Conference provides valuable learnings to lead economic recovery

Economic Development Australia (EDA)’s flagship annual conference, NEDC20, has provided deep insight and productive conversations among members of Australia’s economic development sector.

Hosted by Liverpool City Council and Economic Development Australia in partnership with Camden Region Economic Taskforce, the conference was held virtually between 18 to 20 November and featured a line-up of expert speakers from around the world.

“Through interactive live presentations and discussions, 180 global economic development leaders working in industries as diverse as tourism and tertiary education delivered valuable insight and best-practice ideas for leading recovery, building resilience, and transforming local economies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said.

“Among the line-up of top industry experts was Resilience NSW Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons who joined delegates for a stimulating discussion about building strategies, planning ahead and collaborating with others to overcome potential challenges; a brilliant insight that could be transformative for economic development practitioners nationwide.

“Other speakers touched on the power of innovation and communication, two things which we feel have been invaluable for us at Liverpool City Council to lead our own local economic recovery and resilience initiatives.

“The conference was a great chance for us to showcase how Liverpool, despite recent challenges, remains a city of opportunity and to specifically highlight the crucial role that Council plays in attracting investment and facilitating jobs and economic growth through new infrastructure, nurturing small businesses, establishing skills development initiatives and ongoing collaboration with government partners and the private sector.”

Economic Development Australia CEO Jacqueline Brinkman said NEDC20 came at a critical time for the sector.

“The themes of economic recovery and resilience discussed at NEDC20 couldn’t have come at a better time for the economic development sector,” Ms Brinkman said.

“The presentations and panel discussions delivered across three days confirmed that economic development professionals are on the front line of economic recovery and, in many cases, the wellbeing of our communities depends on the work being delivered by the EDA membership cohort.

“When we talk about 2020 and the need for businesses and governments to pivot and adapt, there really isn’t a better example than NEDC20 hosts, Liverpool City Council. When it became clear we couldn’t host delegates in person here in NSW, the team at Council epitomised innovation and resilience and delivered a world class economic development conference to EDA members and the economic development sector.”

Liverpool City Council and Economic Development Australia wish to thank Camden Region Economic Taskforce (Event Partner), Geografia (Bronze Sponsor), Lucid Economics (Break Out Room Sponsor), GrantGuru (Supporter) and Remplan (Supporter) for helping to make NEDC20 possible.

Visit www.edaconference.com.au to learn more about the NEDC20 program.

About Economic Development Australia

Economic Development Australia (EDA) is the national peak body for economic development professionals; building capacity, promoting excellence and providing leadership. NEDC20 is EDA's flagship event, which Liverpool City Council secured the rights to produce through a competitive bid process.

About Liverpool City Council

Liverpool is one of the largest local government areas in metropolitan Sydney, Australia. Liverpool City Council is responsible for providing essential community services – such as the maintenance of parks, roads and collecting household waste – to support more than 200,000 residents in 42 suburbs. Home to Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and Liverpool Innovation Precinct, Liverpool has emerged as Sydney’s third CBD and Council is working to make the growing city a wonderful place to live, work, invest, study and visit.