| Date | Location | Registration fees | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 3-8, 2026 |
Waterloo |
(Fee structure outlined below) |
10 |
| Start Time | 3:00pm | Sunday, May 3, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| End Time | 12:30 pm | Friday, May 8, 2026 |
Why take Year 1?
Year 1 is about two things: building a strong foundation of knowledge in economic development, and building connections with your peers.
This course helps economic development professionals learn the basics of the field, from what an EDO really does, to measuring success. Generalists will learn strategies for handling the many and diverse tasks they're expected to do. Specialists will learn about the spectrum of economic development activities and become more insightful team members.
Professionals of all types and experience levels will appreciate the peer-learning and networking opportunities. Participants come from across Canada and are eager to share their successes, challenges, and lessons. On a personal level, spending a week learning, eating, and relaxing together builds a bond that leaves each cohort looking forward to reuniting at conferences and other industry events.
For those considering a profession in economic development, I highly recommend participating in the EDAC Year 1 program. It is a great way to expand your professional toolkit, build community and establish a network of colleagues that you can turn to for experiences and knowledge. Read more...
2025 Schedule*
*2026 Schedule Forthcoming
Having worked in this field for 20 years, it was an excellent base in my field. Well designed. Well executed.
2025 Speakers*
*2026 Speakers forthcoming
Brock Dickinson
Brock is an Assistant Director of the Economic Development Program, and has worked in local economic development for 25 years. He is currently the Entrepreneur in Residence and an Adjunct Professor with the University of Waterloo. He was previously CEO of MDB Insight, Canada’s largest specialist economic development consultancy, where he worked with hundreds of communities across North America. Before this private sector role, Brock headed a number of provincial and municipal economic development agencies in both Ontario and Nova Scotia, and spent six years as a consultant with the United Nations, leading sustainable development projects in 30 countries.
Cory Bluhm
Cory began his career as a professional planner at the City of Kitchener working on urban infill projects, brownfield projects, and, worked on the city’s downtown implementation plan. In 2009 Cory became the City’s Manager of Downtown Development and was responsible for introducing a broad range of cultural activities, streetscape redesign, and new economic development strategy focused on attracting talent to the core. In 2016, Cory became the Executive Director of Economic Development where he leads a diverse team focused on active city-building by supporting business and industry growth while injecting grassroots vitality into the community.
Paul Knafelc
Paul Knafelc is an economic researcher as well as founder and President of Community Benchmarks Inc. He has established a reputation for innovative data products and for rigorous research approaches which have been used by private and public sector organizations to direct strategic initiatives and make evidence-based decisions. A distinct advantage of Paul’s practice is his deep knowledge of, and expertise with, Statistics Canada data sources, methodologies and custom data tabulations procedures. Paul also teaches a graduate course, ERS 619 Regional Economic Analysis, with the Economic Development program at the University of Waterloo
Eileen Kennedy
Eileen Kennedy is a Film and Television Industry Specialist for Invest Durham. She is a seasoned film commissioner, sector development officer and award-winning marketing professional with private sector experience, bringing extensive knowledge of the film industry and advertising excellence. As a highly respected and dedicated professional, I encourage production activity, job creation, business opportunities and education in the film and television sector. My objective is to increase and facilitate film, television, commercial and new media projects in the region and promote the region as a world-class destination for film production.
Dave Cash
With over 40 years of experience in the municipal sector, Dave Cash specializes in strategic planning, economic development, stakeholder engagement, and land use planning. He also brings expertise in service delivery reviews, ensuring programs and services meet the needs of customers, residents, stakeholders, and elected officials. Throughout his career, Dave has held various leadership roles in economic development, urban planning, public–private sector partnerships, and administrative management (CAO).
Registration & Accommodation fees*
| EDAC members in good standing* | Non-EDAC members | |
|---|---|---|
| Early bird | $1250 + HST | $1550 + HST |
|
After April 5 |
$1395 + HST | $1695 + HST |
| Accommodations/Meal Packages | |
|---|---|
| Package #1 (five night's accommodations, five breakfasts, five lunches, three dinners) | TBD |
| Package #2 (five breakfasts, five lunches, three dinners) | TBD |
| Package #3 (five lunches, three dinners) | TBD |