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?
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.
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 full breakfast Tuesday through Friday, lunch Tuesday through Thursday, the reception on Monday evening, dinner on Tuesday, and dinner on Wednesday. Fees do not include the cost of lodging or alcoholic beverages.
HEDC: Registration Closes March 15, 2022
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.
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 816-704-1772 to make reservations. Request the Heartland Economic Development Course Group rate.
Yes, several meals and breaks are included in the course fee:
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.
Casual. The Conference Center can be chilly and the weather unpredictable, we recommend layers.
The course starts promptly at 8:00 a.m. on each day of the course. Ample breaks are provided throughout the day.
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.
Yes, the Conference Center has Wi-Fi available for course attendees.
Heartland staff will work with you to accommodate some conflicts with your schedule. Please contact James Hoelscher prior to the session to make necessary arrangements.
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.
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.
Heartland Economic Development Course | University of Northern Iowa
113 Business and Community Services Bldg. | Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0186
PH: (800) 782-9520 | FAX: (319) 273-2787