Little America Hotel
500 South Main Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
Sessions are currently being planned, but expect this year’s conference to focus on the most pressing issues facing communities and RDOs today, from housing and disaster recovery to workforce development, aging, AI, wealth creation strategies, CEDS planning, and much more. Sessions will also address ways to build organizational capacity at RDOs, including sessions on staffing, professional development and leadership, and grants management. Attendees will hear from national experts, exchange practical solutions with peers, and return home equipped with new tools and strategies to strengthen their regions. In today’s rapidly changing landscape, there’s never been a more important time to come together, learn from one another, and support the critical work of RDOs across the country.
Salt Lake City provides a vibrant and fitting backdrop to explore innovative approaches to regional planning and economic growth and this year’s nine mobile workshops will offer participants immersive experiences throughout the city and surrounding areas. These hands-on tours will showcase real-world examples of regional resilience and economic transformation, covering topics such as outdoor recreation, placemaking, workforce development, brownfields, the Winter Olympics, and much more.
Whether you’re a seasoned RDO leader or still figuring out what a CEDS is, the 2025 Annual Training Conference is the can’t-miss event of the year that offers unmatched value, insight, and connection. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of emerging trends, tested strategies to bring back to your region, and a renewed sense of purpose in the important work you do. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the national conversation shaping the future of regional economic development!
Online Registration has closed! On-site registration is available at the conference.
Email Kar’ron Grant at [email protected] for assistance with any of the following:
| Rate Type | Early Bird Rate (by 09/18/25) | Regular Rate (after 09/18/25) |
|---|---|---|
|
NADO Associate & General Members |
$725 |
$755 |
|
NADO Partner and Sustaining Members |
$700 |
$725 |
|
NADO Platinum & Platinum Plus Members |
$675 |
$705 |
|
NADO Diamond Members |
$655 |
$675 |
|
Spouse |
$325 |
$350 |
|
Student |
$175 |
$175 |
|
Non-Member |
$875 |
$900 |
|
Additional Mobile Workshop fees range from $15-$60, and can be added on during the registration process. Click here to view the mobile workshops. |
||
Nestled between the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountain Ranges in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, Little America is within walking distance to the best shopping, restaurants, cultural and sporting events the city has to offer, while also being only 30-40 minutes from several major ski resorts and 10 minutes from Salt Lake International Airport.
Use the button at right to make hotel reservations at the Little America online.
Hotel room rates:
Tower: $249 + tax
Garden: $199 + tax (limited availability)
Hotel reservation cut-off date: September 18, 2025
*This rate is guaranteed until September 18, 2025. After this date, rooms and rates are subject to availability. Additionally, this rate applies only until our reserved room block is full, which could happen prior to September 18, 2025. We recommend making your reservation as soon as possible to secure this rate.*
Salt Lake City International Airport is just 10 minutes from Little America Hotel.
Transportation Options:
Investing in Talent and Transit: A Look Inside Stadler Rail
Tuesday, October 14
8:20 – 11:30 a.m.
Additional Mobile Workshop Fee: $45
The Stadler Rail Factory in Salt Lake City has played a crucial role in Utah’s economic development through job creation, investments, utilizing local supply chains, and other community support efforts. This tour will include a full look at the Stadler production facility and allow for conversations with apprentices about career training, workforce development, and much more. This workshop is limited to 40 participants. Meet in the lobby at 8:20 a.m. for a bus departure at 8:40 a.m. The group will return to the hotel by 11:30 a.m.
Gold Medal Planning: The Olympic Legacy Tour
Tuesday, October 14
12:15 – 3:00 p.m.
Additional Mobile Workshop Fee: $45
Embark on an extraordinary expedition to the Utah Olympic Park near Park City, where you’ll encounter the world’s highest Nordic ski jumps and one of the swiftest sliding tracks. The tour features a visit to the iconic Olympic cauldron and will include an insightful exploration of the 2002 Winter Olympics’ transformative legacy in transportation planning and also provide a preview of the forthcoming 2034 Winter Games and the impact the Olympics will have on the region. This workshop is limited to 50 participants. Meet in the lobby at 12:15 p.m. for a bus departure at 12:30 p.m. The group will return to the hotel by 3:00 p.m. Please eat lunch in advance; snacks will be provided on the tour.
