Washington Conference 2023

Overview

March 12 to March 15, 2023

Crystal Gateway Marriott

1700 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA 22202

Join the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) and the Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA) for sessions focused on regional development, the federal landscape, and the programs and policies that matter most to Regional Development Organizations and their stakeholders.

A special thank you to our conference sponsors:

 

View the 'What to Know Before You Go' reference guide which contains general event information to help participants prepare to attend the conference.

The NADO Research Foundation is excited to host “An Afternoon with the Districts,” a free half-day, interactive training and networking event on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Arlington, Virginia immediately following the NADO & DDAA Washington Conference. During this event, delivered as part of the EDD Community of Practice, participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn about the latest news and funding opportunities from EDA headquarters staff
  • Discuss recent trends in regional economic development
  • Hear from partner organizations and participate in small group discussions
  • Network with peers
  • And much more…

The session will be held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott (the same location as the NADO & DDAA Washington Conference) and includes lunch.

The final agenda is available here.

Code of Conduct Policy

During this conference participants are expected to maintain a professional environment. Discrimination, harassment, and conduct that can be considered unprofessional, disruptive, inappropriate, or discourteous will not be tolerated. To view the interim code of conduct policy adopted by the NADO Executive Committee in March 2023, click here.

Registration Rates

  • DDAA Member: $485.00
  • DDAA Member's Spouse/Guest: $210
  • NADO Member (Non-DDAA): $550.00 (Associate, General), $485.00 (All other upgraded levels)
  • NADO Members' Spouse/Guest: $210.00
  • Non-Member: $685.00
  • Non-Members' Spouse/Guest: $210.00

Click here to register for the conference. 

Questions about registration? Contact Krystal DeLeon at [email protected]

Book Hotel

About the Hotel

Crystal Gateway Marriott provides the perfect home base for your visit to the Washington, D.C. area. Ideally located in Arlington, VA, this hotel is near Reagan National Airport (DCA) and the Crystal City Metro. The exciting new National Landing development is close by, as are Pentagon City; downtown Washington D.C. and Old Town Alexandria. Stylishly refreshed hotel accommodations showcase deluxe bedding, Smart TVs, walk-in showers and city views.

HOTEL UPDATE
The hotel room block at the conference hotel, the Crystal Gateway Marriott, for the 2023 NADO & DDAA Washington Conference is full. 

  • If you do not have a room and are in need of one, please contact Brittany Salazar by email [email protected].
  • If you have reserved a room(s) that you will not need, please do not cancel your reservations. Instead, contact Brittany Salazar directly and she will make your room available for conference attendees on the waiting list.

Room Rate

$199 (weekend)/ $274 (weekday) +tax

Questions about the hotel? Contact Brittany Salazar at [email protected]

When to Arrive

Conference content will begin on the morning of Sunday 3/12 for NADO Executive Committee members, NADO Board members, NADO Research Foundation Advisory Committee Members, and DDAA Board Members. On Sunday 3/12 in the evening, there is an opening reception held for all NADO members, and a dinner held for DDAA members. Conference plenary and breakout sessions begin at 9am ET on Monday 3/13 and continue through 12pm ET on Wednesday 3/15. A post-conference training for the EDD Community of Practice will be held on Wednesday afternoon from 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. at the conference hotel.  

Crystal Gateway Marriott
1700 Richmond Highway, Arlington, Virginia, USA, 22202

Tel: +1 703-920-3230

Airports

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Distance From Property: 2 Miles
Phone Number: +1 703-417-8000
Airport Shuttle: Complimentary
Alternate Airport Transportation: Airport Shuttle Service runs 5am to midnight every 30 min. Last hotel departure at 11:30pm.

Washington Dulles International Airport
Distance From Property: 27 Miles
Phone Number: +1 703-572-2700
Alternate Airport Transportation: Washington Flyer

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Distance From Property: 37 Miles
Phone Number: +1 410-859-7111
Alternate Airport Transportation: Super Shuttle

 

Other Transportation

On-Property (conference hotel):
Onsite Car Rental Company: Hertz

StartEndLineImpactStations ClosedWork Performed
Nov 6 , 2022May 31 , 2023Yellow lineShutdown between Pentagon and L'Enfant Plaza. No Yellow Line service. Stations will be served by Green and Blue lines.NoneYellow Line Bridge and Tunnel Rehabilitation Project

2023 NADO & DDAA Washington Conference Agenda

Updated Conference Agenda Available  

Click here to view the latest conference agenda. Session topics include:

  • Latest news and funding opportunities from federal agencies
  • Recent trends in regional economic development
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Advocacy
  • Broadband 
  • GIS mapping
  • Infrastructure and energy
  • Workforce development
  • Entrepreneurship and tech sector jobs
  • Tourism and economic development
  • Climate Smart Municipalities 

And much more…

NADO on the Hill

Attendees are encouraged to spend time on Capitol Hill educating your members of Congress about your work. Hill meetings are self-directed. If you need help securing contact information for Hill staffers and schedulers, please contact Jamie McCormick at [email protected].

Please note that only the Senate will be in session during the week of March 13, 2023, but this window of time still lends a valuable opportunity to meet with Hill staffers in both Senate and House offices. To view the 2023 Congressional Calendar, click here.  

Speak

Please send speaker inquiries to Mirielle Burgoyne.

Promote your business at the Washington Conference!

We are seeking potential sponsors to help support and elevate the NADO & DDAA Washington Conference!

Take advantage of this opportunity to get your company’s name and message in front of our conference attendees from organizations across the country that collectively assist thousands of cities and counties with community development, economic development, regional planning, and providing various public services to their communities. 

The Washington Conference is NADO’s policy meeting which overlaps with DDAA’s Annual Conference and brings in an expected audience size of roughly 400 attendees, including many federal government officials. These decision makers could be the perfect audience to provide information to and about your company's products and services.

View our Sponsorship Brochure which outlines the various levels of support you can choose from. If you do not see an option that fits your needs/budget, we are happy to work with you to create a customized package to guarantee the best value for your contribution and ensure the partnership is mutually beneficial. 

Feel free to fill out and return the sponsor form (page 4 of brochure) to confirm your spot as an official 2023 NADO & DDAA Washington Conference Sponsor!

Contact Brittany Salazar at [email protected] for more information about sponsorships.

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Contact Joe D'Antonio

Regional Development Researcher Andrew Coker joined the NADO team in March of 2023 after spending two and a half years as the Regional Economic Resiliency Coordinator at West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District. Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree from Hendrix College and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service.

At NADO, Andrew conducts research on the newest economic and community development best practices from Economic Development Districts across the country. He helps produce easily digestible information on complex regional issues through case studies, tip sheets, and research reports. Andrew also hosts training and professional development opportunities including conference sessions and virtual webinars for member regional development organizations.

Andrew is one of our Missouri-based team members and enjoys reading and training for his next triathlon.

Jack Morgan came to the NADO team in 2022 after seven years with the National Association of Counties (NACo) as a Program and Senior Program Manager. Prior to NACo, Jack was a Policy Analyst for Friends of Southwest Virginia. Jack holds a bachelor’s in geography from Emory & Henry College and a master’s in geography from Appalachian State University.

As a NADO Senior Program Manager, Jack leads capacity-building and peer-learning work supporting energy communities in economic transition, regional resilience, and recreation economies. He also helps with the EDA-Austin training program Emerging Leaders.

Jack is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and is a member of the American Planning Association (APA) in the Regional & Intergovernmental Planning division. He also serves on the Emory & Henry College Alumni Board.

Taking road trips, reading non-fiction, and indulging in top-notch barbecue and coffee round out Jack’s days. He loves maps, mountains, and of course, all things sports.

Karron Grant joined the NADO team in 2023 as Administrative Specialist and is the first face (or voice) you’ll see or hear when reaching out to NADO. As Administrative Specialist, Karron manages our database and coordinates NADO event operations. He ensures members’ needs are met, contact information stays current, and NADO’s office is running efficiently.

Karron came to NADO after four years in the classroom teaching at The New Century School and Old Mill Middle North where he received the Patriot of the Year award. He attended Towson University and the University of Maryland Global Campus and holds a bachelor’s in international studies and humanities.

Visiting art galleries and museums, playing basketball and bowling, and taking in movies and music are some of Karron’s interests and hobbies.

Deputy Executive Director Laurie Thompson has been with NADO for 25 years. Laurie helps keep the NADO and NADO Research Foundation wheels turning through management of the daily operations of the Research Foundation, securing financial resources and overseeing grants management, and helping execute NADO’s Annual Training Conference each year.

Laurie holds a bachelor’s in public affairs and government from Mount Vernon College and a master’s in health services administration from The George Washington University. Prior to NADO, Laurie spent time as a Field Specialist and an Eagle Staff Fund Director at First Nations Development Institute.

When she’s taking a rare reprieve from her NADO work, Laurie enjoys traveling domestically and internationally to visit friends and family.

Jamie McCormick joined the NADO team as a Policy Fellow first in 2019, then moved into her current role as Legislative Associate in 2021. As Legislative Associate, Jamie keeps NADO members apprised of any policy and regulatory issues and communicates NADO’s policy priorities to federal stakeholders and partner organizations. She is also the first stop for members with inquiries on policy issues. The planning and execution of NADO & DDAA’s annual Washington Conference is also managed by Jamie.

Jamie holds a dual bachelor’s in political science and international relations from The State University of New York College at Geneseo and a master’s in international development studies from The George Washington University. In addition to her roles at NADO, Jamie also worked as a Legislative Assistant for the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association.

