EDA Journal Vol 11. No.1 Winter 2018 | Page 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN! What it Takes, and has recently created and produced a new TV show along with Channel 7 called The Mentor, which aired in April this year. Registrations are now open for Australia’s National Economic Development Conference (NEDC 2018) with three leading business and innovation experts confirmed as headline speakers. Dr Catherine Ball is an author, founder, and ethics advocate working across global projects where robotics and new technology meet environmental protection. A sought after voice in industry, Dr Ball is now working with the application of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) aka drone technology across remote communities, schools, industry, and citizen scientists. Dr Ball is leading the call for discussions around the ethics of spatial data, and commercial drone operations. To be held in Rockhampton on October 16- 19, NEDC is the flagship event of Economic Development Australia (EDA), the peak national body for economic development practitioners. The annual conference is the biggest forum for economic development practitioners across the country and allows delegates to share knowledge regarding latest trends and best practice in building the prosperity of Australian communities. This year’s conference themes include: ​​ • Winning in job and business creation: an old game with new rules for success and; • Disruptive innovation to diversify economic growth. The 2018 program features a range of speakers who will bring their world-class knowledge and insights to the NEDC conference program. These experts will compliment the interactive peer panels; intensive masterclass and dynamic discussions, which will all, ensure this year’s event provides a transformational professional development opportunity for anyone working in economic development in Australia. HEADLINE SPEAKERS Mark Bouris has established a successful career from building disruptive businesses to challenge the market and provide smarter solutions for consumers. Mark is the author of Wealth Wizard, The Yellow Brick Road to Your Financial Security, and Chris Helder is a business communication genius and master storyteller whose presentations have radically transformed how thousands of people worldwide communicate with clients, customers, colleagues, staff and teams. He is the author of three bestselling books “The Ultimate Book of Influence” which has been published in five languages, “Useful Belief”, which is one of the highest selling Australian business books of all time and “Cut The Noise”. NEDC will lift the lid on how economic development practitioners can succeed in creating wealth in their communities. With digital disruption rewriting every part of our lives, the adoption of disruptive technologies will be critical to economic growth in Australia. NEDC will help delegates explore how disruptive technologies will affect innovation and drive economic growth. Early bird specials are available until August 14 and EDA members receive a significant NEDC discount. REGISTER NOW! VOL.11 NO.1 2018 | 3