2024 Newfoundland and Labrador Economic Development Conference
The 2024 Newfoundland and Labrador Economic Development Conference, hosted by EDANL, is taking place on October 2-3 in Twillingate, NL. EDANL’s conference is the premier learning and networking event for economic development practitioners in the province.
Agenda
Click the button below to download the agenda and speaker information, with more information on the sessions below.
Location: Twillingate – New World Island Dinner Theatre (Map)
Session 1 – Sustainable Tourism/Culture Driving Economy
Storytelling can be used to transform local cultures into compelling narratives that helps drive sustainable tourism and economic growth. In this session we’ll delve into the intersection of culture, sustainability, and economic development – focusing on how authentic stories can attract visitors, preserve heritage, and empower communities. We will explore innovative approaches to weaving cultural stories into the tourism experience and balancing cultural preservation with economic opportunity.
- Dale Jarvis – Heritage Foundation of NL
- Bobby Gorman – Rock Adventures, Outport Realty, Rock Cut Ultra
- Jennifer Charles – Seven Seasons Farms
- Laura Churchill – CEO, Picture NL
- Wilma Hartmann – Owner, Anchor Inn
Session 2 – Unity in Diversity/Inclusive Practices
Embracing diversity isn’t just a social imperative — it’s becoming an economic one for Newfoundland and Labrador. This session will explore how inclusive practices are not just enablers of growth, but can be powerful drivers of economic development, fostering innovation, expanding markets, and creating resilient communities. Learn how to harness the strength of diversity to build more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable economies.
- Kristen Murray – Project Specialist, NL Federation of Co-operatives
- Susanne Dawe – Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator, NL Workforce Innovation Centre
- Cyndy Stead – Project Manager, Women’s Economic Council
- Lindsey Hynes – Manager of Community Vitality & Well-Being, Community Sector Council NL
Session 3 – Regional Economic Development
In lieu of regional governments (which are not on the immediate horizon for Newfoundland and Labrador), how can regions work together to harness their unique strengths to drive economic growth and build resilience? This session will examine innovative approaches to regional economic development that are emerging in real time – from leveraging local assets to fostering cross-sector collaboration. Gain insight on the latest strategies that are shaping the future of regional economies and consider what might apply in your region.
- Roseanne Leonard – Managing Director, NL Association of Community Business Development Corporations
- Michelle Simms – CEO, Advantage St. John’s
- Colin Corcoran – CEO, Community Sector Council NL
- Dr. Robert Greenwood – Deputy Minister, Rural and Regional Development and Engagement and Chief Economic Development Officer Executive Council, Gov NL
Session 4 – Productivity and Digital Connectivity
There are great economic development opportunities presenting themselves in many corners of Newfoundland and Labrador. However, our workforce demographics are now presenting a clear and present danger. In order to succeed, we will all need to do better with less. How do our communities, businesses, organizations, and workers become more productive? This session will explore some of the technologies and strategies that economic developers can put into their own toolbox and share with their respective networks.
- Jamie Ward – Manager, Regional Analytics Laboratory (RAnLab)
- Will Durocher – Executive Director, Sentinel Institute for Cybersecurity
Session 5 – Green Economic Development
The global fight against climate change, geopolitics, and a unique combination of competitive advantages have positioned Newfoundland and Labrador for significant clean energy growth. How can communities across the province take advantage of projects being pursued in their backyards to support their own economic development? In this session, learn about work that is being done at the regional level in workforce development, net zero, and climate change adaptation – and how you can do the same in your community.
- Colin Heffernan – Manager of Industry and Community Engagement, econext
- Ogaga Johnson – Director of Workforce Development, econext
- Sepehr Khosravi – Manager of Climate Services, econext
- Sara Jafari – Special Projects Lead, econext
Registration
EDANL Members: $199
Non-Members: $275
To register via credit card or to request an invoice, click the button below.
Accommodations
Click here for a listing of local accommodations that you might consider during your stay. There are a limited number of rooms available at The Anchor Inn on a first come, first serve basis – please contact info@edanl.ca for more information.
Partnership
Are you interested in becoming a partner / sponsor for our conference? Click here for more information.
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info@edanl.ca
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PO Box 28082 (Avalon Mall)
48 Kenmount Road
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4J8
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Economic Developers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador