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2026 Michigan's Economic Development Basic Course

September 8, 2026 - September 10, 2026

Description

MEDA partners with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) to offer Michigan's Economic Development Basic Course, commonly referred to as "the Basic Course". This course is a comprehensive educational opportunity that focuses on the critical areas of economic development.

Visit the Basic Course overview page to learn more.

Dates: September 8 - 10, 2026

Agenda: The agenda is typically available in June or July.

What to Expect:
  • A mixture of lecture and case study work.
  • A networking mixer after the first day to get to know your classmates!
  • Approximately 8:00 to 5:00 each day.
  • Drinks and snacks are provided throughout the day.

Attendance Policy: Attendees can only miss 10% of the required sessions for the conference to receive a certificate of completion.

Location: The View at Jackson Stadium, 505 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912

Hotel Reservations: A great group rate is available at the Courtyard by Marriott Lansing Downtown, 600 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912. To receive a rate of $149 ++/night (currently 13% taxes), reserve your stay using this link or by calling the hotel directly at 517-367-6677 by August 24th. The hotel has a 24-hour cancellation policy.

Scholarships: Scholarships are available for MEDA members to attend the Economic Development Basic Course each year. Scholarship applications must be submitted by August 1, 2026.

Regular/Required Sessions: The Economic Development Basic Course is a comprehensive training course in which the best of Michigan’s practitioners educate participants on the fundamentals of economic development in the following areas. Two hours of training on these sessions is provided per the requirement of the IEDC:

  • Business Retention and Expansion
  • Community/Neighborhood Development
  • Economic Development Ethics
  • Economic Development Finance
  • Managing an Economic Development Organization
  • Marketing/Attraction
  • Real Estate Development and Reuse
  • Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development
  • Strategic Planning
  • Workforce Development

Bonus Session: MEDA has added a session that is pertinent to successful economic development:

  • Developing a Healthy Relationship with Your Legislators
Sponsor the Basic Course Reception ($500)
  • Address the Audience Immediately Following the Last Session
  • Excel List of Attendees
  • Logo on Event Handouts
  • Logo on Event Sponsor Screen Display
  • Social Media Promotion
  • Spotlight* in Promotional Emails
  • Spotlight* on Event Webpage

*Spotlights include your logo linked to your website, a 150-word description, and contact information.

Contact Cassandra at cjorae@medaweb.org if interested in sponsoring.

Our Dates Don't Work for You? See Professional Development at www.iedconline.com for a list of upcoming Basic Courses in the U.S.

Time

Current times are approximate and will be adjusted as the agenda develops. 

Attendees can only miss 10% of the required sessions for the conference to receive a certificate of completion, so plan ahead.

Location

The View at Jackson Stadium

Pricing

For all MEDA events, registration must be paid to attend, and your membership must be up to date by the first day of the event date, unless prior arrangements are made.

You can request an invoice upon registering. See your registration confirmation for payment options. All registrations submitted September 1st or after will be required to pay upon checkout.

Member Rate: $645

MEDA Members who joined in the last 12 months may still have a New Member Coupon that you can apply to the Basic Course. Ask Cassandra at cjorae@medaweb.org.

Future Member Rate: $870

If not a member of MEDA, ask Cassandra how you can get a coupon that you can apply toward the event fee by joining MEDA.

Cancellation Policy:

  • Cancellations must be received in writing to cjorae@medaweb.org on or before August 25th to receive a full refund.
  • Cancellations between August 26th and August 29th will be refunded less $150.
  • There will be no refunds after September 1st.
  • Those who do not cancel and do not attend will be charged the full registration price.
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Contact Information

Michigan Economic Developers Association
Name: Cassandra Jorae
Phone: 517-241-0011
Email: cjorae@medaweb.org
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