2021 Annual Meeting
MEDA's biggest education and networking event of the year is its Annual Meeting. This conference includes educational sessions covering the most important economic development topics and issues of the time as well as several networking opportunities.
The conference will be held Sunday, August 22 - Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While we were hoping for an all in-person conference, due to the recent surge in cases, the MEDA Board will decide whether the conference will remain in-person, or move to a hybrid or virtual format in late May.
Agenda, Activities, and Speakers
Agenda - Coming Soon!
Activities - Coming Soon!
Meet the Speakers - Under Construction
Location, Hotel Reservations, and Travel Plans
Location and Hotel Reservations
Make Your Travel Plans - Coming Soon!
Thank You Sponsors
Annual Meeting Sponsor Spotlight
Sponsor This Event
Sponsoring MEDA's Annual Meeting shows support for the economic development community throughout Michigan and provides several opportunities to build connections with them throughout the year.
Use the links below to learn more about MEDA's mission and membership, our Annual Meeting, and the sponsorship packages available with their cost and benefits. You can even commit today using the form.
Annual Meeting Sponsorship Packages and Benefits
Thank You Committee
Awards
MEDA is proud to accept nominations for awards that honor hard-working economic developers. Award nominations can be submitted at any time, but to be considered for the 2021 Annual Meeting, the form must be submitted to MEDA by June 21..
- MEDA Medalist of the Year
- Emerging Star Award
- Mike Conboy Professional Development Award
- Robert Sieghart Award for Enthusiasm for the Economic Development Profession
To learn about the qualifications, access the nomination forms, and view past winners, visit our Awards Page.
Registration Fees
Early Rates - MEDA Members $315*/Non-Members $425**
Regular Rates - MEDA Members $330*/Non-Members $440** (Start 1 week before the conference.)
*If you joined MEDA in the last year, you may still have a New Member Coupon that you can apply toward this event. Email Cassandra at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to check!
**If not a member of MEDA, you can get a $115 coupon if you join and pay for attendance before the conference. Email Cassandra at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if interested. You can learn more about membership on our Join MEDA page.
Optional Fee-Based Activities
TBD
Guest (spouse, children, etc.) Fees
Early Arrivals Reception: TBD
Opening Reception: TBD
Awards Reception: TBD
Tour: TBD
Certification Qualifications
This event qualifies for continuing education credits for Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification from the National Development Council (NDC). Use the form on this page to claim your credit.
This event has been recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as a professional development event that counts toward the recertification of Certified Economic Developers (CEcD).
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be received in writing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by August 16th to receive a full refund. Cancellations between August 17th and 21st will have a $75 processing fee. There will be no refunds after the conference has started (August 22nd). Those who do not cancel and do not attend will be charged the full price of registration.
Questions
If you have any questions, visit our Contact MEDA page.
Registration
Typically available mid-May.