Outside of her NADO work, Jamie is an active volunteer with the VOLO Kids Foundation and a fundraiser for YMCA youth programs. She is also NADO’s resident baker regularly providing treats for those in NADO’s D.C. office. Traveling, taking her pup on walks, and hiking in the northeast keep Jamie busy. 

Brett Schwartz began at NADO in 2012 as a Research Fellow after earning his J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law. The following year, he was promoted to Program Manager and has now been leading as an Associate Director since 2018. Brett is responsible for managing NADO’s Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), as well as researching and monitoring the latest trends in regional economic development and resilience, including best practices for the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). With more than a decade of experience on the NADO team, Brett is a dynamic relationship builder helping connect and build capacity among the national network of regional development organizations.

Brett also holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a master’s from Trinity College Dublin, as well as a certificate in mediation training. He’s a member of Catalyst Grantmakers of San Diego and Imperial Counties and was a participant in the 2021-22 Field Trips to the Future Cohort.

Brett is one of NADO’s West Coast team members residing in San Diego, CA where he enjoys spending time outdoors, attending concerts and festivals, and soaking up life as a parent of two young children.  

Communications Manager Katie Allison joined the team in 2023 to lead the strategic communication efforts of NADO. Katie creates and develops print and online materials, communicates NADO’s updates to members via weekly emails, and maintains content for nado.org and NADO’s social media channels. She also works with different departments to generate new ideas and strategies to effectively describe and promote the important work NADO is doing for EDDs and RDOs across the country.

An experienced nonprofit communications professional, Katie has worked for organizations in western North Carolina for nearly a decade. She holds a bachelor’s in communications from Wingate University where she was a four-year student athlete. Katie has also completed Vision Henderson County, a comprehensive leadership development program that promotes informed and committed civic volunteerism.

Katie stays busy trying to keep up with her two young sons whom she enjoys exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains with. Traveling to new and favorite places and cheering on the Atlanta Braves are some of her family’s favorite pastimes.

Senior Program Manager Ciara Ristig has been a member of the NADO team since 2021, and helps with NADO’s EDD Community of Practice, EDD staff capacity building and other grants on a range of subjects, including equity and solar energy. Before NADO, Ciara worked as a Planner for the County of Santa Barbara and an Assistant Project Manager for REM Consult. Ciara holds a bachelor’s in urban studies and French from Bryn Mawr and a master’s in urban studies from Ecole d’Urbanisme de Paris.

When she’s not traveling, you can find her outrigger paddling and serving on the board of the Blue Sky Center in New Cuyama, CA, near her home base of Santa Barbara.

Carrie Kissel has been a member of the NADO team since 2005 when she began as a Research Fellow. She later moved into the roles of Program Manager in 2006, and then Associate Director in 2011. Carrie holds a bachelor’s in anthropology from Ball State University and a master’s in public anthropology from American University. As Associate Director, Carrie oversees NADO’s work in rural transportation and rural wealth creation. She provides technical assistance and support to rural regions on transportation and economic development issues and develops training and peer exchange events on transportation issues and rural wealth creation as an economic development strategy.

Carrie is a member of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and secretary of TRB’s Rural Transportation Issues Coordinating Council. She is also a member of the American Anthropological Association and the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology.

Reading, gardening, hiking, and kayaking are a few of Carrie’s hobbies, and she organizes and facilitates a DEI/social justice-focused book club in her community.

Melissa Levy has worked at NADO as a Regional Development Researcher since February 2023 and is the Principal Consultant at her own firm specializing in wealth-based economic development consulting. With a career spanning nearly 30 years, Melissa brings a breadth of knowledge to her role as a Regional Development Researcher. Melissa provides in-depth research, coaching, and training on regional economic resilience, rural wealth creation strategies, and economic development.

Melissa is a North American Food Systems Network trained AgriCluster Resilience and Expansion (ACRE) facilitator and a WealthWorks coach, facilitator, and trainer. In addition to her professional work, Melissa serves on the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Council, on the board of the Hinesburg Community Resource Center, and on the Hinesburg Economic Development Committee.

A true outdoorswoman, Melissa enjoys cross country and downhill skiing, paddleboarding, hiking, biking, and kayaking, as well as yoga, and teaching Tai Chi.

Program Manager Krishna Kunapareddy began her role with NADO in February of 2023 after 14 years of service at Boonslick Regional Planning Commission in Missouri. Krishna manages NADO Research Foundation’s Planning and Environmental Linkages and Center for Environmental Excellence projects. In addition to researching and writing, Krishna also conducts virtual workshops on innovative tools and techniques related to transportation planning.

