Overview

October 16 - 19, 2021
Hilton Portland Downtown
921 SW Sixth Avenue | Portland, OR 97204
View the conference program here
Plan to join your regional development peers for a return to NADO's Annual Training Conference! All systems are go for an in-person event that will occur in downtown Portland, Oregon.
ATC 2021 COVID-19 Precautions
As we continue to monitor developments regarding COVID-19 and Delta variant surges across the county, we are committed to assuring the health and safety of everyone involved—attendees, speakers, NADO and hotel staff, as well as the community of our host city, Portland—is our top priority. NADO will follow all applicable guidelines and mandates to assure the greatest safety of all attendees. As you plan your trip to Portland, please be aware of our COVID-19 precaution guidelines:
- The State of Oregon implemented a face mask mandate in all indoor spaces, and for certain outdoor events, regardless of vaccination status. All ATC conference attendees and speakers are required to wear a face mask throughout the conference, except during meal functions.
- To further assure the health and safety of everyone involved, we will follow the COVID-19 protocol of the Oregon Convention Center and require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR or Rapid test result within 72 hours of the first day you will be at the conference.
- NADO will have face masks and hand sanitizer available at the conference registration in the Pavillion Foyer throughout the conference.
- We ask any conference registrants to please stay home if they are feeling ill prior to travelling to Portland.
We will provide all registrants with the process for complying to these guidelines next week. We strive to provide the safest conference environment possible and feel these precautions will help us meet that goal. NADO staff are all fully vaccinated and those attending the conference will be tested prior to travelling to Portland in an abundance of caution. They will also adhere to the mask mandate. The Hilton has implemented precautions and procedures to assure a safe event; you can learn more about the Hilton’s COVID-19 response here.
Check out the Learning Labs and Mobile Workshop that have been added to the conference agenda:
As you plan your conference experience, we have some updates about the agenda to share with you. We have added several Learning Labs and a Mobile Workshop on Saturday and Sunday. It is easy to add these to your registration through your my.nado.org account and clicking the ATC event. Please reach out to NADO Database and Grants Manager Krystal De Leon ([email protected]) if you have any questions about registering for these additional events. You can also register for them on-site.
Saturday, October 16, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Learning Lab: CEDS Speed Networking Session: The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a locally-based, regionally-driven economic development planning process and document that should create the space for your region to identify its strengths and weaknesses and bring together a diverse set of partners to generate good jobs, diversify the economy, and spur economic growth. During this interactive speed networking session, you will have the opportunity to share more about your CEDS, troubleshoot challenges, and learn how others are approaching the process – all during short one on one conversations with your peers. (No additional fee, but pre-registration is requested.)
Sunday, October 17, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Learning Lab: Brownfield Redevelopment to Support Growing and Diversified Economies: Brownfields, though often located on bleak and blighted sites, offer tremendous potential and opportunities that include improving quality of life, the environment, and a future that is prosperous and sustainable for communities. This tutorial on brownfield redevelopment will address how key partners, various resources, and funding sources are leveraged throughout the brownfields process to realize successful redevelopment. During this session, hear what it takes to bring all the component parts together to enhance communities with new housing, food establishments, and other build outs. (No additional fee, but pre-registration is requested.)
