Is there a virtual attendance option?

Due to the size of the event, we can only offer in-person options at this time.

Is this event open Alberta-wide?

Yes! The content will be most relevant to communities in Southern Alberta, but anyone in the province is welcome to attend.

Southern Alberta Economic Development Forum

Actions Panel

Mar 30

Southern Alberta Economic Development Forum

The Southern Alberta Economic Development Forum is a full day of discussions on a range of topics relevant to the economy this year.

By SouthGrow Regional Initiative

When and where

Date and time

Thursday, March 30 · 8:30am - 4pm MDT

Location

Sandman Hotel Lethbridge 421 Mayor Magrath Dr S Lethbridge, AB T1J 3L8 Canada

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.

About this event

7 hours 30 minutes
Mobile eTicket

The Southern Alberta Economic Development Forum is a one-day event designed to bring together leaders from municipalities, business, government, and the community to discuss key issues and opportunities in economic development. The summit will cover a range of topics including inter-municipal collaboration, tourism, labour, agriculture, broadband, investment attraction, and provincial economics.

The event will feature keynote speaker Economist Jack Mintz who will speak about the direction of Alberta's economy. Additionally, Todd Hirsch will speak about how to prepare for the turbulent times ahead.

The Forum will also feature panel discussions to explore the challenges and opportunities facing municipalities and communities in the 6 topics mentioned above. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field and network with other economic development professionals.

The Economic Development Forum is an opportunity for municipalities and communities to come together to share ideas, learn from each other, and develop strategies for promoting economic development in their communities. It is a great opportunity for economic development professionals, business leaders, and government officials to gain valuable insights and connect with others in their field.

Agenda

8:15 AM - 8:45 AM

Registration & Breakfast

8:45 AM - 9:00 AM

Welcome

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Alberta's Economic Future with Jack Mintz

Jack Mintz

Dr. Jack M. Mintz is the President’s Fellow of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary after serving as the Palmer Chair and founding Director from January 1, 2008, to June 30, 2015....

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Breakout Panel 1: Investment Attraction | Waste to Energy

At this time, attendees will split off to attend the panel session of their choice. Option 1: Investment Attraction Learn from local experts about available programs, strategies and opportunities to ...

11:15 AM

Breakout Panel 2: Agri-food Tourism Market Readiness

Agri-food Tourism Market Readiness How can your community be more prepared to take advantages of opportunities in the emerging sector of agri-food tourism?

12:15 PM - 1:00 PM

LUNCH

Bracing for Turbulence: Preparing for Economic Disruption with Todd Hirshe

Todd Hirsch

As the global economy hurls towards a possible recession in 2023, industries and companies around the world are bracing for turbulent times. Geopolitics has replaced the pandemic as the biggest threa...

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM

Breakout Panel 3: Collaboration | Energy Future

Option 1: Collaboration What opportunities exist in Southern Alberta for our communities to work together to achieve shared goals? Option 2: Energy Future Alberta's energy landscape is changing. What...

3:15 PM - 4:00 PM

Breakout Panel 4: Labour | Broadband

Option 1: Labour Discover the opportunities available to bring skilled labour to your businesses and communities. Option 2: Broadband Here's what you need to know regarding broadband development as a...

About the organizer

Organized by

SouthGrow Regional Initiative

SouthGrow is an economic development alliance of twenty-four south central Alberta communities committed to working together to achieve prosperity for the region. Representing over 130,000 people, SouthGrow is committed to assisting communities, organizations, businesses and people in the region to further their economic development goals and to maintain the high quality of life.

SouthGrow’s Goal is to accelerate and enhance economic development and sustainability for the communities in the SouthGrow Regional Initiative region.

Through collaboration, cooperation, and connection, SouthGrow creates opportunities.