Get ready for an inspiring program

The NEDC26 program brings together keynote speakers, thought provoking sessions, interactive workshops, breakout discussions, study tours and networking.

View full program

Guided by the theme Place to Prosperity: Innovation, Transition and Investment Attraction, the program explores the ideas, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of economic development, with a strong focus on practical insights, real world examples and meaningful connection.

Explore the overview below for a snapshot of what to expect across each day, or view the full conference program for session times, speakers, breakout options, workshops, study tours and special events.

Program overview

Four days, Hobart

13

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
14

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
15

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
16

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.

Gallery buildings on the Derwent River at Berriedale, north of Hobart
  • Study tour Hobart's creative and cultural economy

Join Australia's economic developers in Hobart

Registrations for NEDC26 are open, and study tour places are limited.

Register now Contact the team