Sunday, October 17, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Learning Lab: Branding and Public Relations for RDOs: Does your RDO have a handle on who you are, your value to the region, and how best to convey that value to your audiences? If not, it’s time to really take a hard look at your branding and PR and learn how you can integrate both into your organization’s DNA, building value and credibility along the way. (Additional fee of $40)
Sunday, October 17, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Mobile Workshop: Portland Brownfields: Hop on the bus for to visit sites at various stages of redevelopment that are being repurposed to provide jobs, services, amenities, and housing. There will be opportunities to get off the bus to experience what keeps Portland weird and the economy going. Think food pods and brew pubs, design sense, Voodoo Doughnuts, and McMenamins. The featured stop – the South Waterfront – is a medical services and education node, with new housing, transit, infrastructure, and services that resulted from strong partnerships. You’ll learn more about the development and infrastructure around the South Waterfront area, including Zidell Yards, Oregon Health Sciences University, transit-oriented development, bridge and gondola, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. (Workshop is limited to 30 participants; additional fee of $40)
Sunday, October 17, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Learning Lab: Effective Communication Tools for RDOs: RDOs are natural problem solvers, conveners, and facilitators. They can also be very quiet about the value they bring to their regions. Take some time to get to know the top communication tools that will move your RDO from “who are they again?” to “let’s call our RDO...” top of mind level awareness. (Additional fee of $40)
Sunday, October 17, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Learning Lab: Strategic Planning Moving Forward: As regional development organizations move forward in a world that largely continues to grapple with the impacts of a global pandemic, strategic planning looks and feels quite different. RDOs are creating new approaches to program and service delivery, at the same time as they are re-structuring their internal operations…from office design to technology and everything in between. This workshop will take a close look at how overall strategic planning and thinking will help them develop plans for moving forward. (Additional fee of $40)
Sunday, October 17, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Learning Lab: A Creative and Arts-Based Approach to Equitable Recovery: Art-Train is a virtual technical assistance program that is free for artists everywhere and low cost for municipal agencies, community non-profits, and arts councils. It translates American Rescue Plan Local Fiscal Recovery Fund guidelines and shares arts-based approaches to build locally-rooted collaborations that address critical recovery and rebuilding needs including workforce development, economic growth, public health, housing, infrastructure, and civic engagement. During this session, participants will learn how to navigate and advocate for ARP flexible funding as a means to rebuild equity-centered civic and economic vitality and gain skills to frame and translate their recovery goals into formats that will be supported by multiple funding sources. (Additional fee of $40)
Self-Guided Mobile Workshops
Experience walkable and transit-friendly Portland by taking a DIY mobile workshop! Tour handouts are linked here (PDF) and will be available at the NADO registration desk. You can also find the two walking tours and mobile tour at the PocketSights website or download the PocketSights app. Search for "Portland." Note: The Portland Mercado tour requires transit or taxi/shared ride.
DIY Tour Handout
Farmers Market Walking Tour
Green Loop and Food Pod Walking Tour
Portland Mercado Mobile Tour
Questions?: Contact Laurie Thompson at or [email protected]
Registration

Registration for the 2021 NADO Annual Training Conference will begin on May 24, 2021
Registration for this event started on May 24, 2021 and is currently
Closed.
To submit your COVID-19 protocol option click here.
Early bird rate (deadline is October 1, 2021; after that rates will increase)
- $620 – Associate and General
- $595 – Sustaining and Sustaining Associate
- $570 – Platinum and Platinum Plus
- $550 – Diamond
- $235 – Spouses
- $100 – Student
- $760 – Non-member
*$50 administrative fee per cancellation*
Regular rate (register by October 1, 2021 and save on your registration fee!)
- $640 – Associate and General
- $615 – Sustaining and Sustaining Associate
- $590 – Platinum and Platinum Plus
- $570 – Diamond
- $255 – Spouses
- $100 – Student
- $780 – Non-member
*$50 administrative fee per cancellation*
Check out the Learning Labs and Mobile Workshop that have been added to the conference agenda:
As you plan your conference experience, we have some updates about the agenda to share with you. We have added several Learning Labs and a Mobile Workshop on Saturday and Sunday. It is easy to add these to your registration through your my.nado.org account and clicking the ATC event. Please reach out to NADO Database and Grants Manager Krystal De Leon ([email protected]) if you have any questions about registering for these additional events. You can also register for them on-site.
Saturday, October 16, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Learning Lab: CEDS Speed Networking Session: The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a locally-based, regionally-driven economic development planning process and document that should create the space for your region to identify its strengths and weaknesses and bring together a diverse set of partners to generate good jobs, diversify the economy, and spur economic growth. During this interactive speed networking session, you will have the opportunity to share more about your CEDS, troubleshoot challenges, and learn how others are approaching the process – all during short one on one conversations with your peers. (No additional fee, but pre-registration is requested.)
