EconDev Camp 2026
About this Event
EconDevCamp2026: Stronger Ecosystems, Built Together
Economic developers, entrepreneurship support organizations, and small business champions from across the country gather in New Orleans for a collaborative, conversation-driven unconference. No panels. No fluff. Just real talk — and real strategies you can bring home.
What to Expect
This is not a formal conference — rather, as an unconference, it is driven entirely by attendees’ interests and experiences.
At , there is no set agenda before the event. Sessions are determined at the beginning of the day and are drawn from ideas submitted by attendees. Participants from economic development, public policy, technology, and community advocacy converge to work through what actually drives growth in their communities.
These are the kinds of conversations past attendees have pitched — bring your own, too:
Funding & collaboration
- Breaking down program duplication between neighboring orgs
Regional cooperation
- Cross-state partnerships that work when no single org has authority
- Sharing capacity — joint grants, shared staff, shared back-office
Entrepreneurship-led economic development
- Moving past pitch competitions to real structural support
- Closing the second-stage gap — support beyond the startup phase
National networks & frameworks
- Tapping into national resources most local orgs don't know exist
- Translating national playbooks to local reality
Placemaking & community
- Turning vacant storefronts into small business pipelines
- Revitalization without displacing the businesses already there
Technology & AI
- Practical AI tools for under-resourced, one-person ESO teams
- Doing more with shrinking funding — what to cut, combine, or sunset
- What real collaboration costs, beyond the press release
Why It Matters
This is more than just idea-sharing—it’s about action! We’re here to build strategies, start collaborations, and support one another in building stronger, more inclusive economies. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or brand new to EconDev, come ready to connect, contribute, and co-create. This is your space. Let’s build something better—together.
What’s an “Unconference”?
Unconferences flip the script. Instead of a pre-set agenda, the day is shaped by you—the attendees. Got a session idea? Pitch it. Want to collaborate on a topic? Let others know. Prefer to listen and learn? That’s cool too!
It’s casual, flexible, collaborative, and (yes!) fun. Just like the communities we’re working to strengthen.
Open to All
This event welcomes everyone who cares about economic development: policymakers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, creatives, tech folks, and curious neighbors alike. If you’re passionate about building thriving, equitable communities, you belong here!
Agenda
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Registration & Community Warm-up
Info: Grab your badge, join us for a light lunch, and kickstart the connections.
🕑: 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Opening Remarks
Info: Let’s set the vibe! We’ll walk through the day and the unconference format. Let's officially kick off the day—you’ve got ideas and we want to hear them! Drop your topics and shape the day’s conversations.
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Gap Break
Info: Pick a session and go for it!
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Breakout Track #1
Info: Facilitated peer-to-peer sessions based on your most-voted topics. Let’s dive in!
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:00 PM
Gap Break
Info: Quick breather, hydrate, prep for round two.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:45 PM
Breakout Track #2
Info: More hands-on convos and workshops, picked by the community.
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:00 PM
Event Reflections & Closing
Info: Let’s gather, reflect on key takeaways, and close the loop with intention.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 28.52 to USD 55.20
