2008 Annual Training Conference
Friday, October 3-Tuesday, October 7 2008
Hilton Anchorage
500 West Third Avenue
Anchorage, AK, 99501
907.272.7411
$135 single and $150 double
North to the Future
Alaska’s state motto.
NADO’s 2008 Annual Training Conference theme.
Both signify promise and forward thinking.
Over 650 regional development practitioners, policy makers and other stakeholders are expected to attend NADO’s 2008 Annual Training Conference, October 3 - 7, in Anchorage.
Don’t miss this opportunity to:
•Share ideas and strategies
•Exchange information
•Re-kindle and expand your peer network
•Broaden your regional development perspectives
•Learn about new and innovative approaches to regional development
As we convene in America’s northernmost state, we will look toward the future of regional approaches to community and economic development in the context of today’s world: global climate change, increased competition for federal domestic spending funds, evolving work force with new ethics and expectations, changing community demographics, turbulent economy both here and abroad, aging infrastructure systems, and a host of challenges that lie ahead.
But for all the challenges ahead, opportunities abound as well, and regional development organizations are leaders in energy innovations, environmental stewardship, regional transportation delivery, work force enhancement, economic resurgence, community creativity and resilience. RDOs are a piece of the community and economic development puzzle that cannot be left unturned.
Regional development organizations must continue to strengthen their positions as leaders that can bring their regions forward to the future. NADO’s 2008 Annual Training Conference will offer a full slate of opportunities to hear from change–makers and movers and shakers, to share experiences (those that worked and those that did not) with each other, to think about new solutions to old problems (or tried and true strategies for new challenges) and to learn from an eclectic and exciting group of regional community and economic development practitioners and policy makers.
Over the course of the 5-day conference, attendees will be able to:
•Explore the region as part of several mobile labs (both before and during the conference) that will offer insight into the unique challenges faced by rural Alaska’s communities and regions while also offering solid examples for replication in the lower 48.
•Participate in a series of learning circles structured to engage the group in spirited discussion about topics of importance to their regions and their organizations, promoting priceless and riveting peer information exchanges.
•Join your peers in a series of best practice sessions. Hear from peers and other industry experts about programs that work – learn how they were developed, why they succeed, how they were financed and much more as you consider ideas for implementation in your region.
•Attend several thought-provoking plenary sessions that are sure to stimulate your mind, while also causing you to reflect on your region and organization in a new light – one of change and excitement, one that gets you jazzed to create new opportunities to move your region forward to the future.
Preliminary Schedule-at-a-Glance+
The conference agenda is not quite final, but the following preliminary schedule will help you as you plan your flights and hotel room booking. A full brochure will be available at the end of February and will be sent to all NADO members as soon as it is printed. Be sure to visit this Web site regularly for conference updates – including detailed descriptions of all mobile labs, learning labs, best practice sessions and learning circles – and other information about Anchorage and Alaska.
Friday, October 3rd
9am – 5pm: Mobile Lab – The Kenai Peninsula: Microcosm of Alaska’s Economy*
9am – 5pm: Mobile Lab – Talkeetna: Thriving Gateway Community*
6 – 8pm: NADO Executive Committee and Research Foundation Board Meetings (Dinner)
Saturday, October 4th
8:30 – 11:45am: Legislative and Policy Roundtable Discussion Groups
12:30 – 3:30pm: Food for Thought Entrepreneurship Mobile Lab*
1:00 – 4pm: Mobile Lab – A Neighborhood in Motion*
1:00 – 4pm: Best Practice Learning Lab for Executive Directors
4 – 6pm: NADO Board Meeting
Sunday, October 5th
8:30 – 9:45am: Regional Member Caucuses
10am – 12pm: NADO Nominating Committee
10 – 11:30am: Peer Networking Learning Circles
10 – 11:30am: Best Practice Learning Lab for Executive Directors
10 – 11:30am: Learning Lab for Policy Officials
12 – 4pm: Mobile Lab Scenic Byway Tour of the Seward Highway
6 – 9pm: Opening Reception and Dinner
Monday, October 6th
7:45 – 8:45am: DDAA Annual Breakfast
9 – 10:30am: Opening Plenary
10:45am – 12pm: Best Practice Sessions
10:45am – 12pm: Peer Network Learning Circles
12 – 1:45pm: Luncheon with Special Guest Speaker
2 – 3:15pm: Best Practice Sessions
2 – 5pm: Mobile Labs*
3:30 – 4:45pm: Best Practice Sessions
Tuesday, October 7th
7:30 – 8:30am: Innovations Photo Session
9 – 10:15am: Innovations Plenary
10:30 – 11:45am: Best Practice Sessions
10:30 – 11:45am: Peer Network Learning Circles
12 – 3pm: Mobile Lab*
1:45 – 3pm: Closing Plenary
3:15 – 5:15pm: Annual Business Meeting followed by Board Meeting
6:30 – 7pm: Cash Bar reception
7 – 9pm: President’s Award Banquet
+Subject to change; please check site regularly for updates.
*Subject to change and additional fee required.
The conference brochure and registration form will be available here soon.
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