She holds an undergraduate degree from Andhra University and a master’s from JNT University in India, as well as a master’s in city and regional planning from the University of Texas at Arlington. Krishna is also a certified Smart Cities Academy Practitioner and holds the Location Advantage certificate from geographic information system software company ESRI.

In her spare time, Krishna volunteers with Mentors4College helping high schoolers better plan for their post-high school paths. She is also a dedicated advocate for documented H4 Dreamers.

Krystal DeLeon joined the NADO team in October of 2020 as Database & Grants Manger, but in January of 2022 transitioned to her current role as Operations Manager. Krystal keeps NADO running through behind the scenes work of invoicing, solving any database issues that may arise, producing membership reports, and much more. Her organizational skills and thorough knowledge help the NADO team operate more efficiently across all departments.

Prior to NADO, Krystal was the Conference Services Coordinator for State Services Organization. She is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), a licensed realtor, and holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Liberty University. When she’s not keeping NADO’s operations in order, Krystal enjoys running and rock climbing, and adventuring with her husband and son.

Senior Program Manager Bret Allphin joined NADO in April of 2022 bringing with him a wealth of knowledge after a 20-year career with Buckeye Hills Regional Council in Marietta, Ohio. In addition to his bachelor’s in political science and master’s in public affairs, Bret is licensed Geographical Information Systems Professional (GISP). He is NADO’s go-to team member for all things mapping while also supporting members with transportation and economic development technical assistance services.

An avid sports aficionado and former collegiate athlete, Bret enjoys cheering on his Cincinnati Reds, hitting the trails on his mountain bike, and improving his golf game whenever possible. Bret is an involved community member in Marietta dedicating much of his spare time to serving on local nonprofit boards.

Contact Karron Grant

Applications cannot be saved and returned to at a later time. It is recommended you compile all of your information in advance in a word processor and cut and paste into the application below.

2023 Impact Awards

The primary applicant must be a NADO member. Project partners, both NADO and non-members, can be recognized under "Project Partners" below.

Primary Project Contact:
This person will be the designated point of contact for all future awards-related correspondence.

Organization Address

Project Location (if different from Organization Address)

Executive Director

Additional Organizational Information
Please upload your organization's logo which will be included on the winning project award certificate.

Project Information
This title will be printed on the award certificate for winning projects and in all 2022 NADO Impact Award materials and cannot be changed.

Project Summary & Questions
Please craft clear, thoughtful, and engaging responses to the following questions. Use the following sections to tell us how your project has made an impact, such as its use of creative funding mechanisms, efforts to create efficiencies or reduce costs, unique partnership models, and emphasis on building resilience and/or enhancing your region's quality of life.

For award-winning projects, the information provided below may be used verbatim to inform project descriptions that will be published in the 2023 NADO Impact Awards materials and included on the NADO website.

Please submit at least one photo showing your project in action. Please keep file size to a minimum (<2Mb) and use JPEG format. If uploading multiple files, ZIP files prior to submitting. If you have trouble uploading images they can be directly emailed to Brett Schwartz at [email protected]. Include the project title they correspond to in the subject line of your email.

Note: Submitted photos may be used in NADO Impact Awards materials and in other NADO published materials with credit to your organization. Please also consider submitting photos for NADO's 2023 Photo Contest, which will be held this summer.


CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO SUBMIT THE APPLICATION - PLEASE BE PATIENT! IF YOU DO NOT SEE A CONFIRMATION, YOUR APPLICATION WAS NOT RECEIVED.
Your application is not submitted until you are directed to a confirmation page. If you have any questions or are unsure if your application has been submitted, please contact Brett Schwartz at [email protected]

Contact Melissa Levy

Contact Krishna Kunapareddy

Contact Andrew Coker

Contact Lara Gale

Contact Katie Allison

Contact Jack Morgan

Content Questions Form

Registration Questions Form

Hotel Questions Form

New Speaker Inquiry

Job Listing Inquiry

Joe McKinney serves as Executive Director of the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO). Headquartered in Washington DC, NADO provides advocacy, education, research, and training for the nation’s 500+ regional planning and development organizations.

Joe has thirty-one years of experience having served in city, county, regional, national association, and government management since 1991. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a candidate for a master’s degree in Public Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill.

McKinney has provided congressional testimony on numerous occasions regarding the importance of regional development organizations in helping shape the nation’s economic growth. He is nationally recognized for promoting innovative solutions in areas such as planning and economic development, workforce development, transportation and transit, and aging services.

Contact Danny Tomares

Contact Dion Thompson-Davoli

Contact Ciara Ristig

Contact Bret Allphin

Contact Brett Schwartz

Contact Carrie Kissel

Contact Scott Brown

Contact Jamie McCormick

Contact Joe McKinney

Contact Krystal De Leon

Contact Brittany Salazar

Contact Laurie Thompson

Contact Mirielle Burgoyne