ANNOUNCING THE 2023 OREGON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE AGENDA!
SUNDAY, October 8th
7:00a – 3:00p | OCED Training: “Business Retention & Expansion”
**Separate Registration Required – CLICK HERE**
OCED Students registered for the BRE course can look forward to an exciting lineup of expert trainers, catered breakfast and lunch, and an extraordinary networking experience.
OCED students attending this course who are also attending the Conference will receive TWO Free Drink Tickets for the Welcome Reception in the Graduate Lounge!
4:00p | Hotel Check-in: Graduate Eugene
3:30p – 4:30p | OEDA Board Meeting
**Closed event**
5:00p – 7:00p | Conference Welcome Reception
Join us for our Welcome Reception to kick-off our 2023 Annual Oregon Economic Development Conference! YOUR FIRST BEVERAGE IS ON THE HOUSE, so be sure to join in the fun and networking.
MONDAY, October 9th
8:00a – 10:00a | BREAKFAST SESSION: “Understanding the 2023 Legislative Session”
Breakfast will be served at 7:30 am, followed by a Panel Presentation of Legislative Experts taking a deep dive into the 2023 Legislative Session and how it will impact economic development in Oregon.
10:00a – 10:30a | BREAK & Exhibitors
10:30a – 11:30a | AM BREAKOUT SESSIONS:
A: | The Ag Supply Chain as an Economic Development Target: “Agriculture, Food & Beverage are traded sectors too”
DESCRIPTION: While as an industry it accounts for a good portion of Oregon employment and export activity, agriculture may often be overlooked as an economic development target. SEDCOR, the Strategic Economic Development Corporation, has placed a strong emphasis on agriculture, its supply chain and AgTech in its work plan. This panel will address how one organization has defined its role in working with growers, value-added processors and associated supply chain industries and found new ways to engage with these businesses.
B: | “Outdoor Recreation Economy & Workforce Development in Oregon”
11:30a – 12:00p | BREAK & Exhibitors
12:00p – 1:30p | KEYNOTE LUNCHEON
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Chris Oxley, former Senior VP of Government Affairs and GM of Venues for the Portland Trailblazers.
Chris Oxley’s expansive career in sports, entertainment, music and high-end hospitality has spanned nearly three decades. Formerly, the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs & Strategic Initiatives for the Portland Trail Blazers, Chris is well-versed in the live event industry and it’s regional impact.
Chris led key initiatives that brought many historic events to Portland including the return of NCAA Championship Basketball to Oregon, Davis Cup Finals, Dew Action Sports Tour, PK80/Phil Knight Legacy and countless legendary concert and theatrical performances.
1:30p – 1:45p | BREAK
1:45p – 2:45p | PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS:
A: | “TIF Practitioner Roundtable: Guided Discussion on Key Challenges & Solutions”
B: | “Oregon’s Semiconductor Industry: what happened in 2023 and what’s next”
2:45p – 3:00p | BREAK
3:00p – 4:00p | GENERAL SESSION:
FEATURED SPEAKER: Mike Grella, Founder, Grella Partnership Strategies
Mike Grella, Founder of Grella Partnership Strategies (GPS), and Chief Infrastructure Officer to Active Infrastructure, brings over 28 years of experience in economic development, workforce development, corporate site selection, community engagement & planning, lobbying and public policy.
Mike created from the ground up and led Amazon.com and Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) Economic Development teams, facilitating investments representing many billion dollars of capital investment and hundreds of thousands new jobs in 30 states and 15 countries.
4:15p – 5:15p | PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS:
A: | 4:15p – 5:30p | PLACEMAKING ADVENTURE: “Walking Tour of Eugene”
Guided by Collaborative EDO & Travel Lane County
Attendees who have pre-registered for this exclusive tour will visit the Eugene SPARK Facility, the innovative developments within the 5th Street Market, and the Eugene Riverfront – 4:15 pm to 5:30 pm.
B: | 4:15p – 5:15p | SESSION: “Innovative solutions to connecting previously incarcerated and previously houseless to programs and employment in Oregon Communities”
5:15p – 6:00p | EVENING BREAK
6:00p – 8:00p | EXCELLENCE AWARDS BANQUET & OCED GRADUATION CEREMONY
Enjoy an elaborate chef-curated meal while we recognize and celebrate the incredible accomplishments of Oregon’s economic development community!
6:30p | Oregon Certified Economic Developer (OCED) Graduation Ceremony
7:00p | Awards of Excellence in Economic Development, presentation of our 2023 Award recipients
TUESDAY, October 10th
8:00a – 9:30a | BREAKFAST SESSION: “Business Oregon: New Organizational Structure, New Leadership & Roles, Innovation Hubs, and their Future Vision for Business Oregon”
DESCRIPTION: Breakfast will be served at 8:00 am, followed by a presentation by our partners at Business Oregon.
9:30a – 10:00a | BREAK
10:00a – 10:45a | GENERAL SESSION: “Driving Economic Impact Through Collaborative Partnerships in Downtowns through Tourism”
11:00a – 11:45a | GENERAL SESSION: “Exploring the Impact of AI on Economic Development”
FEATURED SPEAKER: Jameson Watts, the Dean of Willamette University’s School of Computing and Information Sciences.
DESCRIPTION: Join us as we explore the impact and possible implications that AI and automated technology may have on economic development in Oregon.
11:45a – 12:00p | BREAK
12:00p – 1:30p | LUNCHEON PANEL: “State of the Regions”
DESCRIPTION: Join us as we dig deep into the state of economic development across Oregon as highlighted by its regional leaders.