Salt Lake City Brownfields Redevelopment Tour
Tuesday, October 14
12:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Additional Mobile Workshop Fee: $45
Join the National Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) team and other subject matter experts for an excursion to successful redevelopment projects in Salt Lake City. Participants in this Brownfields Bus Tour will visit former blighted sites being transformed into housing opportunities and other productive uses for the community. Local experts from UT DEQ Brownfields and Salt Lake City Corporation will highlight the use of brownfields resources coupled with private investment as a component of the property revitalization. This workshop is limited to 50 participants. Meet in the lobby at 12:30 p.m. for a bus departure at 12:45 p.m. The group will return to the hotel by 3:00 p.m. Please eat lunch in advance; snacks will be provided on the tour.
Placemaking in South Salt Lake City
Wednesday, October 15
10:15 a.m. – 12:30 pm.
Additional Mobile Workshop Fee: $45
Learn more about how South Salt Lake (one of the most socially and economically diverse cities in Utah) has put people before profit using placemaking to rebuild, starting with a 235-acre mixed residential/business new downtown area. Explore the connections to the Parley’s Trail (a pedestrian and cyclist pathway), streetcar, and other transit options. This workshop is limited to 25 participants. Meet in the lobby at 10:15 a.m. for a bus departure at 10:30 a.m. The group will return to the hotel by 12:30 p.m.
Where Policy Meets Place: A Tour of the Utah State Capitol
Wednesday, October 15
10:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Additional Mobile Workshop Fee: $45
Join for a guided tour of the Utah State Capitol, a striking landmark and center for Utah policymaking. You’ll explore the building’s architecture and history while also learning how state leaders shape economic development priorities and work with regional partners. It’s a chance to see where decisions happen and get a deeper look at the connections between policy and place at the local and state level – and includes a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding landscape. This workshop is limited to 25 participants. Meet in the lobby at 10:30 a.m. for a bus departure at 10:45 a.m. The group will return to the hotel by 12:45 p.m.
MAKE Ogden: Downtown Development and the WonderBlock Tour
Wednesday, October 15
11:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Additional Mobile Workshop Fee: $60
The community of Ogden, due north of Salt Lake City, is planning its future and strategically investing in transformative projects. Join this tour for lunch and a mobile workshop to learn more about the MAKE Ogden plan – a 25-year vision for Downtown Ogden – and key projects that are now underway. The discussion will highlight innovative financing tools, public-private partnerships, and economic development strategies. The workshop will include visits to the WonderBlock mixed-use development, the Marshall N. White community center, and other downtown projects. This workshop is limited to 25 participants. Meet in the lobby at 11:45 a.m. for a bus departure at 12 p.m. The group will return to the hotel by 4:00 p.m. This tour will include lunch.
Restoring and Activating Salt Lake City’s Waterways and Greenways
Wednesday, October 15
1:15 – 4:00 p.m.
Additional Mobile Workshop Fee: $45
During this mobile workshop, explore key restoration sites throughout the city that demonstrate the intersection of urban waterways and economic development as communities work to address lost access due to creek burial, channelization, and degradation. From City Creek Park to the Hidden Waters installation, Folsom Trail, and Three Creeks Confluence, participants will see firsthand how restoring buried and neglected streams revitalizes communities, enhances public spaces, and drives economic growth through increased property values, business opportunities, and improved quality of life. This workshop is limited to 25 participants. Meet in the lobby at 1:15 p.m. for a bus departure at 1:30 p.m. The group will return to the hotel by 4:00 p.m.
SOLD OUT – To join the waitlist, email [email protected].
Natural Assets Driving Economic Growth: Antelope Island and the Great Salt Lake
Thursday, October 16
8:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Additional Mobile Workshop Fee: $45
As the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River and the largest saltwater lake in the western hemisphere, the Great Salt Lake is perhaps the best known geologic feature in the region and lends its name to Salt Lake City. Experience the signature Great Salt Lake through a stunning visit to Antelope Island State Park, located on the lake’s largest island. An engine to the tourism economy of Davis County and the entire region, Antelope Island State Park is home to a unique offering of environmental education, trail systems, and wildlife viewing, including its most iconic residents: one of the largest and oldest publicly-owned herds of American bison in the nation. This workshop is limited to 45 participants. Meet in the lobby at 8:30 a.m. for a bus departure at 8:45 a.m. The group will return to the hotel by 11:45 a.m.
