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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.medamd.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA)
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260426
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260429
DTSTAMP:20260515T122050
CREATED:20260217T120216Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T031610Z
UID:77606-1777161600-1777420799@www.medamd.com
SUMMARY:2026 MEDA Annual Conference
DESCRIPTION:When: April 26-28\, 2026\nWhere: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay\, Cambridge\, Maryland\nTheme: The A-MAZING World of Economic Development: Navigating Complexity. Embracing Innovation. Driving Impact. \nEarly Bird Registration Deadline: April 15\nEconomic development can feel like a maze—full of turns\, detours\, and emerging pathways. From new tools like AI to evolving expectations around housing\, workforce\, and quality of place\, the work is increasingly complex. But within the maze lies opportunity. MEDA’s 2026 Annual Conference will guide practitioners through the intersections of strategy\, technology\, community\, and industry\, helping them chart a smarter\, more impactful course. It’s not just a maze—it’s A-MAZING work. \nCheck out photos from the 2025 MEDA Annual Conference! \nClick here to view the Draft Minutes from the 2026 Winter Conference Business Meeting. \nDHCD Main Street Tour of Rock Hall – Sold Out!\nDiscover Rock Hall\, a charming Chesapeake Bay fishing village known for its vibrant waterfront and year-round festivals. Enjoy a guided tour of the harbor and Main Street\, featuring local shops\, art\, and regional flavors\, while seeing firsthand the impact of Maryland DHCD investments that have helped revitalize this thriving community. \nProposed Slate of Officers\nClick here to view the proposed Slate of Officers for the 2026/2027 term. \n \n\n \nBook Your Hotel\nTo book your room at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay for a discounted rate\, please visit https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/CHESA/G-MED1\, or call (410) 901-1234 and use code ‘G-MED1‘. The deadline to book is April 15\, 2026. \n\n\n\n\n  \nDownload the Official Conference App: \n\niOSAndroid
URL:https://www.medamd.com/event/2026-meda-annual-conference/
LOCATION:Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay\, Cambridge\, MD\, 100 Heron Blvd\, US-50\, Cambridge\, MD\, 21613\, United States
CATEGORIES:Conference
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260727T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260731T160000
DTSTAMP:20260515T122050
CREATED:20251017T215016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T153917Z
UID:80309-1785142800-1785513600@www.medamd.com
SUMMARY:2026 MEDA Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course
DESCRIPTION:When: July 27 – 31\, 2026\nWhere: Virtual\nWhether you’re new to the world of economic development or you’d like to get in-depth with a refresher\, the Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course is your ticket to the fundamental concepts\, strategies\, and tools needed to be successful in today’s complex economic environment. This essential course is designed to prepare participants for the challenges they face in the practice of developing communities and assist them in gaining capacity-building skills\, resources\, and networks to accelerate economic development. \nIn previous years\, our week-long Basic Course was held in Baltimore\, which required travel expenses\, time away from home\, and extra planning and organization. With our all-virtual course this year\, you can learn it all from the comfort of your own home\, making it an accessible\, efficient\, and more affordable way to learn the fundamentals of economic development. We have excellent instructors lined up to teach\, and you’ll get to meet and network with other participants… all virtually! \nThis course will be offered online (via Zoom). Please note that the time zone is Eastern Time (EST). \nDraft Agenda\nThis draft agenda is subject to change. \n \nRegistrants for the 2026 Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course do not need to register separately for the 2026 MEDA Summer Conference\, as it is included. \nWhat You’ll Learn:\n\nGrow your skills and understanding of economic development foundational elements\nBest practices in economic and community development\nManaging an economic development program\nFinancing economic development projects and using incentives\nExplore new methods and programs to promote job growth and investment\nBusiness retention and expansion\nMarketing and business attraction\nDiscuss emerging trends and factors that shape local and regional economies\nEthics in economic development\nGain detailed knowledge of successful initiatives\nStrategic planning\nSmall business and entrepreneurship\nTools for planning your economy and how to use them.\nResearching your prospects and building a community data profile.\nReal estate development and reuse \nNeighborhood revitalization\nManaging real estate inventory.\nDevelop a valuable network of fellow economic development professionals and resources\nLearn from outstanding experts and practitioners in the field\n\nWho Should Take the Course?\nThe Basic Economic Development Course is designed for community leaders and stakeholders who participate in the process of community and economic development at local\, regional\, state\, and federal levels. Typical attendees include: \n\nEconomic development practitioners\nBusiness leaders\nCommunity volunteers\nPublic utility personnel\nGovernment agency staff\nReal estate professionals\nChambers of commerce members\nBusiness development professionals\nCooperative extension personnel\nPlanning and development agencies\nBankers and financial institution professionals\nCommunity development organization professionals\nMunicipal\, town\, and county government elected and appointed officials\nOthers interested in facilitating job creation and capital investment in their community\, region or state\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYour First Step Toward Certification\nFor those seeking national certification\, the Economic Development Basic Course is the first requirement in the process of becoming a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). This Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course qualifies as a professional development training requirement needed to sit for the CEcD exam. CEcD certification through the IEDC is a national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development\, professional attainment\, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. \nLofton Scholarships for MEDA Members\nMembers of MEDA can apply for a Lofton Scholarship to cover the tuition for the Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course in full.  