2025 #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit

SEDC's Meet the Consultants: #AmericanSouth Site Selection Summit is a premier national  event, bringing  together  Site  Selection Consultants  and  economic development experts. Held annually, this Summit offers a dynamic platform to engage with business leaders, explore emerging trends, and highlight community advantages. In 2023, attendance tripled from the previous year, and the 2024 Summit broke records with 130 more attendees than any prior event. The 2025 Summit is on track to set another all-time high for attendance! Projected attendance: 500 - 650.

Speaking Lineup | Stay Tuned for Many More Announcements

Agenda | Subject to Change

Monday, April 28

Opening Reception | 6:00 – 8:00                              

Tuesday, April 29

Breakfast Presented by South Carolina I-77 Alliance | 8:00 – 9:00

Global Site Selection Trends, Opportunities and Outlooks | 9:00 – 10:00
The American South is home to iconic global brands and emerging industries that drive innovation and market expansion. As the world’s third-largest economy, the region balances a rich heritage with dynamic growth potential. In this session, leading experts will explore the latest global site selection trends, opportunities, and outlooks. Gain insights into evolving expectations and strategies to position your community for success in today’s competitive economic landscape.

Policy, Projects, and Winning Factors: Navigating the Evolving Site Selection Landscape | 10:15 – 11:00
This session explores the evolving dynamics of site selection, providing actionable insights for economic developers and community leaders. Key topics include incentives, addressing policy updates, and avoiding common pitfalls in site selection. Participants will also examine industry trends in sectors like life sciences, office, distribution, and food, and explore whether these industries will return to pre-pandemic norms. With a focus on "Winning Factors," the session features case studies and practical strategies that have helped communities secure projects, offering valuable lessons and opportunities for collaborative insight.

Unlocking Global Opportunities: FDI Trends & Strategies | 11:15 – 12:00
The American South continues to lead the way in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), with global enterprises thriving across the region. International companies invest billions annually in U.S. industrial projects, but securing these investments remains highly competitive. This session will explore the key factors that drive decision-making for international businesses and offer strategies to position your community as an ideal destination. Hear from experts with firsthand experience in establishing, growing, and sustaining partnerships with global firms targeting the U.S. market. Gain actionable insights to enhance your approach to FDI and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Luncheon Program | 12:00 – 1:15

Foundations of Site Readiness & #AmericanSouth Product Development | 1:30 – 2:15
In the past years, American South economy builders generated over $200 billion annually in capital investment, paving the way for 200,000+ new jobs. To sustain and amplify this momentum, this session features leading site selectors sharing the latest industry-specific site selection needs. Dive into game-changing product development initiatives shaping the region and explore strategies to position your community for future success. Gain valuable insights to stay ahead in fostering growth and securing investments that strengthen the American South’s global economic leadership.

The #AmericanSouth Workforce Pitch: Best Practice Examples of Programming and Storytelling | 2:30 – 3:15
Workforce isn’t just a statistic—it’s a product. This session explores what companies and site selectors want to see in a community’s workforce pitch, beyond standard RFI responses. Learn best practices in storytelling and programming to position your talent pipeline as a competitive advantage. Hear real-world examples of communities that have successfully marketed their workforce to win projects in the #AmericanSouth.

The Future of Site Selection: Measuring Success in an AI-Driven World | 3:30 – 4:15
Technology is reshaping the site selection process, with AI and innovative tools driving smarter, faster, and more strategic decisions. This session explores how new technologies are transforming site analysis, workforce evaluation, and decision-making for companies and site selectors. Delve into the metrics and benchmarks defining success in economic development in an AI-driven world, uncover emerging trends, and discover practical applications of AI. Learn how communities can leverage these advancements to stay competitive and deliver impactful results in the evolving landscape of economic development. 

