EconDev Camp 2025

EconDev Camp brings together thinkers and doers in the fields of economic development & technology.

EconDev Camp is an open venue for sharing and learning about economic development issues and successes. It aims to be an open, forward-thinking event that brings together people from all facets of economic development.

This is not a formal conference — rather, as an unconference, it is driven entirely by attendees’ interests and experiences. At EconDev Camp, there is no set agenda before the event. Sessions are determined at the beginning of the event based on proposals and ideas that attendees submit. A session can be any format: a presentation, an open discussion, a demonstration, a panel, or even a group exercise or game.

Participants from various sectors, including economic development, public policy, technology, and community advocacy, will converge to discuss how different strategies and initiatives can drive economic growth and prosperity in their communities. Expect engaging discussions and thought-provoking sessions that cover a wide array of topics, which could include:

• Game-changing policies that work
• Economic revitalization of urban and rural areas
• Innovative funding models for economic projects
• Equity in economic opportunities and development
• SSBCI program structure, technology tools and data, measurement automations and more!

This unconference is not just about exchanging ideas; it’s about creating actionable strategies to improve our local communities. Whether you’re a policy maker, an entrepreneur, a community leader, or simply passionate about economic development, your voice is essential in shaping the future.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the conversation on economic development. Join us and be part of the movement to build a more prosperous and equitable future.

This event is open to advocates, professionals, community members, and everyone passionate about economic development.

What’s an “unconference?”

This is not a traditional conference. The attendees suggest session topics and activities, and every attendee is allowed to participate in shaping and leading the event.

Rather than giving attendees a list of sessions to choose from, attendees program and lead the sessions themselves. Unconferences are popular in the tech world because they reflect the industry’s culture—hands-on, flexible, a little casual but very hard-working, and usually really fun.

All sessions are open for attendees to define, describe, and lead. Sessions can take almost any form and can be about almost any topic, fun or serious. You can run your own or indicate that you’re looking for collaborators.

Major themes reflect the participants’ backgrounds and interests. Sessions will likely cover technology, policy issues, economic development, and more!