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October 28 - 30, 2025 | Syracuse, Indiana

2025 Practitioner's Forum: A Deep Dive into Best Practices

Discover the secrets of Indiana's economic development success. Join us for the 2024 Practitioner's Forum, where we'll delve into the specific strategies, tools, and techniques that drive economic growth in our state.

Key takeaways:

Learn from the experts: Gain insights from industry leaders who have shaped Indiana's economic landscape.
Network with peers: Connect with professionals from across the state and build lasting relationships.
Stay ahead of the curve: Discover the latest trends and innovations in economic development.

Session highlights:

Effective Leadership: Explore leadership styles, time management, and overcoming imposter syndrome.
Board Management and Relationships: Learn best practices for effective board governance and building strong relationships.
Economic Development Tools: Understand the nuances of TIFs, tax abatements, and BR&E.
Community Engagement: Discover how to create memorable site visits and leverage AI to share your community's story.

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and contribute to Indiana's economic prosperity.

Location

Oakwood Resort, 702 E Lake View Rd, Syracuse, IN 46567

Join us in northern Indiana for the 2025 Practitioner's Forum. Reserve a room for $98 - $116 a night.

ATTENDEE REGISTRATION

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Reserve a room

RESERVE

Tuesday, OCTOBER 28, 2025

8:30 am	Registration
9:00 am	Welcome/Introductions
9:30 am	Optimize Your Leadership: A Strengths-Based Workshop Unlock your full leadership potential! This dynamic workshop helps economic development leaders understand and leverage their unique strengths for peak performance and to confidently navigate challenges. Before the session, all attendees will complete the Gallup CliftonStrengths® online assessment. Caroline Dowd-Higgins
11:30 am	Lunch
12:15 pm	Organizational Management Molly Whitehead, mkw+co
1:45 pm	Break
2:00 pm	Leading With Confidence: Silencing Your Inner Critic and Owning Your Success Up to 82% of people report experiences of "imposter syndrome"—a term for doubting their abilities and feeling like a fraud. It disproportionately affects high-achieving people who find it difficult to accept their accomplishments, as many question whether they're deserving of accolades. In this interactive session, we will address this real challenge head-on, and do so in a light, connective way.
4:00 pm	Break
4:15 pm	Effective Board Management and Building Relationships Mike Perleberg, One Dearborn, Inc. Rachel Philips Cyndi Todd, Partnership Parke County Moderator: Bryan Brackemyre, Indiana Municipal Power Agency
5:45 pm	Break
6:30 pm	Group Gathering

Wednesday, OCTOBER 29, 2025

8:00 am	Breakfast
8:45 am	Business Retention &Expansion Cheryl Morphew, CRMorphew Consulting LLC
9:45 am	Break
10:00 am	Economic Development Finance
11:30 am	Elected Officials Panel Ruth Baker, Cass County Commissioner
12:30 pm	Lunch
1:30 pm	RFI Best Practices \| ZoomProspector \| Creating a Memorable Site Visit Anastasia Geminden, Ginovus Sarah Salisbury, Indiana Economic Development Corporation
3:30 pm	Break
3:45 pm	Entrepreneurship Claire Gelinas, City of Westfield
4:45 pm	Break
5:30 pm	Group Dinner

Thursday, OCTOBER 30, 2025

7:30 am	Breakfast
8:00 am	Mini Sessions on Community Challenges
10:30 am	Break
10:45 am	AI: The Secret Weapon for Sharing Your Community’s Story John Qualls, Big Impact Group
12:30 pm	Wrap-up

125 West Market Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204 | CONTACT

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