Call for Presentations

The global pandemic has undoubtedly changed the economic landscape, but it’s now time to Move ON and explore the pivotal role economic developers will play in reimagining Ontario’s economy in 2022 and beyond. Are you ready to challenge the status quo and inspire your fellow economic developers to think about what’s possible? This is your chance.

Proposals are now being accepted for presentation at the 65th Annual EDCO Conference and Showcase and we want to hear from you. We especially welcome submissions from members of equity-seeking groups.

Presentation Formats

The safety of EDCO conference speakers, attendees, partners and staff is a top priority. All public health and safety directives, protocols and recommendations will determine whether the conference will be presented solely in-person or in a hybrid format. The conference will consider proposals for various presentation formats listed below, so don’t be shy in suggesting an entirely different format for your presentation!

Interactive Lecture Sessions (60 minutes)

These sessions are designed to transfer specific skills or knowledge about economic development issues. The content should provide practical skill development and could include hands-on experience, audience interaction, and lectures. Take-away resources for attendees is highly encouraged. Sufficient time for an interactive question and answer period should be incorporated in the session plan.

Flash Talks (15 minutes)

Quick 15-minute sessions designed to convey one or two concepts in a flash. This fun and informative option provides considerable diversity for attendees. These sessions should include a 5-minute question and answer period incorporated within the 15-minute session.

Round-table Discussions (60-90 minutes)

Led by a facilitator, these sessions will take a deep-dive into a topic, identify the challenges and explore possible solutions. Outcomes are shared with attendees. The proposal must identify a skilled facilitator to guide the discussion. Note that EDCO will not reimburse the cost of a facilitator without prior written approval.

Tech Demos (sponsored opportunity) (30 minutes)

These sessions are intended to showcase new, innovative technologies and tools that are designed to enhance the practice of economic development.

Other?

We’re always looking for new ideas so don’t be shy. Let us know if you have an idea for a session format that you don’t see listed.

Key Topic Areas

There are a wide range of topic areas that could be explored at the Conference. The following are some ideas some of the key issues:

Tourism
Social infrastructure
Rural Considerations
Real Estate, Prop Tech
Diversity
Disaster Recovery
Localized Supply Chains
Distributed Workforce

Key Dates

Online submission site opens: June 21, 2021
Online submission site closes: July 23, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. (EST). Submissions will be not accepted after that date.
Notification of proposal status: August 27, 2021

How to submit your proposal

Please submit your proposal by using the link to the online submission portal by July 23, 2021. Your submission must contain the following information:

Title of session
Main contact details (name, title, organization, email, telephone)
Presentation format
Session description (300 words), including three (3) learner outcomes, for use on the conference program and in promotional material
Biographical details (200 words each) for all speakers/facilitators/contributors that will be used on the conference program
Techniques planned to engage the audience (by in-person and remote attendees)
Length of presentation (including 10-minute Q&A)
Special requirements for audio-visual equipment
Whether you agree to be recorded and/or livestreamed

Review Process and Selection

An evaluation team will review all submissions using a “consensus” approach. EDCO is not bound to accept any submission. The decision of the evaluation team on the inclusion or rejection of a proposal and the presentation format is final.

Content that is intended to solicit business or sell products/services will not be considered for presentation.

If selected, speakers/panelists will be entitled to a complimentary registration for the day of their presentation (excluding the President’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony if attending in-person). Please note that EDCO will not reimburse for transportation, accommodation or cover registration fees for the full conference. Exceptions may be made in certain circumstances, but this would need to be approved by EDCO in advance.

If you have any questions about the Call for Presentations, please email Cindy Hick.

Click HERE for Submission Form

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