2026 Annual Conference | Bonita Springs, FL

The Southern Economic Development Council, North America’s oldest and largest regional economic development association, will gather in beautiful Bonita Springs, Florida at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point for #SEDC2026 from August 16 through 18, 2026.

This landmark event will bring together more than 700 of the world’s leading economy builders, visionary leaders, and changemakers for three days of powerful learning, transformative collaboration, and unforgettable experiences. Attendees will enjoy dynamic keynote sessions, practical breakout discussions, and unparalleled opportunities to connect with peers and partners who are shaping the future of economic growth.

With the stunning Gulf Coast as our backdrop, SEDC 2026 promises not only cutting-edge insights and strategies but also an inspiring environment that captures the spirit of innovation and progress in the American South.

Registration is officially open. Secure your place today and join us in Florida as we build momentum and drive prosperity across our communities.

Confirmed Speakers

(Many more announcements to come)

Tentative Schedule (Subject to change):

Host Hotel:

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa
5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION AND ATTENDANCE

These Terms and Conditions (“Agreement”) govern registration, attendance, and participation in any in-person event organized by the Southern Economic Development Council (“SEDC”). By submitting registration, making payment, or attending any portion of an event, the registrant (“Attendee”) acknowledges and agrees to be legally bound by the following provisions:

1. HEALTH AND SAFETY ACKNOWLEDGMENT

1.1 Compliance. Attendee shall comply with all health and safety protocols implemented by SEDC and/or the host venue, including but not limited to those issued or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), the State of Georgia, and the State of Texas in effect at the time of the event.

1.2 Conduct. Attendee shall comply with specific health and safety directives of SEDC, which may include but are not limited to:
(a) wearing a face covering,
(b) practicing physical distancing, and
(c) refraining from attendance if experiencing illness or symptoms associated with COVID-19 or any other communicable condition.

1.3 Assumption of Risk. Attendee voluntarily assumes all risks of illness, injury, or other harm, including but not limited to exposure to COVID-19 or other communicable diseases, arising from attendance.

1.4 Waiver and Release. Attendee hereby irrevocably waives, releases, and agrees not to assert any claims against SEDC, Loews Hotels, and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, contractors, agents, and volunteers, arising out of or relating to illness, injury, or other harm connected to the event.

2. SPECIAL NEEDS AND ACCOMMODATIONS

2.1 ADA Compliance. SEDC shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

2.2 Notification. Attendee requiring accommodations, including dietary restrictions, must provide notice of such needs at the time of registration or by contacting SEDC through the official website contact form in advance of the event.

2.3 Limitation. Failure to provide advance notice may limit SEDC’s ability to provide accommodations.

3. REGISTRATION FEES AND CANCELLATION POLICY

3.1 Fees. Registration fees for members and non-members include admission to all conference sessions, receptions, breakfasts, and lunches as designated by SEDC.

3.2 Cancellation Procedure. All cancellations must be submitted in writing and received by the SEDC office.

3.3 Refund Eligibility. Refunds shall be processed as follows:
(a) Cancellations received more than sixty (60) days prior to the event shall be refunded less a fifty-dollar ($50.00) administrative fee.
(b) Cancellations received between sixty (60) and thirty (30) days prior to the event shall be refunded less a one-hundred-fifty-dollar ($150.00) administrative fee.
(c) Cancellations received thirty (30) days or fewer prior to the event shall not be eligible for any refund.

3.4 Non-Member Rate. Mistaken registrations at the non-member rate shall not be adjusted or refunded for the difference. Each Attendee is solely responsible for verifying membership status prior to payment.

3.5 Substitutions. Attendees may substitute another individual without penalty, provided that the appropriate member or non-member registration fee applies to the substitute.

3.6 No Resale or Transfer for Profit. Registrations and badges are non-transferable except as permitted in Section 3.5. Unauthorized resale, duplication, or transfer for profit is strictly prohibited and may result in cancellation without refund.

4. CONSENT FOR USE OF NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS

4.1 Grant of Rights. By registering for, attending, or participating in an SEDC event, Attendee grants to SEDC the irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free right and license to record, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, and otherwise use Attendee’s name, image, likeness, and/or voice in any media format (including, without limitation, photographs, audio recordings, and video recordings).

4.2 Scope. This consent shall extend to all lawful uses by SEDC, including archival, promotional, educational, and commercial purposes, without further notice or compensation to Attendee.

5. ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND LIABILITY

5.1 Personal Responsibility. Attendee acknowledges that alcoholic beverages may be served during certain SEDC events. Attendee represents and warrants that they are of legal drinking age and shall consume alcohol responsibly and in compliance with all applicable laws.

5.2 Assumption of Risk. Attendee assumes all risks associated with the consumption of alcohol, including but not limited to risks of illness, injury, accidents, or other harm.

5.3 Waiver and Release. Attendee hereby waives, releases, and agrees not to assert any claims against SEDC, Loews Hotels, and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, contractors, agents, and volunteers arising from or related to Attendee’s consumption of alcohol, overservice of alcohol, or conduct while under the influence of alcohol.

5.4 No Liability for Third Parties. SEDC and Loews Hotels shall bear no responsibility or liability for the actions, conduct, or injuries of any Attendee or third party resulting from alcohol consumption.

6. CODE OF CONDUCT

6.1 Standards of Behavior. Attendees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner at all times during the event. Harassment, discrimination, disruptive behavior, or unlawful conduct will not be tolerated.

6.2 Enforcement. SEDC reserves the right, in its sole discretion and without refund, to remove or refuse entry to any Attendee whose behavior is deemed inappropriate, unsafe, or disruptive to the event.

7. MODIFICATION OF PROGRAM

SEDC reserves the right to alter, substitute, or cancel any aspect of the event program, including speakers, sessions, and schedules, without liability to Attendees. No refunds shall be provided for program changes of this nature.

8. FORCE MAJEURE

Neither SEDC nor Loews Hotels shall be liable or responsible for any delay, cancellation, rescheduling, or other failure to perform under this Agreement to the extent caused by events beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, weather emergencies, labor strikes, governmental actions, public health emergencies, terrorism, war, power outages, or failure of third-party suppliers. In such circumstances, SEDC reserves the right to reschedule, modify, or cancel the event without liability, and refund policies shall be applied at SEDC’s discretion.

9. HOTEL AND TRAVEL DISCLAIMER

Attendees are solely responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements. SEDC is not responsible for any hotel, transportation, or travel-related expenses, cancellations, delays, or incidents, including but not limited to costs associated with airline, rental car, or other third-party providers.

10. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All conference materials, including but not limited to presentations, slides, recordings, and publications, are the intellectual property of SEDC or its licensors. Attendee shall not reproduce, distribute, display, or share such materials without prior written consent of SEDC.

11. DATA PRIVACY

By registering, Attendee consents to the collection, use, and processing of personal information by SEDC for purposes of event administration, communications, and related activities, subject to applicable privacy laws.

12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

In no event shall SEDC, Loews Hotels, or their respective directors, officers, employees, contractors, agents, or volunteers be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or relating to the event. The total aggregate liability of SEDC for any claims shall not exceed the amount of the Attendee’s registration fee.

13. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia and the State of Texas, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

14. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Attendee and SEDC regarding the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications, whether written or oral.

16. INDEMNIFICATION

Attendee agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless SEDC, Loews Hotels, and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, contractors, agents, and volunteers from and against any and all claims, demands, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to:
(a) Attendee’s violation of this Agreement,
(b) Attendee’s negligence, willful misconduct, or unlawful conduct during the event, or
(c) any claim brought by a third party as a result of Attendee’s actions or omissions in connection with the event.