MEDA’s Lofton Scholarship exists to support the growth of professional skills and knowledge by economic development practitioners in Maryland. \nApply for the Lofton Scholarship before you register for the Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course. Upon acceptance\, you will be given a discount code to use with your registration. Apply here! \nDetails\nThe 2026 MEDA Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course will be held virtually from July 27 to July 31\, from approximately 9 AM to 4 PM Eastern Time. \nTuition is: \n\n$690 for MEDA members (Lofton Scholarship available for full tuition to members)\n$890  for non-members (tuition includes MEDA membership for a year)\n\nAccreditation\nThe course is accredited by the International Economic Development Council. This course qualifies as a professional development training requirement needed to sit for the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) examination. \nFor more details\, please visit the IEDC website at www.iedconline.org​ or phone 201.223.7800
URL:https://www.medamd.com/event/2026-meda-chesapeake-basic-economic-development-course/
LOCATION:MD
CATEGORIES:Economic Development,Education,Professional Development
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260729
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260730
DTSTAMP:20260515T122050
CREATED:20251210T193855Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T150037Z
UID:81808-1785283200-1785369599@www.medamd.com
SUMMARY:2026 MEDA Summer Conference
DESCRIPTION:When: July 29\, 2026\nWhere: Virtual\nTheme: Funding the Future: Unlocking Federal Resources for Economic Growth\n\nFederal funding programs continue to play a critical role in helping communities invest in infrastructure\, workforce development\, innovation\, and economic resilience. This session will explore the evolving landscape of federal resources available to support local and regional economic development initiatives. Participants will gain insight into key funding programs\, emerging priorities\, and practical strategies for positioning projects competitively. Join us to learn how communities are leveraging federal partnerships to unlock new opportunities and drive long-term economic growth. \nRegistration will go live soon!
URL:https://www.medamd.com/event/2026-meda-summer-conference/
LOCATION:VIRTUAL
CATEGORIES:Conference
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260928
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261003
DTSTAMP:20260515T122050
CREATED:20251210T194342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T131939Z
UID:81811-1790553600-1790985599@www.medamd.com
SUMMARY:2026 Economic Development Week in Maryland
DESCRIPTION:When: September 28 – October 2\, 2026\n\nOverview\nEconomic Development Week in Maryland will emphasize the importance of economic development for the State of Maryland. The week is designed to increase understanding of economic development’s contribution to the state’s business climate\, job retention and growth\, the tax base\, and the overall quality of life in Maryland. \nRecognition\nEconomic development will take center stage in counties\, cities\, and towns throughout Maryland when proclamations are made heralding the significant projects that have made Maryland a great place to live\, work\, and play. Recognizing the dedicated work of economic developers is a primary focus of the effort. Listed below are the activities planned during Economic Development Week in Maryland (check back for weekly updates to this list). \nClick the links below to learn about previous Economic Development Week in Maryland activities\n\n2025\n2024\n2023\n2022\n2021\n2020\n2019\n2018\n2017\n2016\n2015\n2013\n2012\n2011
URL:https://www.medamd.com/event/2026-economic-development-week/
LOCATION:MD
CATEGORIES:Economic Development Week
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261006
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261008
DTSTAMP:20260515T122050
CREATED:20251218T164031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T195942Z
UID:82002-1791244800-1791417599@www.medamd.com
SUMMARY:2026 Main Street Maryland Conference
DESCRIPTION:Maryland’s many Main Streets are the heart of our vibrant and welcoming communities. The 2026 Main Street Maryland Conference\, organized by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA)\, will bring together community leaders\, economic development professionals\, small business advocates\, and local partners for two days of learning\, collaboration\, and inspiration focused on strengthening Maryland’s downtowns. \nBy registering\, you give MEDA permission to use your photo/video if captured during the conference. \nThe 2026 Main Street Maryland Conference is no longer seeking speakers for this year’s conference. If you’re interested in speaking at a future conference\, please leave your email below. For those who have submitted a proposal\, we will be making decisions by mid-June. \n\nHotel Choices\nWe’ve done the work for you! Please be certain to book with one of these trustworthy\, vetted hotel partners. Special rates are available for the nights of October 5 to October 8: \n\nHoliday Inn Express & Suites Hagerstown for $149/night. Click here to book online.\nTru by Hilton for $134/night. Click here to book online.\nHomewood Suites by Hilton for $159/night. Click here to book online.\nHome2Suites $159/night. Click here to book online.\nSpringHill Suites by Marriott Hagerstown for $154/night. Click here to book online.\nCourtyard by Marriott Hagerstown for $154/night. Click here to book online.\nHampton Inn Hagerstown I-81 for $164/night. Click here to book online and use code ‘Main Street Maryland’\n\n\nSponsor the 2026 Main Street Maryland Conference\n\n \nExplore Sponsorship Opportunities \nMake a Payment \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin the Main Street Maryland Conference Email List!\nEmail Address *
URL:https://www.medamd.com/event/2026-main-street-maryland-conference/
LOCATION:Hagerstown\, MD
CATEGORIES:Conference
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261022
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261023
DTSTAMP:20260515T122050
CREATED:20251210T194535Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T143049Z
UID:81813-1792627200-1792713599@www.medamd.com
SUMMARY:2026 MEDA Fall Conference
DESCRIPTION:When: October 22\, 2026\nWhere: Harford County\, MD\nMore information will be coming soon!
URL:https://www.medamd.com/event/2026-meda-fall-conference/
LOCATION:MD
CATEGORIES:Conference
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