Pennsylvania Economic Development Association upcoming events

2026 PEDA Spring Conference (04/27/2026)

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

2026 PEDA Spring Conference

Hilton Harrisburg • Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

@PEDAtweets #PEDAspring26

Photo Credit: Hilton Harrisburg

Who is PEDA?

PEDA is the primary statewide organization representing economic development professionals and, as such, provides opportunities to share best practices that enhance the professional dialogue and support local, regional, and state economic development initiatives.

Who should attend?

Those in attendance are expected to include professionals representing economic and community development at the municipal, county, regional, and state levels as well as workforce development professionals, commercial and industrial developers, business incubator operators, project finance professionals, IDA directors, elected officials, and executives representing utilities and transportation, engineering, and construction.

CONFERENCE AGENDA & REGISTRATION

Download the 2026 PEDA Spring Conference Registration Brochure.

Download a list of Session Overviews.

Fees for the conference include refreshment breaks and meals, as indicated on the agenda. Partial conference registration options are listed on the registration form. Name badges must be worn to gain access to conference functions.

PRE-CONFERENCE SESSION:
FINANCING IN A HIGH-RATE ECONOMY - CREATIVE STRUCTURING THAT ACTUALLY WORKS

To view the pre-conference session overview, to learn more about its available PDUs or to register, visit the pre-conference session registration page.

Please note registration for this pre-conference session is separate from the 2026 PEDA Spring Conference and has a separate registration fee.

SPONSORSHIP

Download the 2026 Conference Sponsorship Form.

GOLD

BRONZE

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY

This Project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, DCED.

visitPA.com is the official tourism website of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

EXHIBITORS

Note: Once capacity has been reached for exhibitors’ table-top displays at this event, no further exhibitor commitments can be accepted. If a commitment/payment for an exhibit table is received after capacity has been reached, it will be returned or refunded as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Sponsor submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis. Updated terms, conditions, deadlines and benefits (which may be revised at any time by PEDA) are available at www.peda.org and, by completing the sponsor registration process, the submitter understands and accepts them.

Visit www.peda.org/sponsorships for updates.

The Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) is classified as a 501(c)(6) association by the Internal Revenue Service.

CONFERENCE VENUES / HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

The conference will be held at the Hilton Harrisburg, located at One North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101. To reserve your overnight room at the discounted rate of $159/night, please visit our customized reservation page or call (717) 233-6000 and reference room block group code “94F”. The deadline to reserve rooms at the PEDA rate is April 6, 2026. After this deadline or once capacity has been reached – whichever comes first – reservations will only be accepted upon availability at prevailing hotel rates.

PARKING

Overnight guests of the Hilton Harrisburg may park in the connecting Walnut Street parking garage at a reduced rate. To take advantage of any available subsidized rates or to learn of any applicable time limits, overnight guests who are self-parking and banquet/meeting guests who are self-parking must visit the Front Desk. (Note: Parking rates are subject to increases.)

CONSENT TO USE OF PHOTO / VIDEO / AUDIO

Registration for, attendance at or participation in the conference constitute an agreement by the registrant, attendee or participant to PEDA’s use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant’s, attendee’s or participant’s image and/or likeness and/or voice (as recorded on audio or video) without compensation.

ADA RESTRICTIONS / DIETARY RESTRICTIONS / FOOD ALLERGIES

If you have any ADA restrictions, dietary restrictions or food allergies you would like PEDA or the conference venue(s) to be aware of, please list them on the registration form (or during the online registration process) or contact PEDA headquarters.

EARLY BIRD RATES

Early bird registration rates will be honored only for registrations received and fully paid by the established deadline. PEDA reserves the right to assess the standard registration rate for registrations received after the deadline or only partially completed by the deadline.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SPONSORSHIP APPLICATION

Through the generosity of Team Pennsylvania, a full conference registration will be made available for a small number of young professionals. Eligible applicants may complete this one-page application and submit it to jskopp@wannerassoc.com no later than March 3, 2026.

