Economic Developers Alberta
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Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Hybrid Course
9/16/2025 - 10/31/2025

Cultivate a robust business community. 

Elevate your economic development game and contribute to building a sustainable business community, providing a resilient community foundation.

This is a core course in our Community Economic Development Training Program (CEDTP).

Two live Zoom Sessions:
Sept. 30 – Zoom Session #1, 7:00pm -8:30 pm
Oct. 14 – Zoom Session #2, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Instructor: Natalie Gibson


Location: Online
, AB







Establishing the Foundation Course (Hybrid)
9/16/2025 - 10/28/2025

Economic development is the heartbeat of thriving communities and this foundational course offers the keys to unlock its potential.

You'll understand the complexities in this field and acquire the skills and resources to  become proficient in economic development. 

This core course is the first in our Community Economic Development Training Program (CEDTP). 

Host: EDA
Trainer: Holly Sorgen

First Hybrid Session – September 30, 7pm to 8:30 pm
Second Hybrid Session – October 28th, 7 pm to 8:30 pm
 
Location: Online






EDA Invitational Golf Tournament
9/18/2025

EDA has partnered with Invest Alberta to continue the tradition of the Gerry Gabinet Golf Tournament under its new name, the EDA Invitational Golf Tournament.

Invest Alberta’s Global Business Development team will be on-site. This is a unique opportunity to pitch your community’s investment opportunities and connect directly with the team that’s working to attract global investment into Alberta. You’ll even have a chance to connect with them ahead of the tournament!

Join us on September 18 at the Broadmoor Golf Course in Sherwood Park, AB, for a fun-filled Texas Scramble tournament. 

Shotgun start at 1 PM. Registration starts at 11:00 AM.
No golf experience is required!  
Dinner is included with your registration. 

The EDA Invitational also offers an excellent opportunity to showcase your organization with sponsorship opportunities and a Silent Auction.

Location: Broadmoor Golf Course
2100 Oak Street
Sherwood Park, AB

Registration ends on 9/10/2025
There are currently 74 spots remaining out of 144





Wednesday Webinar: Reskilling Rural Communities for a Tech-Enabled Future
9/24/2025

Join us for this FREE webinar featuring Colin Knoll;  a strategy leader helping organizations grow and transform through strategic foresight, innovation, and execution. 

Colin will explore the powerful intersection of technology, AI, and rural economic development.

He’ll share how reskilling the rural workforce in tech-related fields can materially reshape local labor markets—opening the door to new industries, attracting investment, and driving long-term growth in smaller communities.

With the rise of remote work and tech-enabled business models, rural regions are uniquely positioned to diversify beyond traditional industries and build a resilient, future-ready economy. This is a must-attend session for economic developers, policy makers, and community leaders looking to turn rural challenges into innovation opportunities.








Aviation, Aerospace & Defense Sector Stakeholder Roundtable
9/25/2025

Join industry pioneers, government officials, and community leaders as we ignite collaboration and innovation in the dynamic aviation, aerospace, and defense sector!

Be part of a transformative conversation that will shape the future, unlock new possibilities and foster lasting partnerships. Don't let this exciting chance slip away-- let's soare to new heights together!

 
Location: Calgary- address TBC
, AB






Business Investment & Attraction (BI&A) Hybrid Course
10/21/2025 - 11/28/2025

Get the tools to design a pro-business environment to attract investment and enterprises to your community.

Learn what it takes for existing businesses to expand their operations and explore strategies that amplify business attraction.

This is a core course in our Community Economic Development Training Program (CEDTP). 

Two live Zoom sessions:
Oct. 28 – Zoom #1, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 pm
Nov. 10 – Zoom #2, 7:00 p.m.  – 8:30 pm
 


Location: Online
, AB







Economic Development for Elected Officials Course (In-Person)
10/28/2025 - 10/28/2025

Specifically designed for elected officials and local leadership.

Provides theory, fundamental economic development applications, and examples of best practices.

This "30,000-foot view of economic development helps you align your mandate and projects with the current economic development situation. 

This is a core course in our Community Economic Development Training Program (CEDTP).  

Host: Cypress County
Trainer: Trevor Lewington
 
Location: Cypress County
816-2 Avenue
Dunmore, AB T1B 0K3







Community Economic Resilience Course (In-Person)
10/29/2025 - 10/29/2025

Explore the ongoing process of resilience and how communities can "bounce back better" from crises. 

Elevate your leadership in post-disaster recovery with strategic insights and essential skills.

Discover effective rebuilding strategies for long-term community vitality and growth.

Build a resilient future!

This is a core course in our Community Economic Development Training Program (CEDTP). 

