FAQ

Who should attend?
What is the course fee?
What about accommodations?
Are meals provided?
What is the dress code?
Are there refunds?
When do classes begin?
How will I receive course materials?
Does the Conference Center have Wi-Fi?
What if I have to miss a session?
What is the difference between an online Basic Economic Development Course and a conference?
Do I receive a certificate of course completion?
 

Who should attend?

The Heartland Economic Development Course (HEDC) is designed to serve the needs of both full-time practitioners and people in ancillary positions, i.e., representatives of public, civic, and private sectors. Participation in the course offers a rare opportunity to exchange ideas and become familiar with economic development programs and activities. Participants have included representatives from federal, state, regional and local planning and development agencies, financial institutions, public utilities, chambers of commerce, and local, state, regional economic development organizations and volunteers.

The course uses a variety of training methods and formats to cover critical economic development topics. Also featured is the Heartland One to One Professional Consultation Program. Participants can pre-schedule a one to one meeting with our faculty or "seasoned" Board members throughout the course and find answers to specific challenges.

Prospective participants should register as early as possible. Upon satisfactory completion of the course, participants receive a course certificate and continue their training with the International Economic Development Council's professional development series, or University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute.

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What is the course fee?

Registration for the 2022 Course is $935 for members of the Kansas Economic Development Alliance, Professional Developers of Iowa, Missouri Economic Development Council, Nebraska Economic Developers Association, Oklahoma Economic Development Association and professional developers in South Dakota, and $1,035 for non-members. The fee includes breakfast Tuesday through Friday, lunch Tuesday through Thursday, the reception on Monday evening, dinner on Tuesday, and dinner credits on Wednesday. Fees do not include the cost of lodging or alcoholic beverages.

HEDC: Registration Closes March 15, 2022

• All fees for attendance of the course must be paid prior to the beginning of the course.
• Course attendees with a balance due will be required to remit payment before being admitted to the course or provide written confirmation that their fee is being paid by a government agency or scholarship.

Registration fee is payable to the University of Northern Iowa by March 15, 2022, for early registration. Purchase orders or letters of authorization for billing purposes are also due at that time. 

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What about accommodations?

The Adams Pointe Conference Center is connected to Courtyard by Marriott. HEDC has arranged a special rate for course attendees of $129.00 plus tax per night. Contact the Courtyard by Marriott directly at 816-228-8100 to make reservations. Request the Heartland Economic Development Course Group rate.

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Are meals provided?

Yes, several meals and breaks are included in the course fee:

• Monday evening: Welcome reception with appetizers
• Tuesday: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Break Service. Tuesday evening is the Heartland Networking BBQ at the neighboring Adams Pointe Golf Course clubhouse 
• Wednesday: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner & Break Service. Wednesday afternoon includes a tour of the area which concludes with an "Out on the Town" Dinner in downtown Lee's Summit 
• Thursday: Breakfast, Lunch & Break Service. Thursday night is dinner on your own - often groups of students go out together
• Friday: Breakfast & Break Service 

  Please note the following: An email addressing specific dietary restrictions will be sent out in early 2022.  The hotel is experienced in accommodating dietary needs.  Please hold off on sharing needs until the Chef is ready - we will let you know well in advance.

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What is the dress code?

Casual. The Conference Center can be chilly and the weather unpredictable, we recommend layers.

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Are there refunds?

• Registration may be canceled by March 15, 2022 for a full refund. Cancellations received by April 1, 2022 will be refunded at only 50% of the course fee. After April 1, 2022, no refunds will be issued.
• Any registered attendee who does not submit a cancellation and does not attend the course is required to pay their balance in full.
• Substitutions are welcome with prior notification.

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When do classes begin?

The course starts promptly at 8:00 a.m. on each day of the course. Ample breaks will provided throughout the day.

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How will I receive course materials?

Agendas, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, and other resources and information will be uploaded to a shared webpage in the weeks prior to the course. Participants will also receive an IEDC Introduction to Economic Development Manual as supplemental reading upon course check-in. Students are welcome to bring their laptop or tablet to the sessions for note taking, etc. Please try to refrain from checking emails during faculty presentations.

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Does the Conference Center have Wi-Fi?

Yes, the Conference Center has Wi-Fi available for course attendees.

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What if I have to miss a session?

Heartland staff will work with you to accommodate any conflicts with your schedule. Please contact James Hoelscher prior to the session to make necessary arrangements.

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What is the difference between an online Basic Economic Development Course and a conference?

IEDC certification requires that Basic Economic Development Course participants attend all training sessions and activities. Conferences offer opt-in and opt-out sessions based on topics of interest to participants. Heartland is a Basic Economic Development Course - not a conference.

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Do I receive a certificate of course completion?

Yes, upon satisfactory completion of the course, participants will receive a course certificate. Many participants move on to additional training from the International Economic Development Council, or the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. The Heartland Course fulfills a prerequisite to sit for the CEcD exam.

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