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2021 Annual Conference

2021 Annual Conference
It's been nothing short of a transformation for traditionally agrarian Tennessee. For decades, the state relied on the cash crops of agriculture. But the winds of change blew through fields and farmlands...infusing new, more diverse economic realities that energized the state...and propelled cultural tourism, transportation-fueled industry and tech innovation to the forefront. Supported by a diverse and growing population, the demographics are strong in telling the story of why Tennessee is the place to be! 

To pay for the conference by check or purchase order, please download the PDF registration form and email to Cherrika Gordon at cgordon@iedconline.org.
When
10/3/2021 - 10/6/2021
Where
Nashville

Program

   

Saturday, 02 October 2021

Description
Gaylor Springs Golf Links
Join fellow golfers at the Gaylord Springs.  Located 10 minutes from Nashville International Airport and 5 minutes from Gaylord Opryland Resort, Gaylord Springs Golf Links has consistently been recognized among the best courses you can play in Tennessee.
Time
11:00 AM
11:00 AM

Sunday, 03 October 2021

Description
National Museum of African American Music
Spend your morning exploring Nashville's newest cultural icon – the state-of-the-art National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). Called a "jewel" by the New York Times, the NMAAM is the only museum dedicated to celebrating and preserving the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. The museum's expertly-curated collections share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to bring the musical heroes of the past into the present. Meet with NMAAM leadership to learn about the history of the museum, its notable location on Broadway, and more.
Time
8:45 AM - 11:30 AM
8:45 AM

Legacy of Civil Rights in Nashville
Explore the history of Civil Rights in Nashville through the evolution of the historic African American neighborhood just north of downtown. Starting at the Historic Woolworth Building, where in 1960 Congressman John Lewis was arrested while leading a peaceful protest at the all-white lunch counter, the tour will continue onto Jefferson Street, where famous African American nightclubs once hosted stars like James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Ray Charles and Chuck Berry. In 1969, a new federal interstate highway cut through Jefferson Street, destroying hundreds of homes and businesses which had served the African American community. Much of the community's progress and prosperity was lost, and empty lots still remain today. However, in the past few years, development of nearby Germantown and downtown Nashville has spurred new growth in the area. The tour will end with a panel discussion on gentrification, redlining, and equitable development.
Time
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
3:00 PM

Economic Development Ethics Workshop
Are you faced with ethical dilemmas in your professional life? Do you have the tools to deal with ethical issues? Economic developers regularly encounter situations that require sound judgment and strength of character. Saying no is not always easy but may be the right thing to do. This session will provide essential instruction on ethics in economic development and will provide you with the tools to foster a culture of high standards in your organization. No theoretical lecture, this workshop will focus on real life ethical situations faced by economic developers where your decisions could mean the difference between success and failure in your career and life. This event is free to attend, but advance registration is requested.
Time
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
4:00 PM

First Time Attendee Briefing and Conference Buddy Meet Up
Interested in learning how to successfully navigate your first IEDC Annual Conference? Find everything you need to know to make the most of your time and experience at this event, IEDC's largest annual gathering of economic developers from around the world. This event will be followed by a networking opportunity for attendees to meet IEDC Board and Advisory Committee members prior to joining everyone for the Chairman's reception. This event is free to attend, but advance registration is requested.
Time
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
5:30 PM

International Dinner
Join your colleagues for an informal dinner celebrating the many countries and cultures that are a part of the IEDC family. We'll be dining at Nashville's culinary and musical tribute to the Man in Black: Johnny Cash's Kitchen & Saloon.
Time
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
7:30 PM

LGBTQ+ and Friends Social
Network with fellow economic development professionals in the LGBTQ community at Suzy Wongs! Learn how your peers navigate the profession, leverage their unique perspectives, and support inclusive, more diverse communities. All while having fun!
Time
8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
8:00 PM

Young Professional and Student Networking Event
Are you a young economic development professional or student? Join us at Hi-Fi Clydes and connect with your fellow professionals, have a good time, and take this opportunity to expand your network. Please note: This event is limited to students and professionals 35 years of age or younger.
Time
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
9:00 PM

Monday, 04 October 2021

Description
Economic Development Ethics Workshop
Are you faced with ethical dilemmas in your professional life? Do you have the tools to deal with ethical issues? Economic developers regularly encounter situations that require sound judgment and strength of character. Saying no is not always easy but may be the right thing to do. This session will provide essential instruction on ethics in economic development and will provide you with the tools to foster a culture of high standards in your organization. No theoretical lecture, this workshop will focus on real life ethical situations faced by economic developers where your decisions could mean the difference between success and failure in your career and life. This event is free to attend, but advance registration is requested.
Time
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
10:30 AM

Defining Issues Luncheon: Racism in Economic Development
For all of the failures and triumphs 2020 brought, it has signaled seismic shifts in the way economic developers operate, conduct business, and engage in our communities. The formation of the Racism in Economic Development (RED) Committee has ushered in unprecedented change within our profession; from uncoupling systemic racism, to targeting pocket poverty. Join this luncheon for a frank conversation on how economic development JEDI's are eradicating racism in economic development.
Time
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM
12:15 PM

Women's Empowerment Luncheon
In the spirit of women's empowerment, this luncheon is designed to help women receive support for their professional development. This luncheon will foster mentoring relationships between attendees, and participants will hear insightful stories from trailblazing female leaders across the country. Speakers will address key issues facing women and how to create lasting change in our communities. Attend this luncheon to network, build relationships, and support female economic development professionals, because, "The Future is Female"!
Time
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM
12:15 PM

Recognition Dinner
Join IEDC and your peers in honoring outstanding community and economic development leaders. Honors to be conferred are:  

– Fellow Members (FM) 
– Honorary Life Members (HLM) 
– Young Economic Development Professional of the Year 
– Leadership Award for Public Service 
– Citizen Leadership Award 
– Institutional Leadership Award 
– Jeffrey A. Finkle Organizational Leadership Award 
– Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Economic Development
Time
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
6:30 PM

Tuesday, 05 October 2021

Description
Grand Networking Reception
Our final night at the 2021 IEDC Annual Conference will be spent together at Nashville's world-famous Wildhorse Saloon! Our Tennessee Host Committee has spent months putting together what may go down as our most exciting networking event ever — you will not want to miss this!
Time
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
6:00 PM

Wednesday, 06 October 2021

Description
Building a Framework for Equitable Recovery
Equity is a cornerstone of economic recovery, resilience, and sustainability. As our communities begin the process of recovering from COVID-19 and other economic disruptions, it is vital to build recovery frameworks with equity and inclusivity at their core, and to measure success based on the recovery and uplifting of all members of our communities. 

Join IEDC's upcoming workshop to learn how communities across the country are defining, measuring, and implementing equitable recovery. We'll share tools and best practices to create a roadmap for recovery that includes underserved groups, entrepreneurs, and businesses while closing equity gaps to build more economically resilient and sustainable communities for the future.

Session Takeaways:

- Understand how recovery and equity processes intersect and build on each other.
- Create a framework based on your community and history: who is involved, what is measured, and what is your role.
- Gain practical tools to plan for, implement, and evaluate equitable recovery.
Time
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
1:00 PM