Sept. 16-18, 2026
The Stella Hotel | Kenosha, WI
The 2026 WEDA Best Practices Conference will be held Sept. 16-18, in historic Kenosha, Wisconsin. The Stella Hotel, in the heart of downtown, is our host. Amazing restaurants and pubs, all within walking distance, will make this a great city to explore!
The upcoming conference will provide attendees with an opportunity to dive into the fundamentals of economic development and the leading issues of the day, including technology advancements, entrepreneurship, talent attraction; business expansion and retention; and redevelopment and revitalization opportunities.
In addition to a wealth of networking opportunities, dynamic speakers, and continuing education credit certifications (EDFP, CEcD and AICP), the Best Practices Conference will include the Community and Economic Development Awards (CEDA). The CEDA Awards program recognizes and celebrates exceptional projects, programs, and businesses that drive economic growth in Wisconsin.
We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Fall Best Practices Conference.
REGISTRATION INFO:
Registration will open sometime in June. Check back soon for more info!
CONFERENCE LODGING
Conference Hotel: The Stella Hotel
5706 8th Ave. Kenosha, WI 53140
5706 8th Ave. Kenosha, WI 53140
Standard Room (Double Queen or King) – $139+ per night or Deluxe Rooms and Suites – $189+ per night
Check-in: 4pm | Check-out: 11:00am
Parking: Multiple options are available for parking. A lot located kiddie-corner to the hotel on 8th Avenue and 57th Street as well as a shared lot with Bradford Community Church UU on 8th Street and 58th Street is available. Guests are also welcome to park in front of our hotel and in any of the street parking available near our building. The Stella does not validate paid street parking.
A 25% fee will be charged for all cancelations prior to September 1, 2026. After that date no refunds will be accepted. Transfer of ticket purchase may be made without penalty at any time.
JOIN WEDA TODAY! SAVE ON REGISTRATION FEES!
Gain access to a vast network of economic development professionals, best practices and resources. Position you and your community for success in the economic development field. Become one of more than 400 WEDA members today and save on conferences, courses, webinars and more! Join WEDA. Individual memberships start at just $350/year.
Additional Information:
- This conference is recognized by IEDC as creditable towards Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) recertification.
- Conference Handouts will be posted on the WEDA website.
- Watch this website for updated information as conference dates near.
CEDA Awards:
WEDA is no accepting nominations for the 2026 CEDA Awards. Nominate your project here: https://form.jotform.com/252865537608165
Conference Sponsorships Available!
WEDA’s annual Best Practices Conference is the area’s largest educational forum dedicated to advancing economic development across Wisconsin. This conference attracts 200-225 professionals from every sector of economic development. Reach out to weda@weda.org to learn more!
