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NCEDA 2026 Annual Conference, presented by ECS Southeast

June 17, 2026 - June 19, 2026

Description


Build Relationships, Share Ideas, and Shape the Future at the 2026 Annual Conference!

Join colleagues from across North Carolina June 17–19 in Wilmington for a family-friendly event along the scenic Cape Fear River. With 300+ economic development professionals expected, this is a premier opportunity to build connections, exchange ideas, and engage with peers from across the state.

The conference features outstanding networking opportunities, engaging activities, and timely discussions on the issues shaping North Carolina’s economy, including:

  • Leadership-focused keynote on professional development
  • State competitiveness and site selector insights
  • Transportation and infrastructure updates
  • Healthcare and workforce trends
  • Business development strategies
  • Ethics in economic development

We’re excited to offer breakout sessions this year, giving attendees the opportunity to participate in interactive discussions on a range of timely and relevant topics.

Whether you’re looking to gain new insights, strengthen relationships, or reconnect with colleagues, this conference offers meaningful value both professionally and personally. We look forward to seeing you in Wilmington!

CONFERENCE DETAILS

All conference functions will be held at the Hotel Ballast, except for some optional activities. Optional activities have a separate registration fee and are detailed under 'Additional Items'. Tabletop exhibits are available, and you can reserve a table by selecting the Exhibitor option under 'Additional Items'.

Attire for the full conference is resort casual. The schedule is listed below for planning purposes, and the agenda will be posted as we get closer to the conference.

Wednesday, June 17

  • Optional Activities (Wilmington Area • late morning/afternoon)
  • Connector's Network Reception for Emerging Execs, New Members, Board Members, NCCED Holders, and Mentorship Program Participants (Hotel Ballast • 4:45 - 5:30 pm)
  • Welcoming Reception (Hotel Ballast • 5:30 - 7 pm)
  • Optional Activity (Sunset Cruise • 7:30 - 9 pm)
  • Dinner On Your Own (Wilmington Area)

Thursday, June 18

  • Optional Fun Run (Riverwalk • 6 - 7 am)
  • Breakfast (Hotel Ballast • 7:30 - 8:30 am)
  • Conference General Session (Hotel Ballast • 8:30 am – 12:30 pm)
  • Optional Activities (Wilmington Area • afternoon)
  • Dinner Networking Reception & Awards Celebration (Hotel Ballast • 6:30 – 9:30 pm)

Friday, June 19

  • Optional Yoga (Hotel Ballast Patio • 6 - 7 am)
  • Breakfast (Hotel Ballast • 7:30 - 8:30 am)
  • Conference General Session (Hotel Ballast • 8:30 am – Noon)
  • Conference Adjourns (Noon)

LODGING DETAILS

Main Hotel Block - Hotel Ballast (301 North Water Street)

  • Rate: $189/night++ ($224 rate for river view rooms)
  • Available Dates: Wednesday, June 17, and Thursday, June 18 (A smaller number of rooms are available Tuesday night, June 16 for anyone who would like to arrive early, but please note that only the nights of June 17 and June 18 are needed - be sure to edit your arrival date to 6/17 as the link defaults to a 6/16 check-in.)
  • Reservation Deadline: 05/15/2026 (note that the block will most likely fill up before then!)
  • Click HERE to make your reservation online or call 1.800.HILTONS and request the group code CED.

Overflow Option - Hampton Inn Downtown Wilmington (225 Grace Street)

  • Rate: $179/night++
  • Available Dates: Wednesday, June 17, and Thursday, June 18 (A smaller number of rooms are available Tuesday night, June 16 for anyone who would like to arrive early, but please note that only the nights of June 17 and June 18 are needed - be sure to edit your arrival date to 6/17 as the link defaults to a 6/16 check-in.)
  • Reservation Deadline: 05/17/2026
  • Click HERE to make your reservation online.

We will coordinate some additional overflow blocks as needed. There are also plenty of Airbnb and VRBO rentals available throughout historic downtown Wilmington, so consider exploring these options if you would like an alternate lodging option!

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsorship opportunities are now available, ranging from $500 - $5,000. Don’t miss your chance to showcase your organization at one of NCEDA’s premier events! Review the sponsorship levels and benefits below, along with the companies already committed to supporting the conference.

Ready to get involved? Click HERE to view the sponsor benefits, and contact Liz to secure your sponsorship for the 2026 Annual Conference!

THANK YOU TO OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS!


Location

Hotel Ballast
301 North Water Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Pricing

GENERAL REGISTRATION OPTIONS

Member Registration: $725 ($625 early bird rate valid through June 5)

Emerging Executives Member Registration: $550 ($450 early bird rate valid through June 5)

Retiree Member Registration: $550 ($450 early bird rate valid through June 5)

Emeritus Member Registration: $200

Student Member Registration: $25

Non-Member Registration: $1,050 ($950 early bird rate valid through June 5)

Spouse / Guest Registration: $200 (includes Wednesday and Thursday evening receptions and breakfast Thursday and Friday mornings)

Child Registration (ages 6-20): $50 (includes Wednesday and Thursday evening receptions and breakfast Thursday and Friday mornings)

Child Registration (ages 5 and under): Complimentary

Children are welcome at the evening functions. We encourage you to bring your entire family! If you have a child aged 21 or over attending, please register them using the Spouse/Guest option.

OPTIONAL REGISTRATION ACTIVITIES

There will be an opportunity for table-top exhibits! Please select the 'exhibitor' option under 'Additional Items".

Wednesday, June 17 Activities:

  • Golf Outing: $75 (tee times starting at 9:24 am)
  • Half-Day Fishing Excursion: $220 (11:30 am - 4 pm; includes lunch and beverages)
  • E-Bike Tour de Wilmington: $75 (1 - 3 pm)
  • Kayaking Waterway Tour: $50 (1:30 - 3:30 pm)
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding Waterway Tour: $50 (1:30 - 3:30 pm)
  • Cinespace Studios Tour: Complimentary (1:30 - 3:30 pm)
  • Wilmington Pedal Pub Beer Trolley: $45 (1:30 - 3:30 pm)
  • Sunset Cruise: $70 (7:30 - 9 pm; includes light hors d'oeuvres)

Thursday, June 18 Activities:

  • NCEDA Fun Run: Complimentary (6 - 7 am)
  • NC Wilmington Ports Tour: Complimentary (1:30 - 3:30 pm)
  • Wrightsville Beach Shuttle: Complimentary (1:15 – 5 pm)
  • Cornhole Tournament: $25 (2 - 4 pm; proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen)

Friday, June 19 Activity:

  • Yoga: $10 (6 - 7 am)

EARLY BIRD PRICING AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Registrations submitted by Friday, June 5, are eligible for the early bird registration rate, a $100 savings. NCEDA member and non-member rates increase $100 if submitted after Friday, June 5.

Refunds can be made (minus a $25 processing fee) if cancellations are received by Friday, June 5, at 5 pm. For cancellations, please call 888.246.2332 or email liz@nceda.org. No refunds will be granted after June 5.

View Event

Contact Information

NCEDA
Name: Liz Dobbins-Smith
Phone: 888.246.2332
Email: liz@nceda.org

Click the "See More" link above to view all event details, including the presentation and sponsorship opportunities! 

To register, please enter your email address below and click the "Go" button to the right of the email address box. If you are a member of NCEDA, this will allow you to select one of the member registration options, and all of your contact information will auto-populate to make the registration process easier.

  • If you are a colleague of an NCEDA member and are registering them for the event, be sure to enter THEIR email address. This is the only way our system recognizes the membership and allows you to select the discounted member registration option.
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