nedaconf2012

Counting Down!

nedaconf — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:04:44 +0000

Remember the last conference you attended? As an economic development professional, you undoubtedly returned home inspired and motivated to implement many of the concepts unveiled during the program. At first, you might imagine this excitement emerged from all the conference workshops you attended. If you think about it, though, the seeds of our enthusiasm were planted months earlier. Perhaps the convention registration materials prompted your curiosity about new industry trends. If a few of your colleagues talked about attending, their anticipation likely impacted yours.

So, count down with me to October 28, 2012 for the CT NEDA conference. I feel a buzz of excitement…the 302nd day in the 44th week of the year, at this writing we have 248 days left to plan. Will we be ready? My answer is a resounding…yes, Yes, YES!!! In just 8 months we will be gathering at the Wadsworth Atheneum to renew acquaintances, make new friendships and hear from the experts in the field of economic development. The much anticipated ConneCTing to Compete conference in Hartford, CT will be underway.
Join with me as we count down to one of the most exciting opportunities to engage with your peers. See you in 5,952 hours or 357,120 minutes!

Rebecca A. Nolan, EDP
MetroHartford Alliance & CT NEDA Conference Committee

Tour America’s Oldest Public Art Institution

nedaconf — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:38:16 +0000

This year’s NEDA conference will kick off with an opening reception at the nation’s oldest public art museum, the Wadsworth Atheneum.

The Wadsworth Atheneum is more than just the first public art institution in the United States. It was the first museum in America to begin collecting contemporary American art – resulting in our world renowned Hudson River School collection. It staged the first retrospective of Pablo Picasso in America. It was the first museum to both exhibit and purchase works by Surrealist artists – today almost every exhibition about Surrealism includes works borrowed from its collection. It was the first art museum to also have a theater – and the first to show Gertrude Stein’s Four Saints & 3 Acts – which it also produced.

The recently reinstalled Hudson River School collection includes more than 65 landscapes by artists like Thomas Cole, Frederic Church, and Albert Bierstadt. This collection was formed by Daniel Wadsworth, Elizabeth Colt and other patrons in the 19th century, who collected and commissioned works directly from the artists.

The 20th Century European Art Collection contains about 900 paintings, 500 sculptures, and 3,500 works on paper. The works range from the medieval to the modern period, and the Atheneum has particular strengths in Italian Baroque painting with major examples by Caravaggio, Genteleschi, and Strozzi, as well in Surrealism represented by Dali, Miro, Ernst and Magritte. In addition there are some very famous works by Monet, Renoir, Holman Hunt, and Wright of Derby.

So if you’re planning on coming to this year’s conference, you can enjoy cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres while viewing a renowned Surrealism collection!

ConneCTing to Compete!

nedaconf — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:02:30 +0000

It’s been ten years since Connecticut has hosted the Northeastern Economic Developers Association annual conference and plans for the 2012 conference in Hartford are taking shape. We plan to deliver an exceptional educational experience, outstanding Connecticut cuisine, and the best of camaraderie. We are excited to incorporate the 50th anniversary of the Connecticut Economic Development Association (CEDAS) to be showcased at Monday night’s reception. The theme of the 2012 conference will incorporate the various ways that economic developers do their jobs best, connecting with site selection consultants, connecting with industry, connecting with colleagues, connecting with the future, etc. Our plans so far include…

Oct. 28 – Sunday:

Pre-conference workshop
Opening Reception at the nation’s oldest public art museum, the Wadsworth Athenaeum
Golf tournament
Ct hospitality suite

Oct. 29 – Monday:

A luncheon presentation by a noted economist
A first-time interstate practitioners forum
A CEDAS 50th anniversary celebration reception at the new CT Science Center
A spouse program including a tour of the Mark Twain House and a visit to nearby Blue Black Square, a nationally recognized urban shopping destination

Oct. 30 – Tuesday:

A morning site selectors’ panel
And one-on-one meetings with site selectors

We are planning a special tour and guests to be announced within the next few months. We look forward to your participation and a record attendance!

Registration
While details will evolve, it’s already possible to register on-line!

Earlybird Registration for NEDA Members* is just $395, which includes meals and receptions
The Spouse/Guest Meal package remains at $200
*All memberships are individual. Non-members registering for the conference add a $100 “discounted new member dues” fee and immediately become members for the year (an added value of $135!)

Hotel: Downtown Hartford Marriott, $169 per night