Concurrent breakout sessions will take place along a series of learning tracks which align with the topics noted below. Sessions can be conducted by a presenter (classic presentation style) or a panel (interview style) and should be supported by PPT and/or other types of visual or audio aids. Handouts may also be provided to attendees as deemed appropriate. 

This year’s learning tracks are:

• Attracting and Retaining Business
• Enhancing Workforce Pipelines
• Developing Strong Infrastructure
• Modeling Local Economic Success

Additional notes on breakout sessions: 

• Each session will be 45 minutes in length, which includes time for a brief introduction at the beginning of the session as well as time for questions at the end. A typical breakdown of time allotments might be 5 minutes for introductions, 30 minutes for presentation, 10 minutes for Q&A. 
• There may be 1-3 individuals leading the session. All must be named on the submission form including a moderator for panel sessions if applicable.
• Strategies for audience engagement and interaction should be integrated into each session. This may take the form of polls, discussion, or other methods of engaging the audience in active learning.  

In addition to traditional breakout sessions, this year’s annual conference will also include express sessions.  Express sessions will take place concurrently and will be repeated in a series of rapid-fire presentations that are 15 minutes in length. Topics proposed for express sessions do not need to align with a single learning track in the way that breakout sessions do however, proposals must align with ARC priorities as well as the general field of economic development.  

Additional notes on express sessions: 

• 15 minutes of presentation in the style of a TED talk or Ignite talk without added or built-in time for questions. Each express session will be repeated three times in a single hour maximizing exposure and impact.
• Presentation style is conversational; visual or audio aids beyond an introductory slide is not necessary.
• Express sessions should be concise and focus on a single, impactful idea that inspires attendees and broadens their perspectives. Audience members should be compelled to seek out ways to contextualize the information in their own scope of work after leaving the session.

ARC is looking for breakout session proposals that are relevant to the current and emerging needs of our Appalachian communities, that clearly convey alignment with the overarching conference theme, and that focus on one of the following topics as a means to leverage research, experience or best practices in place- and infrastructure-based economic development. 

1. Attracting and Retaining Business: A track about recruiting new businesses and expanding regional industries.
2. Enhancing Workforce Pipelines: A track about training and educating Appalachian workers to connect them with in-demand industries.
3. Developing Strong Infrastructure: A track about building new and repurposing existing infrastructure assets to promote economic growth.
4. Modeling Local Economic Success: A track showcasing how communities have identified local assets and successfully implemented economic development plans

Proposals should clearly identify the partners and presenters who will be actively participating in the session and indicate their area of expertise or the perspective they will bring to the session. Ideal proposals will be fully developed and able to stand alone as independent sessions; however, to expand on the array of perspectives and elevate different areas of expertise, ARC may select two or more proposals to integrate into a single session that will then be moderated by an ARC staff member.     

Express session proposals will also need to align with the general conference theme but will not have to correspond to a specific programming track. Instead, we are asking those who submit proposals for express sessions to identify the topic of their proposal and briefly explain how it supports or advances best and innovative practices in economic development. This is an opportunity for experts in the region to highlight their own research and share resources for audience takeaway. 

General ideas for express session proposals include, but are not limited to, technology and the use of AI in economic development, resiliency and future-focused development, tackling rural decline, partnerships, governance, and finance.   

Additional information that is needed for submission includes:  

• Session Proposer/Presenter Contact Information, including name, organization, affiliation to ARC and contact information 
• Proposed Session Information, including title, brief description, and session learning objectives. 
• Conference Track Alignment (for breakout session proposals)  
• Session Format 
• Connection to ARC Projects/Investments