, business leaders, and policymakers from across the region. The event focuses on collaboration, innovation, and strategies to strengthen the Great Lakes economy. Sponsors gain direct access to key decision-makers and high-impact visibility among regional leaders.

    A number of individual, Specialty Sponsorships are available including:

    • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Opening Reception, Networking Breaks)
    • Registration (Lanyards, Hotel Keycards, Tote Bags)
    • Events (Community Project, Fun Run)
    • Technology (Charging Station, Wi-Fi Connection, Conference App)
    • Lounge Sponsor, and Keynote Speaker 
    • Exhibitor Tables are also available upon request

    For more information, contact Support@GreatLakesEDC.org.

    • 22 Oct 2025
    • 5:00 PM
    • 24 Oct 2025
    • 1:00 PM
    • The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit 1114 Washington Boulevard Detroit, Michigan, USA, 48226
    Register

    Join economic development professionals, business leaders, and policymakers at the inaugural Great Lakes Economic Development Council Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan, from Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – Friday, October 24, 2025. This premier gathering will explore strategies to drive investment, innovation, and economic growth across the Great Lakes region.

    Through expert-led sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, attendees will gain insights into key issues such as workforce development, infrastructure, site selection, and the region’s competitive advantages in water and energy resources. Engage with top decision-makers, share best practices, and build connections that will shape the economic future of the Great Lakes.

    Be part of the conversation that’s driving prosperity in the region. Mark your calendar and join us in Detroit!

    Hotel Information

    Agenda Coming Soon!

    Cancellations: If you are not able to attend the conference, please send your written notification to support@greatlakesedc.org .

    An administrative fee of $150 will be assessed for cancellations received by Friday, September 12, 2025.

    No refunds will be made for requests after Friday, September 12, 2025.

Annual Events

Great Lakes EDC
Leadership Camp
Summer, 2026

The GLEDC Leadership Camp focuses on issues  impacting organizational performance, innovation and growth. It helps staff leaders be better managers, leaders and communicators.
Why you should attend: The GLEDC Leadership Camp is designed to equip emerging and current leaders with practical tools to enhance organizational performance, drive innovation, and support long-term growth. Participants will strengthen their management, leadership, and communication skills through focused, hands-on learning experiences.

Targeted Attendees: Senior and mid-level economic development staff, and Certified Economic Developers (CEcDs, Ec.D.s). Conference attendance is anticipated to be 150+

Great Lakes EDC
Annual Conference

October 22-24, 2025

The Annual Conference is the premier GLEDC event covering the latest trends in economic development and expert-led sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.

Why you should attend: At the Annual Conference, attendees can connect with regional leaders, share ideas, and drive collaborative growth across the Great Lakes economy. With high-impact programming, this exclusive event offers valuable insights, networking, and a unique opportunity to shape the future of the region.

Targeted Attendees: Senior and mid-level economic development staff, and Certified Economic Developers (CEcDs, Ec.D.s), government employees, service providers, chambers of commerce, tourism officials, and other economic development intermediaries. Anticipated Annual Conference attendance is 250+ 

Great Lakes
Site Selection Summit

April, 2026

The Great Lakes Site Selection Summit is a leading national event that brings together site selection consultants, location advisors, and economic development professionals. 
Why you should attend: The Great Lakes Site Selection Summit brings together site selection consultants, location advisors, and economic development professionals. It offers a high-value opportunity to connect with industry influencers, gain insights into emerging trends, and showcase your community’s strengths to decision-makers.

Targeted Attendees: Federal, state, provincial, and elected officials, corporate real estate executives and C-suite leaders, site selection consultants, state/provincial/local managers, economic developers, Chambers of commerce, and other economic development intermediaries. Summit attendance is anticipated to be 250+ 

Great Lakes Local! events are held across the Great Lakes to provide members small in-person networking opportunities. Great Lakes Local offers members and prospective members the opportunity to discuss issues impacting the Great Lakes. At Great Lakes Local events participants can connect, build relationships and share knowledge with their local networks of economic development professionals. Anticipated attendance is 25 at each event.