Economic Development Conference 2026
iED Launches Early Bird Tickets, Sponsorship Opportunities and Awards Entries
The Institute of Economic Development (iED) has officially opened registrations for its Annual Conference and Awards Dinner 2026, bringing together industry leaders, decision-makers and professionals from across the UK.
Delivering Good Growth
Taking place at BMA House, London on Wednesday 18th November 2026, the conference will focus on the theme “Delivering Good Growth”, exploring the trends, opportunities and challenges shaping economic development across the UK.
Open to both iED members and non-members, the conference has become a trusted platform for knowledge-sharing, insight, collaboration and networking across the economic development community.
What attendees can expect
- Keynote speakers and expert-led sessions
- Focused discussions on economic growth and place development
- Networking with over 160 industry decision-makers
- Practical insights and CPD opportunities
- Interactive workshops and panel discussions
The conference will also act as the launch platform for the iED’s 2026 Delivering Good Growth Report, a year-long project featuring case studies, insights and evidence gathered from economic development professionals across the country.
Confirmed speakers
Confirmed speakers include:
Chair of the iED
Bloomberg & BBC Economics Journalist
CEO of Thinkingplace
Chief Executive of Edinburgh City Council
Awards Dinner returns
Now in its fourth year, the iED Awards Dinner will once again celebrate excellence in economic development across individual, team and organisational categories.
Categories include:
- Leader of the Year
- Most Innovative Project of the Year
- Outstanding Contribution to Economic Development
Entries are open to both iED members and non-members, with self-nominations and nominations of others welcomed.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Sponsorship packages are now available, offering organisations the opportunity to gain visibility and connect directly with a highly engaged audience of economic development professionals and decision-makers.
View Sponsorship Packages