Episode Details

What can attendees expect from the 2026 IEDC Annual Conference in New Orleans?

In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Nathan Ohle, President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), for an exclusive preview of the 2026 IEDC Annual Conference in New Orleans. As IEDC celebrates 100 years of economic development, Nathan shares how this milestone event will honor the profession's rich history while focusing on the innovations shaping its future.

The conversation explores why New Orleans was selected to host the centennial conference and how the city's resilience, culture, and economic transformation make it the perfect backdrop for this historic gathering. Nathan also provides a behind-the-scenes look at new conference experiences, including town halls, community tours, networking opportunities, and interactive sessions designed to help attendees build lasting connections.

A major focus of the conference is preparing economic developers for the future. Nathan discusses emerging topics such as artificial intelligence, system integration, workforce development, housing, and placemaking, explaining how these issues are reshaping communities around the world. He also offers practical advice for first-time attendees on maximizing networking opportunities, navigating the conference, and getting the most value from the experience.

Whether you're a seasoned economic developer or attending your first IEDC conference, this episode offers a roadmap for making the most of one of the profession's most significant events.

A key takeaway? The best conference experience isn't just about the sessions you attend—it's about the connections you make and the ideas you bring back to your community.

Key Takeaways

• The 2026 IEDC Annual Conference celebrates 100 years of economic development.

• New Orleans provides a powerful backdrop of resilience, culture, and innovation.

• AI, placemaking, housing, and workforce development are among the conference's major themes.

• New interactive formats and community tours will create deeper learning experiences.

• Networking is one of the most valuable aspects of the conference.

• Planning ahead and engaging early helps attendees maximize their conference experience.

Key Topics Covered

• Celebrating IEDC's 100th anniversary

• Why New Orleans was selected as the host city

• AI, system integration, housing, and workforce trends

• Placemaking and cultural economy

• Conference networking strategies

• Behind-the-scenes tours and special conference experiences

Sound Bites

"Best networking device is what you put in."

"The way we get to the centennial celebration will be unlike anything before."

"Show up at the first reception in the exhibit hall