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Opportunities for Networking and Learning 


Engaging Events

The Great Lakes Economic Development Council plans a broad range of opportunities to collaborate, network, learn, and grow professionally. The GLEDC brings together economic development, business, governmental and academic leaders, speakers, and training instructors for engaging growth opportunities.

Be Greater! - Monthly digital learning series

Annual Events

Great Lakes EDC
Leadership Camp
Summer, 2026

The GLEDC Leadership Camp focuses on issues  impacting organizational performance, innovation and growth. It helps staff leaders be better managers, leaders and communicators.
Why you should attend: The GLEDC Leadership Camp is designed to equip emerging and current leaders with practical tools to enhance organizational performance, drive innovation, and support long-term growth. Participants will strengthen their management, leadership, and communication skills through focused, hands-on learning experiences.

Targeted Attendees: Senior and mid-level economic development staff, and Certified Economic Developers (CEcDs, Ec.D.s). Conference attendance is anticipated to be 150+

Great Lakes EDC
Annual Conference

October 22-24, 2025

The Annual Conference is the premier GLEDC event covering the latest trends in economic development and expert-led sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.

Why you should attend: At the Annual Conference, attendees can connect with regional leaders, share ideas, and drive collaborative growth across the Great Lakes economy. With high-impact programming, this exclusive event offers valuable insights, networking, and a unique opportunity to shape the future of the region.

Targeted Attendees: Senior and mid-level economic development staff, and Certified Economic Developers (CEcDs, Ec.D.s), government employees, service providers, chambers of commerce, tourism officials, and other economic development intermediaries. Anticipated Annual Conference attendance is 250+ 

Great Lakes
Site Selection Summit

April, 2026

The Great Lakes Site Selection Summit is a leading national event that brings together site selection consultants, location advisors, and economic development professionals. 
Why you should attend: The Great Lakes Site Selection Summit brings together site selection consultants, location advisors, and economic development professionals. It offers a high-value opportunity to connect with industry influencers, gain insights into emerging trends, and showcase your community’s strengths to decision-makers.

Targeted Attendees: Federal, state, provincial, and elected officials, corporate real estate executives and C-suite leaders, site selection consultants, state/provincial/local managers, economic developers, Chambers of commerce, and other economic development intermediaries. Summit attendance is anticipated to be 250+ 

Great Lakes Local! events are held across the Great Lakes to provide members small in-person networking opportunities. Great Lakes Local offers members and prospective members the opportunity to discuss issues impacting the Great Lakes. At Great Lakes Local events participants can connect, build relationships and share knowledge with their local networks of economic development professionals. Anticipated attendance is 25 at each event.