2026 National Economic Development Conference

Place to Prosperity. Innovation, transition and investment attraction.

Hobart, Nipaluna

13 to 15 October 2026, Crowne Plaza

kunanyi / Mount Wellington

Dates

13 to 15 October 2026

Venue

Crowne Plaza, Hobart

Format

Three days, plus an optional tour on 16 October

Registration

Open now

Place to Prosperity

Registrations are open for the 2026 National Economic Development Conference, held in Hobart (Nipaluna) with the theme Place to Prosperity: Innovation, Transition and Investment Attraction.

From 13 to 15 October, the City of Hobart hosts Australia's economic developers for a dynamic three day event. The conference explores how places can position themselves to prosper in a time of economic transition by leveraging innovation, attracting investment, and building resilient, inclusive local economies.

Keynote presentations, study tours, panel discussions, interactive workshops, a live debate and breakout sessions feature experts sharing innovative thinking and global best practice, to support economic developers meeting the challenges of today amidst transitioning industries and communities.

Read the five reasons to attend flyer

Presented by Economic Development Australia

Program overview

Four days, Hobart

Tuesday 13 October

Study tours and welcome reception

NEDC26 begins with immersive study tours, taking delegates beyond the conference room and into the places, industries and ideas shaping Tasmania's future.

Day one closes with the NEDC26 Welcome Reception, a chance to reconnect with national colleagues, meet new peers and ease into the conference with conversation, connection and Tasmanian hospitality.

Delegates talking over drinks at the NEDC welcome reception

Study tour The Blue Economy
Study tour Renewables, Green Economy and Advanced Manufacturing
Study tour Sustainable Agriculture
Evening NEDC26 Welcome Reception

Wednesday 14 October

Plenaries, keynotes and the Awards Gala Dinner

Day two launches the main conference program with plenary sessions, keynote presentations and expert panels exploring the ideas, opportunities and leadership challenges shaping the future of places across Australia.

A full plenary audience seated in Hobart City Hall

Plenary Place branding and investment attraction
Plenary Community engagement and influencing decision makers
Plenary Precincts, activation and event strategy
Plenary Liveability, prosperity and regional resilience
Plenary Targeted AI implementation
Evening National Economic Development Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner

Thursday 15 October

Keynotes, masterclasses, workshops and a live debate

Day three builds on the momentum, translating big ideas into practical frameworks, tools and approaches. A mix of strategic insight, practical learning and interactive discussion leaves delegates ready to take new ideas back to their communities.

Four panellists in conversation on stage at NEDC

Theme Place based economies and the Shorefast approach
Theme Investment frameworks
Theme Indigenous economic development
Theme Industry, business and workforce development
Theme Economic development career pathways and leadership
Theme Regenerative tourism

Friday 16 October

Optional post conference study tour

Extend your NEDC26 experience with the post conference study tour, focused on Hobart's creative and cultural economy. It explores how arts, culture, heritage and community spaces contribute to Greater Hobart's identity, liveability and long term prosperity.