2021 Annual Meeting
Michigan is a resilient state, and its business community has wasted no time turning the challenges brought forth in 2020 into new pathways for rebuilding the economy.
Economic developers were instrumental in providing resources to businesses through the tough times and will continue to lead businesses, communities, and the workforce through the new landscape.
Through increased equity initiatives, continued work in advancing our broadband infrastructure, adaptations of the supply chain, and much more, the economic development community in Michigan is already building up our resilience for anything that may come in the future.
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. Join us in Grand Rapids for education and networking with your partners in growing your community!
NEW! COVID Safety Precautions - Mask Requirement
Due to the recent circumstances of the Delta Variant and the CDC reporting a "high" risk of COVID-19 infection in Kent County, MI, masks will be required at MEDA's Annual Meeting. Masks will be required during all sessions and events, with the exception of when eating and drinking, for all attendees and speakers.
We had hoped this would not be necessary as we gather at the 2021 Annual Meeting, but we wanted to "err on the side of caution."
Click here to read our COVID Safety Precautions page.
Agenda, Activities, and Speakers
Location, Hotel Reservations, and Travel Plans
Location and Hotel Reservations
Thank You Sponsors
Annual Meeting Sponsor Spotlight
Thank You Committee
Awards
UPDATE: Awardees have been selected and arrangements are being made for their attendance at the Awards Reception on Tuesday, August 24th. Please contact our Education Manager, Taylor Swajanen, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions.
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 30.
- 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** (Starts on August 16th)
*If you joined MEDA in the last year, you may still have a $115 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.
Guest (spouse, children, etc.) Fees
Early Arrivals Reception: $35
Opening Reception: $50
Awards Reception: $50
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.
