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GEDA 2026 Annual Conference

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 to Friday, September 18, 2026

Please join us in Savannah on Wednesday, September 16th through Friday, September 18th for our Annual Conference. Our event takes place at The Hyatt Regency Savannah. We have a great program lineup along with fun networking events and optional activities this year!


Registration & Pricing

Registration Type

Early Bird Rates

Until 8/13/26

Regular Rates

8/14/26 - 9/18/26


Full Conference Registration
Members $415 $475
Non-Members $535 $595

One-Day Registration
Members $205 $235
Non-Members $230 $260


Host Community Sponsor


Thank You to Our Generous Yearly Sponsors!

Champions Circle Sponsors

Winners Circle Sponsors

THURSDAY OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Registration for optional activities can be found through the conference registration page. Click the orange "Register Now" button and the top of the screen. All activities take place on Thursday afternoon, September 17th. 

If you are already registered for the event but would like to go back in and add an activity, click the "Register Now" button and type your name into the "Add Attendee" line and then Continue. 

  • Golf Tournament at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club ($150)
  • Georgia Ports Authority Tour by Boat ($75)
  • Cooking Class at the Savannah Culinary Institute ($150)
  • Small Group Workshop with Featured Speaker, Emily Thompson ($75) (click here for overview)

To be added to the wait list for sold out activities, please complete this form.

STAYING IN SAVANNAH

Hyatt Regency Savannah Nightly Rate: $229 (plus applicable fees and taxes)

Group Booking Link: https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/SAVRS/G-GED1

Group Cutoff Date: Monday, August 24

Hotel Address: 2 W Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401

See these fantastic speakers and more at the GEDA 2026 Annual Conference!

Ford Graham
Partner
McGuireWoods


Emily Thompson
Founder
Bloom Talent Advisors


Agenda

September 16
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Exhibitor Setup
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Registration Open
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM GEDA Board Meeting
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM GEDA 101 - New Member Orientation
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM New Member Luncheon Invitation Only
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM Opening Remarks & Welcome
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM General Session 1
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM General Session 2
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Break with Sponsors
3:30 PM - 3:30 PM Door Prizes
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM General Session 3
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Young Professionals Happy Hour
4:30 PM - 4:45 PM Door Prizes & Welcome Party Instructions
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Welcome Party
September 17
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM Buffet Breakfast
7:00 AM - 12:00 PM Registration
8:00 AM - 8:15 AM Door Prizes & Opening Remarks
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM General Session 4
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM General Session 5
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM Break with Sponsors
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM General Session 6
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM General Session 7
11:30 AM - 11:45 AM Door Prizes & Adjournment for Day
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Optional Thursday Afternoon Activities
September 18
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM Buffet Breakfast
7:00 AM - 12:00 PM Registration
8:15 AM - 8:30 AM Door Prizes & Opening Remarks
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Annual Business Meeting & Awards
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM General Session 8
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Break with Sponsors
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM General Session 9
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM Door Prizes & Final Remarks
12:00 PM - 12:00 PM Adjourn

Sponsorship Information

Click the link below to access information on sponsorship opportunities for this year's workshop. Contact Cecilia Arango, Sponsorship Chair at arango.c@tandh.com for more information!

If you are already registered for the conference but would like to add a sponsorship to your registration, click the "Register Now" button and type your name into the "Add Attendee" line. 

SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES HERE

Exhibitor Setup is Wednesday, September 16th, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Deadline to have logo printed on signage is Thursday, August 27th. Any sponsor purchases beyond this date will only be on digital promotions.

A registrant who does not submit a written cancellation, or attend the Annual Conference, is considered a "No-Show.” No-Shows are not eligible for refunds or credits, and are still liable for outstanding balances. Those who are ill and have a doctor’s excuse or a death in the family will be excused.

Substitutions will be accepted at any time.

There will be no refunds or credits for cancellations after the close of business (5:00 pm) seven days prior the event.

All cancellation requests must be received in writing (email or hard copy) and must be received by the stated cancellation deadline.

Refund requests must include the name of the attendee.

When possible, refunds will be credited back to the original credit card used for payment.

For those who have registered and choose the bill me or pay by check option, you are still subject to the refund policy.

