2024 Meet the Consultants | The #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit

The Southern Economic Development Council, North America's oldest and largest regional economic development association, has announced a major conference set for April 30 - May 1 in Atlanta. Economic developers, business leaders, site selectors, and policy-makers will convene at "Meet the Consultants: #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit" to promote new economic development and to discuss future-focused strategies to accelerate progress in the #AmericanSouth.

The Summit agenda will feature globally active site selectors and the Council's expert members. As the Summit nears, SEDC will continually release updates to the speaking lineup. Stay tuned for additional updates and the full agenda. 

Member Pricing - $495
Non-member Pricing - $845

AGENDA

April 29 @ 5:30 – 7:30 | Welcome Reception

Brasfield & Gorrie Atlanta Office
2999 Circle 75 Parkway

Atlanta, GA 30339
SEDC-Provided-Transportation Available

April 30 @ 8:00 – 9:00| Breakfast

April 30 @ 9:15 | Global Site Selection Trends & Perspectives

Iconic brands, global enterprises, and emerging industries that super-charge new markets thrive in the #AmericanSouth. As the world’s third-largest economy, the South is rooted in tradition, overflowing with advantage, and poised for accelerated growth. In this session, leading experts will share the latest global trends, expectations, and perspectives on site selection. Don’t miss this opportunity to capitalize on the current economic development conditions and opportunities.

Chris Schastok, CBRE
Brandon Talbert, Austin Consulting
Brian Corde, Atlas Insight
Amy Gerber, Cushman & Wakefield
Raul Peralta, ECS

April 30 @ 10:15 | Economic Development in the Shadow of a Mega Site: What Sites Are in Demand?

Just last year, American South economy builders developed well over 200 billion in new capital investment that will create 200,000+ new jobs. To inform SEDC members’ ability to perpetuate and accelerate our globally leading momentum and advantage, leading site selectors share the latest industry-specific site selection needs.  

Josh Bays, Site Selection Group
Courtney Dunbar, Burns & McDonnell
David Hickey, Hickey & Associates
Mandi Mitchell, Lafayette Economic Development Authority

April 30 @ 11:15 | The Bridge: Economic Development in the Energy Transition

The ongoing industrial revolution fueled by digitalization, decarbonization, and electrification demands that job and investment focused communities revise their business and retention strategies. Panelists will discuss the current and future energy dynamics reshaping site selection across dominant industrial verticals.

James Chavez, SC Power Team
Courtland Robinson, SEDC Regional Director
Charlie Moseley, Georgia Power
Tyler Chaffee, TVA
Bradley Migdal, Cushman & Wakefield

April 30 @ 12:15 | Keynote Luncheon

Chick-fil-A’s Nick Westbrook, a renowned businessman, speaker, and leadership guru, takes the American South Site Selection Summit luncheon stage to motivate, inspire, and challenge the world’s best economic developers.   

April 30 @ 1:30 | Supply Chain & Logistics: An #AmericanSouth Advantage

In the American South enterprise moves product through our infrastructure and across the world overnight. As supply chain continues to inform site selection decisions, the south’s logistic advantages position SEDC states and communities for success. In this session, learn from industry experts how to best leverage logistics, strategies to enhance supply chains, and methods to further develop your community.

Mike Grim, Norfolk Southern
Dr. Robert Martinez, Moffatt & Nichol
Kellen Riley, CSX
Tess Fay, GLS

April 30 @ 2:30 | Behind the Scenes: The Site Selection Consultants' “Tell-All”

Recorded in front of a live studio audience, leading consultants reveal a peek behind the curtain, showcasing how communities have excelled at every stage of the site selection process. In this session, experts will highlight strategies and practices that landed transformative deals. From marketing to deal closing, this session is a can’t miss and fun primer on American South economic development.

Nelson Lindsay, Parker Poe Consulting
Tess Fay, GLS
Alicia Hutchings, Cresa
Ben Worrell, McGuire Sponsel
F.J. Fenn, Henry County Development

April 30 @ 3:30 | Developing In-Demand Sites

Quick and risk-free site selection, coupled with swift operationalization, are pivotal for economic development success. The American South boasts a remarkable global speed-to-market advantage, as communities and partners within the SEDC footprint are making unprecedented investments in product development. In this follow-up session to 'What Sites Are In-Demand,' discover how to leverage current market conditions to enhance the quality of your sites, setting the stage for success.

Kim Williams Davis, Quest Site Solutions
Joe Hines, Timmons
Bill Adams, TVA
Scott Poag, Yates Construction
Jamie Frost, SC Power Team
Eli Falls, Moffatt & Nichol

April 30 @ 4:15 | Charging the Future: Accelerating the American South’s EV and Battery Advantage

The American South is leading the United States’ charge in the EV and battery industries, as domestic and global enterprise flock to the world’s premier investment location. In this session, take a deep dive into what drives the location choices in these key industries and gain strategic insights on how to make your community an attractive hub for EV and battery companies.

