Growing the North
Join us for the LARGEST economic development conference in northern Alberta! Growing the North offers attendees valuable information on a variety of issues; a mix of informative speakers covering various topics; and a platform for networking with municipal leaders and business people from many communities throughout northwestern Alberta and beyond. Today's connections are tomorrow's opportunities!
Growing the North is an annual conference organized and hosted by a group of partners including the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce, City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, Municipal District of Greenview, Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region, Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association, Grande Prairie Regional Innovation Network, Farm Credit Canada, Northwestern Polytechnic, and Grande Prairie Friendship Centre.
Since its inception in 2010, Growing the North has been helping elected officials and entrepreneurs explore economic development opportunities and examine innovation in our region.
Growing the North has provided a gift to support the Dan Pearcy Student Award Fund through the Northwestern Alberta Foundation. The fund provides a student award to a resident of Northwestern Alberta enrolled in a post-secondary health studies program, with preference given to those attending institutions in Northern Alberta. As the former CEO of the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce, Dan Pearcy remains an advocate for economic development for our region, especially in his work surrounding the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital medical training programs to enhance health care for all Northwestern Alberta. For more information on the fund, email support@nafgives.com.
CONFERENCE VENUE
Growing the North takes place at the TARA Centre in Evergreen Park, a 115,000-square-foot convention and exhibition facility. The conference uses Halls B and C for the Main Meeting area and Hall D for networking break snacks and the daily lunch buffet. Each Hall is accessed by the Grand Hallway which plays host to our Tuesday opening mixer and Wednesday networking event. The Grand Hallway also leads into the four meeting rooms for our breakout sessions – the Chamber of Commerce Room; LSM Room; Chuckwagon Heritage Room; and the Kin Club Room. For more information including directions please visit www.evergreenpark.ca.
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Economic Developers Alberta is offering the following courses of interest on Friday, February 20 at Evergreen Park following Growing the North:
Economic Development for Elected Officials Economic Development 101!
Designed specifically for elected officials and community leaders, this foundational course offers a clear, big-picture understanding of economic development and how it connects to local mandates and priorities. Participants gain practical tools for strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and understanding the role of local government in community progress. The course explores core economic development strategies, target market identification, and effective value-proposition building. It also highlights the importance of collaboration, funding mechanisms, and performance measurement using KPIs. Finally, attendees learn how to support community economic resilience and their role in helping communities prepare for—and recover from—disruptions.
Friday, February 20, 2026 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm – Cost $150
REGISTER HERE
Fundamentals of Rural Economic Development (RED)
Designed for those working in rural and remote communities, this course focuses on building effective, collaborative economic development strategies tailored to local realities. Participants learn how to assess community needs and assets, identify opportunities, and develop targeted Rural Economic Development Plans. The course explores key rural strategies, creative resource alignment, and practical tools such as CNAs, asset mapping, and gap analysis. Learners gain skills in community engagement, partnership development, and navigating conflict. The session also highlights rural leadership, governance models, and the role of economic development officers in advancing long-term growth
Friday, February 20, 2026 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm – Cost $150
REGISTER HERE
Leading Through Challenging Times: Mental Well-Being for Community Leaders (MW)
This course supports leaders who shoulder responsibility during crises; community leaders in public-facing roles—economic developers, elected officials, municipal staff, and nonprofit directors, helping them maintain their own well-being while guiding their teams and communities. Participants learn practical strategies to manage stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity in uncertain situations. The training explores how to build resilience, foster psychologically healthy teams, and create a culture of mental well-being. It also provides tools and resources to support community mental health and navigate high-pressure environments with confidence. Leaders leave with strengthened skills and a network of peers facing similar challenges.
Friday, February 20, 2026 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
REGISTER HERE
Or you can register by going to EDA Events Page.