Economic Development Professionals Association Annual Conference 2026
About this Event
Welcome to the Economic Development Professionals Association (EDPA) Annual Conference! Join us at the Hilton Garden Inn (soon to be The Catlin Hotel) in downtown Sioux Falls for 2 days filled with networking, learning, and collaboration. This in-person event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow economic development professionals, share best practices, and gain insights into the latest trends in the industry. Don't miss out on this exciting chance to expand your knowledge and grow your network.
EDPA Members can register with the "EDPA Member Ticket" for $99. Non-member tickets are $249. Reach out to Laurie at [email protected] with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there!
Wednesday, September 23
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:45 AM
Welcome and Opening Keynote
Host: Tamien Dysart - Think 3D
Info: Culture Counts: Building Teams that Thrive
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Breakout Session One
Info: 1. Beyond the Numbers: Turning Data into Action with Speaker Jared McEntaffer of Dakota Institute, 2. Tourism as an Economic Engine with Speaker Kristi Wagner of Dakota Resources, 3. Passing the Torch: Strategies for Business Succession with Speakers Eric Erickson and Will Kate of University of South Dakota
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Breakout Session Two
Info: 1. The Workforce Pipeline Starts Here with Speakers Rebecca Ortmeier and Lisa Hartland of South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, 2. Partners in Progress: Strengthening Investor Relationships with Speakers Hollie Stalder of Belle Fourche Economic Development Corporation and Lori Frederick of Brookings Regional Growth Alliance, 3. Building Bridges: Engaging Leaders and Communities with Speakers Todd Kays and Luke Muller of First District Association of Local Governments
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch
Info: Join a friend (or two) and explore the beautiful downtown area.
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:45 PM
Midday Session
Info: Speaker: TBD
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:45 PM
Breakout Session Three
Info: 1. Turning Opposition into Opportunity with Speaker Mike Lauritsen of Mitchell Area Development Corporation 2. Childcare is Economic Development with Speaker Senator Tim Reed 3. Making the Deal: Land Acquisition Strategies with Speaker Bob Mundt of Sioux Falls Development Foundation
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Afternoon Session
Host: Scott Sandal - Sunbird Software
Info: Data Centers: Opportunities, Challenges, and Power Needs
🕑: 05:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Social and Evening Reception
Thursday, September 24
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:45 AM
Morning Session
Host: Jon Pociask, Corey Brown, Kristi Crawford Sanford Health
Info: Vital Signs: Healthcare's Role in Economic Growth
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Mid-Morning Session
Host: Mike Gray - SF Development Foundation, Mike Bockorny
Info: The Development Toolbox: Mastering TIFs & CAPs
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Closing Keynote
Host: Paul TenHaken
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 99.00 to USD 249.00