IEDC RECOGNITION

This event is recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as a professional development event that counts towards the recertification of Certified Economic Developers (CEcDs).

AGENDA & REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Please note the agenda, registration information and other details included on this website, in the registration brochure or in any related materials or communications are subject to change at any time without notice.

CANCELLATION / REFUND / SUBSTITUTION POLICIES

Requests for cancellations and refunds must be made via email (to info@peda.org) and received by the date and time listed in the registration brochure. No refunds will be granted after that point. All cancellations and refunds are subject to an administrative fee. No-shows will be billed in full. Substitutions are permitted, but are subject to rate adjustments (i.e., member vs. non-member, early-bird vs. standard rate, etc.), where applicable.

Information on this page is subject to change.

The dress code for this event is business casual.

Should registration figures exceed room capacity limitations during a portion of a conference – for any reason – PEDA reserves the right to provide a partial refund to some registrants (beginning with the last registration and working backward) in exchange for them forgoing participation in that portion of the event.

Please do not leave items unattended in function rooms, as neither PEDA nor the conference venue(s) can ensure their security and neither will be held liable for missing or damaged items.

Pre-Conference Session: Financing in a High-Rate Economy - Creative Structuring That Actually Works (04/27/2026)

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Pre-Conference Session:
Financing in a High-Rate Economy - Creative Structuring That Actually Works

On-site registration / check-in between 8:00 am and 8:30 am.

Session Overview:

Economic developers, lenders and business advisors are facing an environment where high interest rates and increased project costs are challenging project feasibility. This session provides a deep dive into modern financing structures that allow deals to move forward without compromising borrower cash flow or long-term project viability. Participants will learn how state programs, local financing tools and private capital can be blended to create resilient and attractive structures.

This session is also expected to address the broader shift lenders, borrowers, and public programs are navigating — higher project costs, tighter credit, and more cautious risk assessment. The goal is to walk participants through how deals are actually getting done today, the tradeoffs happening behind the scenes, and how public financing tools are being used to keep viable projects moving without increasing risk beyond acceptable levels.

Presenters:

Anita Weikel, MPA, Economic Development Lending Officer, Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC (Moderator)

Alex Bazdar, President & CEO, Classic Rock

Kristina M. Kurjiaka, Deputy Chief Counsel, Pennsylvania DCED

Jared A. Lucas, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority

Evan C. Pappas, Esq., Attorney at Law, Tucker Arensberg, P.C.

Natalie Wech, Senior VP & Business Banking Regional Manager, M&T Bank

Dustin Zehring, President & CEO, Osage Piping & Fabricating, Inc.

CONSENT TO USE OF PHOTO / VIDEO / AUDIO

Registration for, attendance at or participation in the event constitute an agreement by the registrant, attendee or participant to PEDA’s use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant’s, attendee’s or participant’s image and/or likeness and/or voice (as recorded on audio or video) without compensation.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Please see more details on the primary website for the 2026 PEDA Spring Conference.

PARKING

Please see more details on the primary website for the 2026 PEDA Spring Conference.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT UNITS (PDUS)

Eligible members of PEDA engaged in its individual certification program may earn 3.00 PDUs through participation in this pre-conference session.

PIDA has determined that, through their participation in this pre-conference session, eligible representatives of DCED-certified economic development organizations (CEDOs) may earn 3.00 finance PDUs toward the annual PIDA requirement of 6.00.

ADA RESTRICTIONS / DIETARY RESTRICTIONS / FOOD ALLERGIES

If you have any ADA restrictions, dietary restrictions or food allergies you would like PEDA or the event venue(s) to be aware of, please provide them during the online registration process or contact PEDA headquarters.

AGENDA & REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Please note the agenda, registration information and other details included on this website or in any related materials or communications are subject to change at any time without notice.