The Legal Stuff:

Consent to Use of Photographic Images

Registration and attendance at, or participation in, GEDA meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to GEDA's use and distribution (now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee's image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions and audiotapes of such events and activities.


Liability Waiver

Waiver and Release of Liability – Please Read Carefully

I acknowledge that I am voluntarily participating in an optional activity that has inherent risks, dangers and hazards, and my participation in such activities and/or use of equipment is voluntary.

I, on behalf of myself, my personal representatives and my heirs, hereby voluntarily agree to release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) officers, board of directors, committee chairs, members, and employees from any and all claims, actions or losses for bodily injury, property damage, or wrongful death.

I HAVE READ THE ABOVE WAIVER AND RELEASE, AND BY SIGNING IT AGREE IT IS MY INTENTION TO EXEMPT THE GEORGIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION (GEDA) OFFICERS, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COMMITTEE CHAIRS, MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES FROM LIABILITY FOR PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR WRONGFUL DEATH.

Please check the box as part of your registration.

Credits Price
Early Member - Full Conference Registration
Registration Ends 8/13/26 at 11:59 PM EDT
$415.00
Early Non-Member - Full Conference Registration
Registration Ends 8/13/26 at 11:59 PM EDT
$535.00
Credits Price
Golf Tournament
The GEDA 2026 Annual Conference Golf Tournament will be held at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club on Thursday, September 17th at the Deer Creek Course. Shotgun start will begin at 1:30 PM. Boxed lunches will be provided before your start time, and a beverage cart will be available. Transportation to the club is on your own. Registration Ends 9/3/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$150.00
Georgia Ports Authority Tour by Boat
Join us for a port tour by boat! This guided boat tour will feature the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) facility in Savannah. The tour will run from 2:00 - 4:00 pm on Thursday, September 17th, meeting on River Street. Lunch will be on your own. Registration Ends 9/3/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$75.00
Cooking Class at the Savannah Culinary Institute
More information coming soon! 

Hosted by they Savannah Culinary Institute, across the street from the host hotel, this event will be held 1:00 - 5:00 pm on Thursday, September 17th.
Registration Ends 9/3/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$150.00
Workshop with Emily Thompson
Beyond Time Management: Designing Systems that Work
Thursday, September 17 | 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Join Emily Thompson, one of our featured General Session speakers, for an exclusive small-group workshop on Thursday afternoon.
Registration Ends 9/3/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$75.00
Credits Price
Presenting Sponsorship
Includes three (3) complimentary full conference registrations, premium exhibit space, exclusive recognition during program, and logo promotion on website, event presentation, marketing e-blasts, and more.

View the Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities Flyer for a full list of the benefits included with this sponsorship.
Registration Ends 9/6/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$7,500.00
Host Community Sponsorship
Includes three (3) complimentary full conference registrations, premium exhibit space, exclusive recognition during program, and logo promotion on website, event presentation, marketing e-blasts, and more.

View the Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities Flyer for a full list of the benefits included with this sponsorship.
Registration Ends 9/6/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$7,500.00
Platinum Sponsorship
With this Sponsorship you will receive: 2 conference registrations, 2 Thursday optional activity registrations, exhibit space, premium logo recognition, 2 New Member Luncheon Invites, and more. 

View the Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities Flyer for a full list of the benefits included with this sponsorship.
Registration Ends 9/6/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$4,000.00
Gold Sponsorship
With this Sponsorship you will receive: 1 conference registration, 1 Thursday optional activity registration, exhibit space, logo recognition, 1 New Member Luncheon invite, and more. 

View the Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities Flyer for a full list of the benefits included with this sponsorship.
Registration Ends 9/6/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$2,500.00
Credits Price
Silver Sponsorship
A minimum of one conference registration must be added prior to purchasing Silver Sponsorship. All exhibit booth staff must be registered at the applicable individual conference registration rate.

Includes exhibit space, logo promotion on website, e-blasts, event powerpoints, and more.  

View the Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities Flyer for a full list of the benefits included with this sponsorship.
Registration Ends 9/1/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$1,500.00
Bronze Sponsorship
A minimum of one conference registration must be added prior to purchasing Bronze Sponsorship. All exhibit booth staff must be registered at the applicable individual conference registration rate.

