Plan your NEDC26 experience

Join us for the official opening of NEDC26, beginning with a Welcome to Country and opening remarks as we welcome delegates to Hobart, Nipaluna. This session will set the scene for the conference ahead and introduce the ideas, themes and conversations that will shape NEDC26.

Explore the evolution of Brand Tasmania and discover how the state's brand has been shaped, strengthened and brought to life to tell a more distinctive story about Tasmania.

Australia's regions are experiencing structural change at very different speeds and in very different ways. Dr Jen Rayner will introduce Deloitte Access Economics' Diversification Compass, a new framework for understanding how economic transition is unfolding across Australia's regions.

Drawing on original research and place-based analysis, you'll explore five distinct transition archetypes, see where structural shifts are emerging, and learn how to spot risks before decline becomes entrenched. The session will also highlight where diversification opportunities are opening up and how these insights can inform stronger, more resilient local economic development strategies.

Andrew Wear will present findings from a new report developed with Economic Development Australia and Econovation, drawing on perspectives from local government CEOs and General Managers across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote Australia.

You'll hear what senior council leaders see as the real priorities for economic development, from housing, infrastructure and workforce capability to investment, productivity and industry competitiveness, and where they see the biggest opportunities for economic development teams to add value.

Andrew will then facilitate a panel discussion with local government CEOs, exploring how councils can strengthen economic leadership, improve whole-of-organisation alignment and ensure economic development is part of the strategic conversation.

Take a moment to reflect on the ideas, insights and conversations from Day One as our MC brings the conference sessions to a close.

Then it's time to head back, get ready and join colleagues for the National Economic Development Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner, celebrating outstanding work from across the sector!

Join our MC for a warm welcome to Day Three, with a quick look ahead at the final day's sessions, conversations and opportunities to connect.

Diane Dixon will showcase the SA Innovation Places Framework and how South Australia is using a more coordinated approach to strengthen innovation precincts, attract investment and support economic growth.

You'll hear how the framework connects place, industry, research and government to build stronger innovation ecosystems, and what other regions can learn from South Australia's approach to turning innovation assets into investment-ready opportunities.

Sorita McGrane will explore Indigenous community economic development in Tasmania, sharing how locally led approaches can create opportunity, strengthen enterprise and support more inclusive economic participation.

Joined by other voices from across the sector, Sorita will highlight the role of partnership, community leadership and place-based action in building stronger, more inclusive local economies and creating long-term outcomes for Indigenous communities.

Grab a drink, settle in and get ready for what has fast become a highlight of NEDC!

Two teams will go head-to-head on a big investment attraction question: if Amazon called tomorrow, would you say yes?

The debate will test the case for and against actively recruiting and incentivising a major multinational to establish facilities, headquarters, data centres, logistics hubs or other significant investments in a city, region or country. Expect strong arguments, competing priorities and plenty of food for thought on the opportunities, risks and trade-offs that come with major investment decisions.

Join Economic Development Australia (EDA) Chair Greg Bowden and MC Jeremy Crawford for the official close of NEDC26, reflecting on the key ideas, insights and conversations from across the conference.

The session will bring together the major themes from the program, acknowledge the contributions of speakers, partners and delegates, and look ahead to how the connections and learnings from Hobart can continue beyond the conference.