Hotel Ballast
301 North Water Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
GENERAL REGISTRATION OPTIONS
Member Registration: $725 ($625 early bird rate valid through May 30)
Emerging Executives Member Registration: $550 ($450 early bird rate valid through May 30)
Retiree Member Registration: $550 ($450 early bird rate valid through May 30)
Emeritus Member Registration: $200
Student Member Registration: $25
Non-Member Registration: $1,050 ($950 early bird rate valid through May 30)
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, they should be registered using the Spouse/Guest option.
OPTIONAL REGISTRATION ACTIVITIES
There will be an opportunity for table-top exhibits this year. Please select the 'exhibitor' option under 'Additional Items".
Wednesday, June 11 Activities:
Thursday, June 12 Activities:
Friday, June 13 Activities:
EARLY BIRD PRICING AND CANCELLATION POLICY
Registrations submitted by Friday, May 30, are eligible for the early bird registration rate, a $100 savings. NCEDA member and non-member rates increase $100 if submitted after Friday, May 30.
Refunds can be made (minus a $25 processing fee) if cancellations are received by Friday, May 30, at 5 pm. For cancellations, please call 888.246.2332 or email liz@nceda.org. No refunds will be granted after May 30.
Connect, Learn, and Celebrate at NCEDA's 2025 Annual Conference!
Join colleagues from across North Carolina for NCEDA's 2025 Annual Conference — a family-friendly event packed with outstanding networking opportunities, exceptional cuisine, engaging optional activities, and timely updates on key economic development issues, all set along the scenic Cape Fear River.
The conference planning committee is curating a dynamic agenda featuring insights from respected government, business, and education leaders. Highlights will include:
Whether you're looking to stay informed, spark new ideas, or strengthen connections, this conference offers real value for you professionally and personally. We can't wait to see you there!
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'.
Please note the schedule below for planning purposes. The agenda will be posted in May. Attire for the full conference is resort casual.
Wednesday, June 11
Thursday, June 12
Friday, June 13
LODGING DETAILS
NCEDA's block at the Ballast is full (the block opened in early April). If you want to be added to the Ballast waitlist, please contact Torsha Eubanks.
The overflow blocks we reserved are also full, and the downtown hotels have limited availability, so we cannot add any more rooms.
Many Airbnb and VRBO rentals are available in historic downtown Wilmington, so be sure to check out those options!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Support NCEDA as an Annual Conference sponsor! Click HERE to view the different sponsor levels and benefits. Contact Liz Dobbins-Smith with any questions!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!