CANCELLATION / REFUND / SUBSTITUTION POLICIES

Requests for cancellations and refunds must be made via email (to info@peda.org) and received by 4:30 pm on April 6, 2026. No refunds will be granted after that point. All cancellations and refunds are subject to an administrative fee. No-shows will be billed in full. Substitutions are permitted, but are subject to rate adjustments (i.e., member vs. non-member, early-bird vs. standard rate, etc.), where applicable.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORT PROVIDED BY

This Project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, DCED.

visitPA.com is the official tourism website of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

OTHER

Information on this page, including the agenda and speaker lineup, is subject to change.

The dress code for this event is business casual.

Please do not leave items unattended in function rooms / spaces, as neither PEDA nor the event venue(s) can ensure their security and neither will be held liable for missing or damaged items.

Save the Dates - 2026 PEDA Fall Conference (10/26/2026)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

2026 PEDA Fall Conference

Wyndham Gettysburg • Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

@PEDAtweets #PEDAfall26

Who is PEDA?

Who should attend?

Why Gettysburg & Adams County?

Nestled in the rolling hills of south-central Pennsylvania, Gettysburg and Adams County blend rich history with forward-thinking innovation. Known around the world for its defining role in the American story, the Gettysburg community is rooted in resilience, leadership, and the enduring spirit of progress.

Beyond the battlefield, Adams County is home to a thriving agricultural economy, including Pennsylvania’s premier apple-growing region, a vibrant small business community, advanced manufacturing, and entrepreneurs who continue to shape the future. From the scenic South Mountain landscape to a dynamic downtown filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, and gathering spaces, Gettysburg offers both inspiration and authenticity.

In Gettysburg and Adams County, history isn’t just preserved — it fuels innovation. Community leaders, businesses, and organizations work together to build opportunity, strengthen workforce development, and invest in sustainable growth.

Whether you’re drawn by the history, the hospitality, or the momentum of a community committed to its future, Gettysburg and Adams County offer a setting where legacy and innovation meet — making it the perfect place to gather, connect, and lead.

CONFERENCE AGENDA & REGISTRATION

Please check back at a later date for details.

PRE-CONFERENCE SESSION: TBD

Please check back at a later date for details.

SPONSORS

Download the 2026 Conference Sponsorship Form.

GOLD

BRONZE

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY

This Project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, DCED.

visitPA.com is the official tourism website of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Visit www.peda.org/sponsorships for updates.

The Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) is classified as a 501(c)(6) association by the Internal Revenue Service.

CONFERENCE VENUES / HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Please check back at a later date for details.

PARKING

Complimentary parking is available for all attendees, participants and registered guests.

CONSENT TO USE OF PHOTO / VIDEO / AUDIO

Registration for, attendance at or participation in the conference constitutes an agreement by the registrant, attendee or participant to PEDA’s use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant’s, attendee’s or participant’s image and/or likeness and/or voice (as recorded on audio or video) without compensation.

ADA RESTRICTIONS / DIETARY RESTRICTIONS / FOOD ALLERGIES

If you have any ADA restrictions, dietary restrictions or food allergies of which you would like PEDA and / or the conference venue(s) to be aware, please list them on the registration form, provide them during the online registration process or contact PEDA headquarters.

EARLY BIRD RATE

IEDC RECOGNITION

PEDA plans to pursue event recognition through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) which, if approved, would ensure the conference's qualification as a professional development event that would count towards the recertification of Certified Economic Developers (CEcDs).

AGENDA & REGISTRATION INFORMATION

CANCELLATION / REFUND / SUBSTITUTION POLICIES

Information on this page is subject to change.

The dress code for this event is business casual.

Once capacity has been reached for this conference, no further registrations can be accepted. If a registration/payment is received after capacity has been reached, it will be returned or refunded as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Should registration figures exceed room capacity limitations during a portion of a conference – for any reason – PEDA reserves the right to provide a partial refund to some registrants (beginning with the last registration and working backward) in exchange for them forgoing participation in that portion of the event.

Please do not leave items unattended in function rooms or spaces, as neither PEDA nor the conference venue(s) can ensure their security and neither will be held liable for missing or damaged items.