2026 Emerging Executives Forum, presented by ECS Southeast and Lenoir County Development Alliance

From Collaboration to Leadership:
Growing Your Impact in Economic Development

Join us May 11-12 in Kinston for two energizing days designed to help you grow your economic development network and sharpen your professional toolkit! This year’s agenda is packed with engaging, practical sessions that will benefit emerging leaders at every stage.

You’ll hear from seasoned professionals on how to build stronger partnerships and collaborations, gain insight into what your role looks like during site visits, and explore key strategies to help you step confidently into future leadership positions. We’ll also dive into international business etiquette and wrap up with interactive roundtables where you can deepen your understanding of North Carolina’s incentive funding programs.

Come learn, connect, and elevate your career alongside peers from across the state!

FORUM DETAILS

The meeting locations and general schedule are posted below for planning purposes. Attire for the full event is business casual.

VIEW THE AGENDA HERE

VIEW THE REGISTRANT LIST HERE
current as of 04.23.26

Monday, May 11
(Note: The optional activities are complimentary, but you’ll need to sign up separately so we can plan accurately. Be sure to check the “Additional Items” section to add them to your registration!)

• Optional Tour at Simply Natural Creamery (Snow Hill • 1 - 2 pm)
• Optional NC Global TransPark Tour (Kinston • 2:30 - 3:30 pm)
• Welcoming Reception (6:30 - 8 pm)

Tuesday, May 12

• Breakfast (8 - 9 am)
• Forum General Session (9 am – 12:45 pm)
• Luncheon (12:45 – 2 pm)

LODGING DETAILS

NCEDA has a group block at the Mother Earth Motor Lodge for the night of May 11, but it is full! There is an overflow block coordinated with the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Kinston. Our group rate is $139++. Please call the hotel and ask for the NCEDA Block: 252.208.7878. The group code is "NCES", and our deadline is May 3.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!