Urban Redevelopment Walking Tour of City Creek Center
Thursday, October 16
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Additional Mobile Workshop Fee: $15
As part of this tour you’ll hop on the TRAX, the region’s light rail system, right in front of the hotel for a visit to City Creek Center, one of downtown Salt Lake City’s most ambitious and eye-catching developments. The guided walking tour will explore how a mix of retail, residential, office, and public space was brought together in the heart of the city. Developed in part by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the project reflects a unique blend of economic, cultural, and religious influences. You’ll hear the story behind the site’s transformation, from design choices and green space to the recreation of the City Creek itself. This workshop is limited to 20 participants. Meet in the lobby at 9:30 a.m. to head to the TRAX station at 9:45 a.m. The group will return to the hotel by 12 p.m.
PROMOTE YOUR NAME TO 500 COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICYMAKERS AND PRACTITIONERS.As a sponsor, you will also get a cost-effective opportunity to market products and services to a diverse network of local elected officials, city managers, regional council staff and development professionals in our conference exhibit area. Your sponsorship will allow you to attend conference meals and events, providing you with maximum opportunities to meet face-to-face with potential clients.
View the 2025 NADO Sponsorship Brochure and sign up forms below.
Nestled between the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountain Ranges in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, Little America is within walking distance to the best shopping, restaurants, cultural and sporting events the city has to offer, while also being only 10 minutes from Salt Lake International Airport.
Little America Hotel
500 South Main Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
801-596-5700
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Hotel reservation questions? Email NADO’s Associate Director of Meetings and Events, Brittany Salazar at [email protected].
Overnight Parking
Self Parking | $18.00 per night
Valet Parking | $18.00 per night
Wireless Internet
Complimentary WiFi will be available in the meeting rooms.
Hotel Dining
The Coffee Shop is our iconic all-American restaurant, with traditional made-from-scratch favorites loved by locals and guests for generations.
Lucky H Bar & Grille features a New American buffet that includes perfectly prepared seafood, pasta, delicious prime rib, as well as small bites and appetizers available at the bar.
The Lobby Lounge has the perfect ambiance to start your day with continental breakfast items and specialty coffees.
Time Zone
Salt Lake City, Utah, is in the Mountain Daylight Time Zone (GMT-65).
Weather
Getting There
Already have the Whova app on your mobile device?
If you signed up for Whova using the same email address you used to register for the conference, the 2025 ATC will automatically appear under the ‘My Events’ tab in the app. If you used a different email address to sign up for Whova, you will need to enter this invitation code to join the event: NADOATC2025
New to Whova?
Download the Whova app onto your mobile device via the App Store or Google Play store. Sign up using the same email address you used to register for the conference. Once you have signed up for the app, you should be taken directly to the event. If you aren’t directly added to the event, you will need to enter this invitation code to join: NADOATC2025
Please do not share the invitation code with people who are not registered for the event.
Professional Clothing Drive
At this year’s ATC, we invite you to participate in our professional clothing drive benefiting Volunteers of America, Utah. Please consider adding one piece of gently used professional attire to your luggage (such as a blazer, blouse, or slacks) and dropping it off at the conference registration desk. Your donation will support individuals on their path to self-reliance and contribute to the life-changing work of VOA Utah, which empowers over 8,000 people annually through programs addressing homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence. To learn more about the work of VOA Utah, click here to watch a short video. Please contact Brett Schwartz with any questions. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Professional Headshots from Local Photographer
We are excited to offer you the opportunity to update your professional headshots onsite this year! Photoumbra Studios, a trusted headshot and branding photographer based in Salt Lake City, will be available for headshots at the ATC on Thursday, October 16, from 1:45 to 3:45 PM (local time).
Headshots are just $40, with payment accepted onsite at the time of your photos. To streamline the process, you can complete this form and enter your contact information in advance, or sign up when you arrive. Photos will take only a few minutes, and you do not need to schedule a time for them. Simply arrive at the photoshoot area between 1:45 and 3:45 PM, share your contact information, pay for your photos, and smile for the camera! Your headshots gallery will be delivered directly to your email address where you can review your photos and pick a favorite one for retouching.