Sunday, October 17, 10:00 a.m. – 11: 30 a.m. – Learning Lab: Brownfield Redevelopment to Support Growing and Diversified Economies: Brownfields, though often located on bleak and blighted sites, offer tremendous potential and opportunities that include improving quality of life, the environment, and a future that is prosperous and sustainable for communities. This tutorial on brownfield redevelopment will address how key partners, various resources, and funding sources are leveraged throughout the brownfields process to realize successful redevelopment. During this session, hear what it takes to bring all the component parts together to enhance communities with new housing, food establishments, and other build outs. (No additional fee, but pre-registration is requested.)
Sunday, October 17, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Learning Lab: Branding and Public Relations for RDOs: Does your RDO have a handle on who you are, your value to the region, and how best to convey that value to your audiences? If not, it’s time to really take a hard look at your branding and PR and learn how you can integrate both into your organization’s DNA, building value and credibility along the way. (Additional fee of $40)
Sunday, October 17, 12:30 – 3:15 p.m. – Mobile Workshop: Portland Brownfields: Hop on the bus for to visit sites at various stages of redevelopment that are being repurposed to provide jobs, services, amenities, and housing. There will be opportunities to get off the bus to experience what keeps Portland weird and the economy going. Think food pods and brew pubs, design sense, Voodoo Doughnuts, and McMenamins. The featured stop – the South Waterfront – is a medical services and education node, with new housing, transit, infrastructure, and services that resulted from strong partnerships. You’ll learn more about the development and infrastructure around the South Waterfront area, including Zidell Yards, Oregon Health Sciences University, transit-oriented development, bridge and gondola, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. (Workshop is limited to 30 participants; additional fee of $40)
Sunday, October 17, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Learning Lab: Effective Communication Tools for RDOs: RDOs are natural problem solvers, conveners, and facilitators. They can also be very quiet about the value they bring to their regions. Take some time to get to know the top communication tools that will move your RDO from “who are they again?” to “let’s call our RDO...” top of mind level awareness. (Additional fee of $40)
Sunday, October 17, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Learning Lab: Strategic Planning Moving Forward: As regional development organizations move forward in a world that largely continues to grapple with the impacts of a global pandemic, strategic planning looks and feels quite different. RDOs are creating new approaches to program and service delivery, at the same time as they are re-structuring their internal operations…from office design to technology and everything in between. This workshop will take a close look at how overall strategic planning and thinking will help them develop plans for moving forward. (Additional fee of $40)
Sunday, October 17, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Learning Lab: A Creative and Arts-Based Approach to Equitable Recovery: Art-Train is a virtual technical assistance program that is free for artists everywhere and low cost for municipal agencies, community non-profits, and arts councils. It translates American Rescue Plan Local Fiscal Recovery Fund guidelines and shares arts-based approaches to build locally-rooted collaborations that address critical recovery and rebuilding needs including workforce development, economic growth, public health, housing, infrastructure, and civic engagement. During this session, participants will learn how to navigate and advocate for ARP flexible funding as a means to rebuild equity-centered civic and economic vitality and gain skills to frame and translate their recovery goals into formats that will be supported by multiple funding sources. (Additional fee of $40)
Agenda & Presentations
View the conference program here

Presentations from many of the conference sessions are linked below.
