MEDA 2023 Annual Conference – Request for Speakers/Proposals

The 2023 MEDA Annual Conference will be held April 23-25, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge, Maryland.

Call for proposals: MEDA is seeking proposals /speakers for sessions at the 2023 Annual Conference. The sessions must be relevant to the conference theme and be of interest to a wide audience from across Maryland. We are seeking success stories, speakers, panel discussions, and more.

THEME: Harnessing Education for Economic Development

Maryland is an education-rich state with top public and private K-12, tech schools, community colleges, and universities from the mountains to the coast. Learn how your EDO can leverage these powerhouse assets to achieve maximum economic impact in terms of workforce, tax base, and jobs.

Suggested topics include (but are not limited to):

• Innovative intern and externship programs
• K-12 to career programs
• Technology transfer
• Workforce development
• Talent attraction and retention
• Research and development
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Both education and economic development Transform Lives. Education gives everyone a chance to acquire new knowledge and learn skills that will help them improve their life.

Studies have shown that graduates of tech schools, colleges and universities earn more and also tend to remain in the area after graduation and generate greater economic returns in their host communities and the region beyond (Brookings Institute). Hear success stories and learn how your EDO can partner with a local tech school, college or university to generate greater economic returns for your community.

Submission Process:

Please complete the online form (below) no later than 5:00 pm on November 20, 2022.

Late proposals will not be considered. MEDA does not allow sales-oriented (promotion of products, services, or consultation) 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 only minimal focus on their particular commercial entity and only as it relates to the topic or project being discussed. MEDA may invite legislators to moderate the panels, particularly when the subject matter extends into state policy or potential legislation.

MEDA’s educational sessions are typically 1 hour to 1.5 hours in length and focus on issues of interest to economic development professionals. It is strongly encouraged that a proposed session meets the conference theme. To ensure that MEDA presents a balanced conference with varying viewpoints, MEDA’s Annual Conference typically includes 4-5 panels and two to three keynote speakers.

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

Contact Information:

Any questions regarding this process may be directed to Sandy Dubay sandy@medamd.com or Pam Ruff pamr@medamd.com.