Menu
Log in

 317-454-7013 | info@ieda.org


November 17-19, 2026 | Bloomington, Indiana

2026 Practitioner Leadership institute: A Deep Dive into Best Practices

The Practitioner Leadership Institute is an exclusive professional development experience designed for economic development professionals at every stage of their career. Limited to just 25 participants, this immersive program creates a collaborative environment where attendees can learn from experts, engage in meaningful peer discussions, and build lasting professional relationships.

Whether you're new to economic development, preparing for greater leadership responsibilities, or looking to refine your skills as an experienced practitioner, you'll gain practical tools and actionable strategies to help you lead more effectively and drive positive results in your community.

What You'll Gain

  • Strengthen your leadership and communication skills.
  • Learn practical economic development tools and best practices.
  • Build relationships with a cohort of peers from across Indiana.
  • Gain insights from experienced practitioners and industry leaders.
  • Explore innovative approaches to community engagement, planning, and storytelling.
  • Leave with ideas and resources you can immediately apply to your work.

With enrollment capped at 25 participants, attendees will benefit from a highly interactive experience with opportunities for discussion, networking, and personalized learning.

Invest in your growth, expand your network, and develop the leadership skills needed to make a greater impact in your community.

Location

The Graduate by Hilton Bloomington, 210 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408

Join us in Bloomington for the 2026 Practitioner Leadership Institute. Reserve a room for $149 a night. Rooms reservations should be made by October 27, 2026. 

ATTENDEE REGISTRATION

REGISTER

Reserve a room

RESERVE

Tuesday, November 17, 2026

 8:30 am Registration
 9:00 am  Welcome/Introductions
 9:30 am  Optimize Your Leadership: A Strengths-Based Workshop
 11:30 am Lunch
 12:15 pm Staying Grounded: Navigating Public Criticism as an Economic Development Professional
 1:45 pm Break
 2:00 pm  Imposter Syndrome
 4:00 pm Break
 4:15 pm Effective Board Management and Building Relationships
 5:45 pm Break
 6:30 pm Group Gathering 


Wednesday, November 18, 2026

 8:00 am  Breakfast
 8:45 am  Business Retention &Expansion
 9:45 am  Break
 10:00 am  Economic Development Finance
 11:30 am  Elected Officials Panel
 12:30 pm  Lunch
 1:30 pm  RFI Best Practices | ZoomProspector | Creating a Memorable Site Visit
 3:30 pm Break
 3:45 pm  Strategic Planning
 4:45 pm  Break
 5:30 pm 

Group Dinner



Thursday, November 19, 2026

 7:30 am  Breakfast
 8:00 am  Mini Sessions on Community Challenges

 10:30 am  Break
 10:45 am  AI: The Secret Weapon for Sharing Your Community’s Story 
 12:30 pm  Wrap-up

125 West Market Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204 | CONTACT

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software