Saturday, October 16
NADO Research Foundation Advisory Committee Meeting
NADO Research Foundation Board & Executive Committee Meetings
Learning Lab: CEDS Speed Networking Session
NADO 101: Introduction to YOUR Membership Association
NADO Board of Directors Reception for New Board Members, New NADO Members, and New Executive Directors
Young Professionals Meetup
Sunday, October 17
Learning Lab: Brownfields Redevelopment to Support Growing and Diversified Economies
- Ignacio Dayrit, Program Director, Center for Creative Land Recycling (TAB), Berkeley, CA
- Blase Leven, Director, KSU Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB), Manhattan, KS
- Sean Vroom, Director, NJIT Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB), Newark, NJ
Learning Lab: Branding and Public Relations for RDOs
- Erica Allison, CEO, Formation PR, Hendersonville, NC
Mobile Workshop: Portland Brownfields
Learning Lab: Strategic Planning Moving Forward (cancelled)
- David Beurle, CEO, Future iQ, Minneapolis, MN
Learning Lab: A Creative and Arts-Based Approach to Equitable Recovery
- Michael Rohd, Artist for Civic Imagination, Center for Performance and Civic Practice, Phoenix, AZ
- Jun-Li Wang, Associate Director, Programs, Springboard for the Arts, St. Paul, MN (virtual)
Learning Lab: Effective Communication Tools for RDOs
- Erica Allison, CEO, Formation PR, Hendersonville, NC
NADO Membership Regional Caucus Meetings
Opening Reception
Monday, October 18
DDAA Breakfast
Opening Plenary
- Kevin Byrd, President, NADO and Executive Director, New River Valley Regional Commission, Radford, VA
- Erica Allison, CEO, Formation PR, Hendersonville, NC
- Nicole Griensewic, Executive Director, Region Nine Regional Commission, Mankato, MN
- Joe McKinney, Executive Director, NADO, Washington, DC
Embracing Change and Strengthening Communities in Rural America
- Alejandra Bejarano, Economic Recovery Planner, Region Nine Development Commission, Mankato, MN
- Sue Harris, Community Education Director, St. James, MN
- Pat Branstad, Uniting Cultures/Uniendo Culturas Facilitator, St. James, MN
- Introduction: Nicole Griensewic, Executive Director, Region Nine Regional Commission, Mankato, MN
The American Rescue Plan Act: What are the RDO Roles?
- Bob Lloyd, Principal, Robert M. Lloyd Consulting Services, Greenville, SC
Conversation Café: RDO Board Member
- Discussion Leader: Mayor Arthur Green, Elkton, KY, Pennyrile Area Development District Board Member, Hopkinsville, KY
Conversation Café: New and Rising Executive Directors Roundtable
- Discussion Leader: Eric Day, Executive Director, Mid Minnesota Regional Development Commission, Willmar, MN
Plenary Luncheon
- Alejandra Castillo, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, Washington, DC
- Welcome: Chris Fetzer, Second Vice President, NADO, and Executive Director, Northern Arizona Council of Governments, Flagstaff, AZ
Tourism and Recreation (Individual speaker presentations linked below)
- Jessica Metta, Executive Director, Mid-Columbia Economic Development District, The Dalles, OR
- Chad Eggen, Executive Director, Boonslick Regional Planning Commission, Warrenton, MO
- Elijah Sharp, Deputy Executive Director, New River Valley Regional Commission, Radford, VA
- Moderator: Michelle Carroll, Deputy Executive Director, Mountainland, Orem, UT
Grant Audit Readiness in a Pandemic Environment
- Bob Lloyd, Principal, Robert M. Lloyd Consulting Services, Greenville, SC
- Moderator: Cindy Hultz, Executive Director, Mark Twain
Regional Council of Governments, Perry, MO
A Brighter Energy Future for Regions: An Introduction to SolSmart’s Regional Organization Pathway
- Andrew Light, Program Manager, Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Washington, DC
- Introduction: Chris Rietow, Executive Director, Apalachee Regional Planning Council, Tallahassee, FL
Conversation Café: Executive Director Roundtable Discussion about the Post-Pandemic Workplace
- Discussion Leader: Dave Doran, Executive Director, Southeast Idaho Council of Governments, Pocatello, ID
Workforce Development (Individual speaker presentations linked below)
- Joe Barker, Executive Director, Southwest Tennessee Development District, Jackson, TN
- Judge Steve Henry, Webster County, KY, and Secretary, Green River Area Development District, Owensboro, KY
- Terry Treadaway, Director of Workforce Development, Three Rivers Planning and Development District, Pontotoc, MS
- Moderator: Matt McCauley, CEO, Networks Northwest, Traverse City, MI
Nurturing Leadership in Rural Communities (cancelled)
- Nathan Ohle, CEO, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, Washington, DC
Conversation Café: Affordable and Workforce Housing
- Discussion Leader: Tom Bliss, Executive Director, Southeast Nebraska Development District, Lincoln, NE
