Economic development professionals from throughout the Northeast will be converging to Providence on October 1st through the 3rd for the Northeast Economic Development Association’s (NEDA) 61st annual conference. The theme for this year’s conference is “Crossing Borders: Geographic. Cultural. Economic. Disciplinary.” 

The conference will be held in the historic Biltmore Hotel and promises to be a lively two days of learning, networking and relaxing in one of New England’s most dynamic cities. The conference represents an opportunity for economic developers to come together and learn about many cutting edge economic development initiatives and programs that are shaping the economic health and vitality of communities throughout the northeast. 

Diverse sessions include building entrepreneurial ecosystems in small towns, the effects of marijuana legalization on local communities and the emergence of public-private partnerships in promoting economic expansion, along with a number of other highly informative sessions are on tap for attendees. 

The conference also includes The Annual Economic Development Awards Luncheon, “A Taste of Providence Reception,” a local dine around Monday night – get out in the city that allows attendees enjoy casual to fine dining at a variety of locations, walking tours and other economic development projects along with fifteen interactive learning sessions with 4 educational tracks. For those interested in experiencing an inspiring and unique Providence tradition, a Waterfire event is scheduled for September 30th. Attendees arriving early for the conference can experience this wonderful downtown Providence tradition.

To register, visit the NEDA conference website http://www.nedaonline.org/2017-neda-conference. Early registration pricing ends after September 8th, so register early to save. See you in Providence! 

Business owners, developers and other parties who are interested in learning more about economic development initiatives in East Providence are urged to contact the city and visit the city’s new website at www.eastprovidencebusiness.com or the City’s Waterfront District website www.eastprovidencewaterfront.com. 

James Moran is the economic planner for the City of East Providence, R.I.