Host: CFWY
Trainer: Leann Hackman-Carty
 
Location: Best Western High Road Inn
300-52 St.
Edson, AB T7E 1V8

Registration ends on 10/28/2025





2025 EDA Ministry Dinner
10/30/2025

The purpose of the Annual EDA Ministry Dinner is to bring together EDA members and stakeholders with specific Ministers and senior staff from the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta, to network, share information about programs and explore potential partnerships. 

The dynamic format of the dinner involves rotating table visitations to maximize networking during the meal.

5:00-6:00 Reception & Networking with Government Program Representatives- Amber Room

Event Partners: Invest Alberta Corporation, Government of Alberta, County of Grande Prairie No. 1.
Location: Matrix Hotel, Quartz Ballroom
10640-100 Ave NW
Edmonton , AB

There are currently 26 spots remaining out of 142






Community Economic Resilience Course (In-Person)
11/14/2025 - 11/14/2025

Explore the ongoing process of resilience and how communities can "bounce back better" from crises. 

Elevate your leadership in post-disaster recovery with strategic insights and essential skills.

Discover effective rebuilding strategies for long-term community vitality and growth.

Build a resilient future!

This is a core course in our Community Economic Development Training Program (CEDTP). 

Host: Town of Canmore, Eleanor Miclette
Trainer: Leann Hackman-Carty
 
Location: Elevation Place
Room 212
Canmore, AB







Establishing the Foundation Course (Hybrid)
11/17/2025 - 12/16/2025

Economic development is the heartbeat of thriving communities and this foundational course offers the keys to unlock its potential.

You'll understand the complexities in this field and acquire the skills and resources to  become proficient in economic development. 

This core course is the first in our Community Economic Development Training Program (CEDTP). 

Host: EDA
Trainer: Holly Sorgen

First Hybrid Session – November 25th at 7pm to 8:30 pm
Second Hybrid Session – December 16th 7 pm to 8:30 pm
 
Location: Online







Performance Measurement Course (Online)
11/27/2025 - 11/27/2025

Performance measurement is crucial for economic development as it provides a systematic way to assess, manage, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of economic policies and initiatives. Quantifying progress and outcomes helps economic developers ensure that their strategies are on track and delivering the intended benefits to communities, businesses, and stakeholders.

This course aims to provide participants with a robust understanding of performance measurement in the context of economic development, preparing them to effectively evaluate and enhance the impact of economic development initiatives.

This is an optional Community Economic Development Training Program (CEDTP) course.  

Host: PrairiesCan
Trainer: Trevor Lewington
 
Location: Online







Economic Development for Elected Officials Course (In-Person)
1/16/2026 - 1/16/2026

Specifically designed for elected officials and local leadership.

Provides theory, fundamental economic development applications, and examples of best practices.

This "30,000-foot view of economic development helps you align your mandate and projects with the current economic development situation. 

This is a core course in our Community Economic Development Training Program (CEDTP).  

Host: County of Grande Prairie, Jordan Tidey
Trainer: Trevor Lewington
 
Location: County of Grande Prairire
Evergreen Park, 55051 Township Road 710
County of Grande Prairie, AB T8X 4A3






EDA 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM)
3/26/2026

All EDA members are invited to attend however, only Full members in good standing are eligible to vote at  the AGM.

At the AGM we will be electing our 2026-27 Board of Directors. 

All documents required in advance are available on our website, under the members-only section. 


Location: Zoom






"Kick-Start in Kananaskis" Pre-Conference Mixer
4/14/2026

Coming to the conference early?

Kick off your conference experience at our exclusive pre-conference mixer! Connect with new and familiar faces over drinks and delicious snacks.

Our annual Kickstart in Kananaskis will be held at Woody's Pub & Patio at the conference site. To attend, you must register in advance, and conference registration is required before registering for this event.

Enjoy tasty snacks and a complimentary beverage (wine, beer, highball, or soft drinks) as you mingle.

Dress: casual
Location: Woody's Pub & Patio
1 Centennial Drive
Kananaskis, AB

Registration ends on 4/9/2026
There are currently 95 spots remaining out of 105





EDA Xperience 2026 Leaders' Summit & Conference
4/15/2026 - 4/17/2026

EDA Xperience 2026 Leaders' Summit and Conference attracts more than 400 economic development experts and elected officials from across Alberta, Canada and around the world.

EDA Members must be signed in with their EDA user email and password to access the exclusive EDA member discount.

When registering please ensure the email used matches the delegate who is attending - this is critical to avoid confusion. 

This annual event attracts over 400 local, national, and international experts in economic development, along with elected officials from across Alberta to discuss provincial developments, explore ways to advance the economy, and offer mutual support.

Delegates will gain insights into Alberta's sector opportunities, updates on economic trends, best practices, inspiring keynotes, and interactive networking opportunities.


Location: Pomeroy Mountain Lodge
1 Centennial Drive
Kananaskis, AB

There are currently 282 spots remaining out of 430