David MacNamara, KPMG
Brittany Young, Maxis Advisors
Tim Weston, Brasfield & Gorrie
Benton Blaine, Cushman & Wakefield
Jason Giulietti, Central SC Alliance
Adam Myers, Chattanooga Area Chamber

April 30 @ 5:00 – 6:00 | VIP Reception

April 30 @ 6:00 – 7:30 | American South Reception

May 1 @ 8:00 – 9:00 | Breakfast

May 1 @ 9:00 | Welcoming the World to the American South

Global enterprises flourish in the American South, as our region outpaces competitors in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). International companies channel billions annually into industrial projects in the United States, yet securing such investments poses significant challenges. We'll delve into the criteria that companies evaluate and how you can prime your community for foreign business recruitment. Participants will gain perspectives from seasoned experts who have not only established but also nurtured and expanded partnerships with international firms eyeing the U.S. market.

Monty Turner, Colliers
Richard Blackwell, Agracel
Ron Bertasi, GIS WebTech
Jim Blair, Navigator Consulting
Tom Long, Temple EDC
Robert Camoin, Camoin Associates

May 1 @ 10:00 | Here’s the Deal: A Review of American South Incentives and Pro-Growth US Policies

The American South's pro-business climate is a major asset driving economic growth. This session will explore effective economic development incentives, pro-growth policies, and enabling legislation that communities are using to attract projects and create jobs. Learn from real-world examples and gain insights to better craft and advocate for comprehensive strategies that stimulate local economies, navigate legislative landscapes, and sustain growth.

Blair Westmoreland, DMA
Chris Lloyd, McGuireWoods
David Denison, Kroll
Gray Swoope, VisionFirst Advisors
Will Johnson, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd

May 1 @ 10:45 | American South People Power: Attracting and Preparing a Winning Workforce | Windsor Ballroom

The American South enjoys a global edge in workforce availability and participation, with communities across the SEDC region setting national benchmarks in talent development and attraction. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the key elements and partnerships essential for cultivating and maintaining a workforce that meets the needs of industries.

Chris Schwinden, Site Selection Group
Ann Rybka, Atlas Insight
Emily Heflin, MAU
Josh Ward, Clarksville-Montgomery IDB
Bill Lavers, Harrison Co. Development

May 1 @ 11:45 | Go Forth and Prosper: Capitalizing on Site Selection Trends

Last year, the American South developed over 200 billion in new corporate investment that will create a quarter-million new jobs. The South is America’s economic development hot spot and a global powerhouse. In this session, leading Site Selection Consultants will break down the American South economic momentum and on-going opportunity, and will share strategies to accelerate our worldwide economic advantage.

Brooklin Salemi, Newmark
Cedric Colbert, Global Location Strategies
Bryan Farlow, Thomas & Hutton
Jay Garner, Garner Economics
Alex Baker, Maxis Advisors
Jana Dyke, Albany-Dougherty EDC

Hotel & Conference Host

The Intercontinental Atlanta Buckhead
3315 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

Acknowledgment of Enhanced Safety and Health Measures for All Attendees:
Registration and attendance at, or participation in, SEDC's in-person events constitutes an agreement by the registrant to abide by SEDC's and the host property's efforts to comply with current CDC recommendations related to COVID-19 (and any state of Georgia requirements) and to engage in certain health-and-safety-beneficial conduct while attending the event as requested by SEDC (e.g., wearing a mask, engaging in appropriate physical distancing, not attending the event if feeling sick or showing specific symptoms).  You agree not to hold SEDC, Intercontinental Hotels, or any of their directors, officers, employees, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury.

Special Needs:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), conference management will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate persons with disabilities at its meetings. If you need assistance or have dietary restrictions, please indicate this on your registration form or call the SEDC Office at (404) 523-3030.

Registration Fees:
Member and non-member registration fees include all conference sessions, Monday reception, breakfast, and lunch. Tuesday sessions and breakfast.

All cancellations must be received in writing at the SEDC office to obtain a refund by April 1st. All cancellations will have a $50.00 administrative charge up until this date. Cancellations received after will have a $150.00 cancellation fee. Any registrant who does not submit cancellation correspondence by April 15th and does not attend the meeting must pay the balance in full. Registrants may substitute attendees without penalty.

However, appropriate member/ non-member rates will apply to substitute attendees.

Consent for the use of Photographic Images:
Registration and attendance at, or participation in, SEDC meetings and other activities constitute an agreement by the registrant to SEDC’s use and distribution (now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photograph productions and audiotapes of such events and activities.

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