Don’t miss this chance to refresh your photo for your organization’s website, your own social media profiles, and other professional platforms, all at an affordable rate.
Registration Hours
Upon arrival, please check-in at the registration desk located in the Preservation Hall Foyer on the 2nd floor of the hotel to pick up your name badge and conference materials.
Attire
The conference is meant to be a comfortable learning experience for attendees and business casual dress is encouraged. The meeting room temperatures are not completely within our control, and we suggest you plan accordingly and bring layers just in case the room is too cold. If you are attending a mobile workshop, we suggest that you dress for warmer weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Social Media
Follow us on LinkedIn, and Facebook – please tag NADO and/or use the hashtag #NADOATC25 in your social media posts so we can share and repost.
Available presentations from the conference are linked as PDFs in either the session title or presenter’s name below.
Please note: Sessions from this conference qualify for AICP Certificate Maintenance (CM) credits. Follow this link to log credits.
The * denotes conference sessions that are offered through the Economic Development District Community of Practice (EDD CoP), managed by the NADO Research Foundation. These sessions are open to all conference participants. To learn more, visit www.nado.org/EDDCoP.
The EDD CoP is made possible through an award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce (ED22HDQ3070106). The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations offered are those of the participants, trainers, and authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
TUESDAY
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Learning Lab: Brownfields Redevelopment Strategies
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
*Learning Lab: Building a Strong RDO
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
*Tech-Based Entrepreneurship in Small Places
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
*Learning Lab: From Assets to Action: A Hands-On Wealth Creation Workshop
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Learning Lab: GIS Tools for Regional Economic Development
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
*Learning Lab: Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs)
3:15 PM – 4:15 PM
*Conference Opening Plenary: Conflict Solves Problems
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
NADO 101
WEDNESDAY
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Keynote Plenary: The Seven Essentials – Unlocking the Path to Enduring Success
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
*Underwriting in Times of Economic Uncertainty
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Public Lands and Regional Planning 101
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Managing Your Grants in Uncertain Times
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
*Conversation Café: Serving an Aging Population
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Community-Centered Development: Advancing Local and Regional Quality of Life and Economic Growth in Rural and Small Towns
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
*AI for RDOs: Riding the Revolution to Organizational Success
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
*Recovering from Weather-Related Disasters: Lessons from Hurricane Helene
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
*Understanding and Using the Federal Cost Allowability Principles
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
*Out of the Box Thinking: Innovative Strategies for Regions
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
*Building Regional Resilience: Consensus and Action
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
*Community Engagement, Reimagined: Fresh Approaches for the CEDS and More
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
*Conversation Café: Childcare Challenges and Opportunities
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
*Federal Grants Management Office Hours
THURSDAY
9:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Housing as a Regional Economic Development Asset
9:15 AM – 10:30 AM
*Food Access and Social Determinants of Health: Case Studies in Action
9:15 AM – 10:30 AM
*Defederalizing a Revolving Loan Fund: Learn from the Experts and from Peers
9:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Collaborative Strategies for Transportation Projects
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
*Creating Vibrant Rural Places: Strategies for Downtown Success
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
*CEDS Unpacked – Basics and Beyond
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
*Developing and Maintaining a Competitive Regional Workforce
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Elected Officials Conversation Café
1:45 PM – 3:00 PM
*Supporting Entrepreneurs, Strengthening Communities
1:45 PM – 3:00 PM
*Measuring What Matters: Calculating and Communicating Community ROI
1:45 PM – 3:00 PM
*Engaging with Tribal Partners
FRIDAY
10:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Empowering Regions: A Forum on Energy Planning & Economic Development
10:15 AM – 11:45 AM
*How to Keep Good Jobs Local – Employee Ownership Case Studies
10:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Corps Conversations: Conversation Café with the Economic Recovery Corps Fellows
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Closing Plenary: Federal Advocacy Update
Thank you to our 2025 ATC Presenting Sponsor!
2025 ATC Sponsors and Exhibitors:
Questions about the hotel or sponsorships? Contact Brittany Salazar.
Questions about conference registration? Contact Kar’ron Grant.
Questions about the conference content? Contact Brett Schwartz.