The Select Oklahoma Conference on Economic Development, a premier gathering of business and industry leaders, policymakers, and economic development professionals, is set to take place on August 28-29, 2023 at the Omni Hotel in Oklahoma City. This highly anticipated event will provide a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaborative discussions to drive economic growth and innovation throughout the state.
The day-and-a-half conference will feature a mix of keynote, breakout and networking sessions focusing on a wide range of topics that are vital to Oklahoma’s economic and community development. Keynote presentations from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), a top national strategic planning expert and the recently announced 3Sun USA solar manufacturing project are also planned.
Participants will receive the latest information regarding tools, strategies, and solutions to help Oklahoma’s local economies emerge stronger and become more resilient. Networking sessions will provide ample opportunities for attendees to connect with industry peers, economic development professionals, policymakers, and potential collaborators.
“Our conference is targeted to economic, community and government leaders at the local and state levels, as well as businesses and professionals in allied fields, such as real estate, finance, utilities, tribal development, education, career training and non-profit partners. Together, these groups share and promote a common vision for creating and sustaining economic prosperity for Oklahoma,” said Andrew Ralston, Chairman of Select Oklahoma, the state’s professional economic development organization.
Conference Sessions Will Include
- Economic Development 101
- Emerging trends in site selection, workforce development and talent attraction
- State and federal programs, funding opportunities and incentives
- Site and infrastructure development in Oklahoma
- Successful business retention and expansion strategies in rural Oklahoma
- Tribal involvement in economic development projects
- Discussions on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts, training and suburban economic development
- How communities are addressing housing shortages
- Winning economic development projects
- Oklahoma’s current project pipeline
Conference General Session Highlights Include:
- The conference will begin on Monday, August 28 with a 12:00 Opening Luncheon featuring Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell and Dennis Alvord, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development & Chief Operating Officer, with the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
- Tuesday morning’s Keynote Presentation at 9 a.m. will focus on “Trends in Economic and Workforce Development” by Alysia A. Cook, Principal of Opportunity Strategies LLC, a professional facilitation, customized training, and strategic planning firm based in Austin, Texas.
- The Tuesday Luncheon will include a unique TED talk presentation that will explore Industry Training, TIF and Suburban Economic Development.
- The conference Closing Session will feature a Case Study on the 3Sun solar manufacturing project with Giovanni Bertolino, head of 3Sun USA. The company is planning their first phase of investment with a 2 million sq. ft. facility at the Tulsa Port of Inola that will employ around 1,000 workers.
- A pre-conference session on the film industry in Oklahoma is also planned on the
morning of August 28. More information will be available soon.
Conference “Early Bird” admission is $299.00 per person before July 21, $375 thereafter. One-day passes are available for $175. Conference attendees are eligible for IEDC professional certification credits.
Interested participants are encouraged to visit the conference website to register and explore sponsorship opportunities. Early registration is highly recommended due to limited availability.
Select Oklahoma’s Conference on Economic Development is organized and facilitated by Oklahoma’s professional economic development association. The group supports a healthy economy for the State of Oklahoma through legislative advocacy, education, training and development, professional collaboration, and supporting statewide efforts to recruit and retain primary jobs and capital investment.