Powering Economic Growth: Energy’s Role in Sector-Specific Site Selection | 4:15 – 5:00
As industries evolve, energy is increasingly at the forefront of site selection decisions, shaping the future of investment and job creation. This panel will explore how energy availability, costs, and sustainability goals are influencing sector-specific site selection across key industries. Learn how communities can align their energy strategies to attract and retain businesses, navigate shifting energy dynamics, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

VIP Reception Presented by Chattanooga Area Chamber | 5:30 – 6:30

#AmericanSouth Reception | 6:30  - 7:30 

Wednesday, April 30

Breakfast | 8:00 – 9:00

Telling the Untold Story: Crafting Winning Pitches for Every Community | 9:00 – 9:45
Every community has a story worth telling, even those facing challenges. In this session, discover how to craft compelling narratives that highlight your community’s unique strengths while addressing perceived weaknesses head-on. Learn proven strategies for turning obstacles into opportunities, aligning messaging with market expectations, and delivering pitches that resonate with site selectors, investors, and decision-makers. Whether your community is thriving or navigating hurdles, this session equips you with the tools to create narratives that inspire confidence and drive economic growth. 

Inside the Mind of a Site Selector: What Drives Decisions | 9:45 – 10:30
Gain an exclusive look into the thought process of leading site selectors as they share what drives decisions at every stage of the site selection process. In this engaging session, experts will highlight standout strategies, from marketing to deal closing, that have helped communities secure transformative projects. Discover what truly sets successful communities apart and take away actionable insights to elevate your approach to economic development.

Turning Opposition into Opportunity: Navigating NIMBYism to Accelerate #AmericanSouth Growth  | 10:45 – 11:30
Communities thrive when economic development initiatives align with local values and goals. Yet, opposition, often framed as "Not in My Backyard" (NIMBYism), can stall progress and prevent transformative growth. This session will explore proactive strategies for navigating and addressing NIMBYism, focusing on transparent communication, stakeholder engagement, and aligning projects with community priorities. Attendees will gain actionable insights to transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring that development initiatives drive job creation and economic vitality while fostering community support across the American South. 

Future-Proofing the #AmericanSouth: Strategies for Long-Term Success | 11:30 – 12:15
The American South continues to lead the nation in economic momentum, securing over $200 billion in corporate investment and creating a quarter-million new jobs last year alone. As a global powerhouse, the region must adapt to sustain its advantage. In this session, leading site selection consultants will discuss strategies to future-proof the American South, highlighting opportunities to maintain and accelerate its worldwide economic leadership. Explore how to position the region for long-term success in an ever-changing global landscape.

Hotel & Conference Host

The Intercontinental Atlanta Buckhead
3315 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

Registration is required to book a room in the discounted SEDC block.

Acknowledgment of Enhanced Safety and Health Measures for All Attendees:
Registration and attendance at, or participation in, SEDC's in-person events constitutes an agreement by the registrant to abide by SEDC's and the host property's efforts to comply with current CDC recommendations related to COVID-19 (and any state of Georgia requirements) and to engage in certain health-and-safety-beneficial conduct while attending the event as requested by SEDC (e.g., wearing a mask, engaging in appropriate physical distancing, not attending the event if feeling sick or showing specific symptoms).  You agree not to hold SEDC, Intercontinental Hotels, or any of their directors, officers, employees, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury.

Special Needs:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), conference management will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate persons with disabilities at its meetings. If you need assistance or have dietary restrictions, please indicate this on your registration form or call the SEDC Office at (404) 523-3030.

Registration Fees:
Member and non-member registration fees include all conference sessions, Monday reception, breakfast, and lunch. Tuesday sessions and breakfast.

All cancellations must be received in writing at the SEDC office to obtain a refund by April 1st. All cancellations will have a $150.00 administrative charge up until this date. Cancellations received after will have a $250.00 cancellation fee. Any registrant who does not submit cancellation correspondence by April 15th and does not attend the meeting must pay the balance in full. Registrants may substitute attendees without penalty.

However, appropriate member/ non-member rates will apply to substitute attendees.

Consent for the use of Photographic Images:
Registration and attendance at, or participation in, SEDC meetings and other activities constitute an agreement by the registrant to SEDC’s use and distribution (now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photograph productions and audiotapes of such events and activities.

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