Submission Form

Timeline: January – December 2026  

Note: Economic Development Week, beginning May 4, presents potential opportunities for events. 

Overview: IEDC is creating the year-long Centennial Event Series to celebrate 100 years of IEDC’s leadership in economic development. These events will serve as a lead-up to IEDC’s Annual Conference, the world’s largest convening of economic developers, October 25-28, 2026, in New Orleans! 

IEDC is seeking proposals from members – local, regional and state-wide organizations, jurisdictions, and other institutions – interested in serving as host locations for high-impact events conducted in partnership with IEDC.  

The events will be designed as part of IEDC’s 100th anniversary celebration, branded collectively as a Centennial Series, consisting of at least 4-5 events. The programming will showcase exemplary innovation in economic development and help prepare the field – and our communities – for a more prosperous, vibrant future. Events are designed by the local, regional or state partners, and could include session formats such as workshops, keynote plenaries, community outreach and tours, and networking opportunities.  

The primary objectives of these events include: 

• Demonstrating cutting-edge thought leadership, proven practices, and effective partnerships
• Maximizing membership and stakeholder engagement in your region
• Convening regional leaders in economic development to collaborate and connect
• Commemorating IEDC’s 100th anniversary, celebrating the strength of the economic development profession today and inspiring the future of our field

Event hosts would be responsible for the planning and execution of each event, with support and branding from IEDC. These events can be combined with existing events an organization is hosting or be a stand-alone event, bringing together economic developers from across the region around topics important to each region. 

Event Deliverables: 

Selected host organizations will be expected to: 

• Provide suitable event space(s) for 1–2 days of programming
• Supply event services (e.g., A/V, catering, security, local transportation)
• Develop programmatic content, marketing, and logistics
• Generate funding to support the entire cost of the event
• Produce a mutually agreeable financial model with a net revenue share
• Facilitate local and regional partnerships
• Guarantee at least 150 paid attendees
• Ensure accessibility, inclusivity, and logistical excellence
• Participate in post-event evaluation and reporting
• Participate in IEDC’s Annual Conference and produce a video highlighting their event

IEDC will provide: 

• A unifying, trusted, international brand as the world’s largest association for economic developers
• Participation of Nathan Ohle, IEDC’s President and CEO and additional senior subject matter experts (where applicable) at the event
  • Potential additional engagement from Nathan with local/regional stakeholders can be facilitated as desired
• Co-marketing support and Centennial Series graphics and customizable templates
• Input on programming
• Recognition and spotlight at IEDC’s 2026 Annual Conference and throughout IEDC’s year-long 100th anniversary celebration
• Information about IEDC and the variety of ways that participants can get more engaged in the field and profession 

Proposal Requirements: 

Interested applicants must submit a proposal that includes: 

• Organizational overview with name, address, type of organization (local, regional, statewide, etc.), membership or primary audience details, and topical or programmatic areas of focus
• Primary contact name, email, and phone number
• Potential programmatic themes or topics for the event
• Membership and stakeholder engagement strategy, including any supporting organizations and/or partners and estimated event attendance
• Potential venue details, including a description of available spaces and tour locations, capacity, layout, accessibility features, and amenities
• Preferred dates and format
• Employee and volunteer support capacity
• Marketing and outreach capabilities
• Past experience hosting similar events
• Budget estimates, including expenses, revenue, and in-kind support  

Process Timeline: 

RFP Release: October 28, 2025  

Proposal Deadline: December 31, 2025, for priority consideration 

IEDC will consider a second round of proposals submitted by January 30, 2026. 

First-round Selection Notification: January 2026 

Event Planning Begins: January 2026 

Submission Instructions: Please submit your proposal by completing this form.  

Any questions may be directed to Brian Namey at [email protected].

Background: IEDC is the world’s largest association for economic developers. Originating nearly a century ago, IEDC is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that represents the entire economic development profession. Members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions.  

IEDC is the leading voice in driving the future of the field. It provides learning, networking, research, policy advocacy, partnerships, and other valuable offerings to economic development professionals worldwide.