NADO Nominating Committee Meeting
2021 Impact Awards Reception
Tuesday, October 19
CEDS, Resilience, and Recovery Showcase, Part 1 (Individual speaker presentations linked below)
- Deb Smith, Regional Economic Development Planner, Clearwater Economic Development Association, Lewiston, ID
- Lee Umphrey, Executive Director, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, Bangor, ME
- Dorthy Jackson, Regional and Economic Development Manager, Heart of Texas Council of Governments, Waco, TX
- Moderator: Ciara Ristig, Senior Program Manager, Washington, DC
RDO Relevance and Return on Investment
- Sheryl Gonzales, Executive Director, Western Nevada Development District, Carson City, NV
- Brett Doney, President & CEO, Great Falls Development Authority, Great Falls, MT
- Moderator: Lee Worsley, Executive Director, Triangle J Council of Governments, Durham, NC
Listening Session: Tackling Your Unique Regional Challenges
- Joe McKinney, Executive Director, NADO, Washington, DC
- Mirielle Burgoyne, Deputy Executive Director/Director of Government Relations, NADO, Washington, DC
CEDS, Resilience, and Recovery Showcase, Part 2
- Robert Venables, Executive Director, Southeast Conference, Juneau, AK
- Emily Martinez, Director of Regional Economic Development, Coastal Bend Council of Governments, Corpus Christi, TX
- Alison Turner, Economic Development Planner, North Central New Mexico Economic Development District, Santa Fe, NM
- Moderator: Ciara Ristig, Senior Program Manager, Washington, DC
Expanding Broadband (Individual speaker presentations linked below)
- Ryan Collins, Broadband Coordinator, Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Marietta, OH
- Jim Baldwin, Executive Director, Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission, Lebanon, VA
- David Cleveland, Executive Director, East Texas Council of Governments, Kilgore, TX
- Moderator: Monique Boulet, CEO, Acadiana Planning Commission, Lafayette, LA
Listening Session: Aligning EDDs with State Economic Development Planning
- Bob Isaacson, Senior VP, Center for Regional Economic
Competitiveness, Arlington, VA
Closing Plenary Session: Advocacy During Unprecedented Times
- Bob Isaacson, Senior VP, Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness, Arlington, VA
- Mirielle Burgoyne, Deputy Executive Director/Director of Government Relations, NADO, Washington, DC
- Mark Dedrick, Partner, Summit Strategies, Washington, DC
- Michael Higdon, Principal, A1.9 Strategies, Washington, DC
Annual Business Meeting
NADO Board of Directors Meeting
President’s Award Dinner
~ Please note this schedule is subject to change ~
Travel & Venue
Hilton Portland Downtown
921 SW Sixth Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97204
503-226-1611
Room Rate: $149 Single/Double
Room block deadline: September 13
Click here for reservations
The Hilton is centrally located in downtown Portland, one block from Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall and two blocks from Pioneer Courthouse Square. Pioneer Place MAX Station is a short walk away for light rail links. The hotel is surrounded by popular Portland restaurants. in the hotel, the HopCity Tavern serves microbrews, craft cocktails, and modern American dishes with a focus on local, seasonal produce. HopCity Market offers to-go items and Stumptown coffee.
Visit the Hilton Portland Downtown here.
-Things to do in Portland
-Dining in Portland
-Shop in Portland, tax free!
-Safety in Portland
~ Some or all of this information was provided by the hotel/venue ~
Portland International Airport (PDX) is located 10 miles from the Hilton Portland Downtown. PDX has implemented increased cleaning and safety practices to protect travelers.
Other options include:
- Trimet: about 45 minutes; $3
- Line 12 bus: About an hour; $6
- Taxi: About 20 minutes; about $40
The Trimet and bus do not go directly to the Hilton; there is a short 2-block walk from the closest stop to the Hilton. The bus involves a transfer to another bus.
The TriMet, which operates the Portland metro region’s bus and light rail systems is operating at full capacity. All passengers are required to wear masks.
There are five car rental companies at Portland airport.
- Avis Rent a Car: (503) 249-4950
- Dollar Car Rental: (503) 249-4792
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car: (844) 366-0498
- Hertz Rent-A-Car: (503) 528-7900
- National Car Rental: (844) 366-0499
Valet parking is available at the Hilton for $52/day.
Portland Union Station is served by two of Amtrak’s service routes:
The Cascades and The Coast Starlight- https://www.amtrak.com/train-routes.
The station is located in downtown Portland at 800 NW Sixth Avenue less than one mile from the Hilton Hotel.