2027 MEDA Annual Conference – Request for Speakers

The 2027 MEDA Annual Conference will be held on June 13-15, 2027, at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, Cambridge, Maryland.

Call for speaker suggestions: MEDA is seeking both speaker suggestions and topic ideas for sessions at the 2027 Annual Conference. The sessions, speakers, and/or topics must be relevant to the conference theme and be of interest to a wide audience from across Maryland.

This year’s theme is “Ready for What’s Next.” Economic development is evolving rapidly, bringing new technologies, shifting community priorities, and emerging challenges. This year focuses on building the skills, strategies, and connections economic development professionals need to navigate change, lead effectively, and deliver results. Sessions will emphasize practical insights, innovative approaches, and actionable strategies that professionals at every career level can put to work.

Submission Process:

Please complete the online form (below) no later than 5:00 pm on November 13, 2026.

MEDA is looking for recommendations from our members about the speakers they’d like to hear from and/or the topics they are navigating in this profession and want to learn more about. Greater emphasis will be given to those speakers who are recommended by a MEDA member (versus self-nomination).

Late proposals will not be considered. MEDA does not permit sales-oriented activities (such as product promotion, services, or consultations) as part of the Annual Conference. If a commercial representative is included on a panel, they are asked to speak broadly about industry best practices, with a minimal focus on their particular commercial entity, and only as it relates to the topic or project being discussed.

MEDA welcomes session proposals ranging from five-minute IGNITE presentations to 45-minute keynote presentations that address topics of interest to economic development professionals. Proposed sessions should align with the conference theme, Ready for What’s Next, and offer practical insights, diverse perspectives, and actionable strategies that attendees can apply in their work.

MEDA’s Program Development Committee may add or substitute speakers to achieve its desired level of diversity. MEDA will make the final decisions on speakers and invite them directly.

Contact Information:

Any questions regarding this process may be directed to Sandy Dubay, sandy@medamd.com.

2027 MEDA Annual Conference - Request for Speakers

  • Individual completing this form:

  • Submission Idea

  • Please select multiple options if this is proposal is flexible.
  • The title you provide may be used in the conference agenda. Please write the title as you would like it publicly displayed. The organizers reserve the right to make revisions if necessary.
  • This description may be used in the official conference agenda. Please write the description as you would like it publicly displayed. The organizers reserve the right to make revisions if necessary.
  • Potential new session this year! Please provide additional details about your proposed tour to help conference organizers evaluate logistics and feasibility. Include the preferred timing (before or after the conference), proposed stops or locations, estimated duration, who would lead the tour, transportation needs, maximum number of participants, and any anticipated costs or special requirements.

  • Speaker Information

  • Max. file size: 50 MB.
  • Please list the additional presenters name, organization, and email address.