Includes exhibit space, logo promotion on event powerpoints, and more.  

View the Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities Flyer for a full list of the benefits included with this sponsorship.
Registration Ends 9/6/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$750.00
Credits Price
Annual Conference Golf Tournament Sponsorship
Benefits Include:
Logo displayed on golf cart screens during tournament 
Opportunity to distribute promotional materials during tournament
Tournament recognition
Opportunity to present winners on last day of conference
(1) Registration for Golf Tournament
Registration Ends 9/6/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$2,000.00
Annual Conference Golf Beverage Cart Sponsorship
Benefits Include:
Logo displayed on beverage cart during tournament
Opportunity to distribute promotional materials during tournament
Tournament recognition
Registration Ends 8/26/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$1,000.00
Annual Conference GPA Boat Tour Sponsorship
Benefits Include:
Logo displayed on activity signage 
Activity recognition 
(1) Activity registration


Registration Ends 9/6/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$1,000.00
Annual Conference Cooking Class Sponsor
Benefits Include:
Logo displayed on activity signage 
Activity recognition 
(1) Activity registration
Registration Ends 9/6/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$1,000.00
Annual Conference Workshop Sponsorship
Benefits Include:
Logo displayed on activity signage 
Activity recognition 
(1) Activity registration
Registration Ends 9/6/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$1,000.00
Annual Conference Networking Break Sponsor
Benefits Include:
Verbal recognition prior to break
Logo on screens in main room during break
Signage at snack/refreshment tables
Recognition in conference materials
Registration Ends 9/6/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$1,500.00
Annual Conference Breakfast Sponsor
Benefits Include: 
Opportunity to introduce company during breakfast
Verbal recognition during event
Branding at breakfast
Recognition in post-event communications
Registration Ends 9/8/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$2,000.00
Annual Conference New Member Lunch Sponsor
Benefits Include:
Opportunity to address attendees during luncheon
Logo recognition during presentations
Verbal recognition during conference
(2) Complimentary luncheon registrations
Signage and branding during luncheon
Registration Ends 9/8/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$3,000.00
Annual Conference Lanyard Sponsorship
Logo displayed on conference lanyards and at registration desk Registration Ends 8/11/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$3,000.00
Annual Conference Program Sponsor
Company Logo displayed on back cover / bottom corners of program pages Registration Ends 8/23/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$2,000.00
Annual Conference Coffee Sponsor
Benefits Include: 
Branding at coffee stations
Signage near coffee service
Logo recognition during programming
Recognition in conference materials
Registration Ends 9/8/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$2,000.00
Annual Conference YP Happy Hour Sponsor
Benefits Include:
Recognition during Young Professionals Happy Hour
Opportunity to welcome attendees at happy hour
Signage during event
Recognition in conference materials
Registration Ends 9/6/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$1,500.00
Annual Conference Welcome Party Sponsor
Benefits Include:
Exclusive recognition during welcome party
Opportunity to welcome attendees on stage
Logo on reception signage
Recognition in post-event communications
Registration Ends 9/8/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$3,000.00
Annual Conference (Welcome Party) Band Sponsor
Benefits Include: 
Recognition on stage signage
Logo on party signage
Recognition in post-event communications
Registration Ends 9/8/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$2,000.00
Annual Conference (Welcome Party) Bar Sponsor
Benefits Include: 
Recognition on bar signage
Logo on party signage
Recognition in post-event communications
Registration Ends 9/8/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$2,000.00
Annual Conference Photography Sponsorship
Logo on screens in main room during break
Logo on post-conference photo download page
Registration Ends 8/11/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$1,500.00
Annual Conference Wi-Fi Sponsorship
Company name as Wi-Fi password Registration Ends 8/11/26 at 4:00 PM EDT
$1,000.00

Product Add-ons

Price
Annual Conference Door Prize - $50 View Product $50.00
Annual Conference Door Prize - $100 View Product $100.00

A GEDA website account is required to register for GEDA events:

  • New Guests & Members - Initial account setup may require email verification according to our digital security protocols.  Please check your spam/junk folder for this email.
  • If you account needs admin approval, you will not be able to register until this approval is completed. Please allow 1 business day for this approval, if needed. 

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NOT READY TO BECOME A MEMBER? 

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