Overview
-Postponed-
2021 Four State Regional
Economic Development Conference
Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza
4445 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
After careful consideration and discussions with the 4 State Economic Development Conference planning committee and our federal partner, U.S. Economic Development Administration Denver Regional Office, a decision has been made to cancel the Four State Economic Development Conference that was scheduled to take place from September 13 – 15, 2021 at the Marriott Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, MO. The decision was made based on concerns about the COVID-19 Delta variant surge. A number of presenters as well as many individuals who have registered expressed apprehension about holding the conference as the rates continue to increase, and a number had cancelled.
The health and safety of all attendees, staff, presenters, and their families are our highest priority. Our decision to cancel this event was not made lightly. As speakers and registrants expressed growing concern about their health and safety as a result of attending the conference, it was agreed that proceeding as planned would result in decreased participation of the intended audience which would significantly reduce the quality and scope of the conference content we had planned to provide.
The hotel will be cancelling your room reservations proactively; please let NADO Meetings and Membership Manager, Brittany Salazar ([email protected]) know if you have any questions. We plan to work with the Marriott Country Club Plaza to reschedule the event and hold it in 2022. If you would like a full refund for your conference registration, please reach out to NADO Database and Grants Manager, Krystal De Leon ([email protected]). Otherwise, we will apply your registration to the 2022 4 State Economic Development Conference (date TBD).
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this decision has caused, but we also feel strongly that it was the right choice to make given the evolving circumstances around this public health crisis.
Questions?: Contact Laurie Thompson at 202-921-4442 or [email protected]
Registration

Registration for the 2021 4 State Regional Economic Development Conference will begin on June 11, 2021
Registration for this event started on June 11, 2021 and is currently
Closed.
egistration Fee:
Early bird registration rate (deadline is August 23, 2021; after that rates will increase): $150
Regular registration rate (register by August 23, 2021 and save on your registration fee!): $200
Agenda & Presentations
2021 4-State Economic Development Conference for Economic Development Districts in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska
(As of August 9, 2021)
Monday, September 13, 2021
12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Conference Registration
2:00 – 4:30 p.m. Executive Directors Roundtable
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Reception
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Conference Registration
7:30 – 8:45 a.m. Continental Breakfast
9:00 - 9:15 a.m. Welcome
9:15 – 10:30 a.m. Opening Plenary: Economic Resilience and Recovery in the 4-State Region
10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Networking Break
10:30 - 11:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
- Workforce Development
- Broadband
12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Plenary Luncheon: EDA Updates
1:45 - 3:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
- Housing and Regional Development
- Creating Community through Idea Friendly Projects
3:00 - 3:15 p.m. Networking break
3:15 - 4:45 p.m. Plenary Session: EDA Project Development
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Conference Registration
7:30 – 8:45 a.m. Continental Breakfast: Great Conversations
9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Plenary Session: Challenges and Changes
10:15 - 10:30 a.m. Networking Break
10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Plenary Session: Great Ideas Roundtable
11:45 a.m. Conference Closing Plenary
~ Please note this schedule is subject to change ~
Travel & Venue
Marriott Country Club Plaza
4445 Main Street
Kansas City, MO 64111
800-810-3708
Room Rate: $123 single / double
Room block deadline: August 23
The Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza offers stylish rooms within walking distance to over 150 Country Club Plaza and Westport shops and restaurants. Recharge in spacious rooms and suites with plush bedding and productive workspaces. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing drink in the Greatroom or a hot cup of Starbucks® coffee, their onsite amenities fit the bill. Stay active with cardio equipment and free weights at the onsite gym.
Experience the best of Kansas City with attractions like Country Club Plaza, Kauffman Stadium, Arrowhead Stadium, T-Mobile Center, and Power & Light nearby.
Visit the hotel website here.
~ Some or all of this information was provided by the hotel/venue ~
Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Airport Phone: +1 816-243-5237
Hotel direction: 23.1 miles S
This hotel does not provide shuttle service.
- Alternate transportation: Classic Car Service 866-546-6490;reservation required
- Estimated taxi fare: 65 USD (one way)
Visit MCI airport website
Driving directions
Exit the airport onto I-29 South. Go approximately 18 miles and merge onto US-71 South. Follow US-71 South for approximately 4 miles. Take the exit for Emanuel Cleaver II blvd/Swope Parkway. Turn right on Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. Go approximately 1.5 miles and turn right on Main Street. Proceed to 45th and Main Street. The Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza main entrance will be on the right immediately after crossing 45th Street.