Governor’s Conference on Economic Development

Governor’s Conference on Economic Development The 2026 South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Economic Development will be held February 24-26 in Pierre, SD. Grit to Go Further February 24-26 | Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center | Pierre, SD Across South Dakota, progress is built by people who show up with grit—day after day—to move their businesses forward. This year’s Governor’s Conference on Economic Development brings that spirit to the forefront as leaders from across the state gather to chart the path ahead. Join us February 24–26 at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center in Pierre for three days of keynotes, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and conversations that equip you to go further in your work and your community. Celebrate the 2025 recipients of: Community of the Year Excellence in Economic Development Award These awards honor the communities and individuals who exemplify the vision that move South Dakota forward. Register Now Sponsorships Where to Stay Agenda Sponsorships If you’re interested in being a sponsor for this year’s event, please reach out to [email protected] . View the remaining sponsorship opportunities (PDF) . Thank you to all of our current sponsors! Where to Stay Lodging: AmericInn by Wyndham Call 605-223-2358 to book. Room block available under GOED until February 10, 2026. Clubhouse Hotel & Suites Call (605) 494-2582 to book. Room block available under Governor’s Conference until January 24, 2026. Agenda Click here to see full agenda. *subject to change Tuesday, February 24 4:30 pm – Registration opens and Networking Social begins Wednesday, February 25 7:00 am – Breakfast 8:30 am – Welcome 9:00 am – Keynote Joel Sylvester 10:00 am – Networking break 10:30 am – Breakout sessions 11:30 am – Breakout sessions 12:30 pm – Giant Vision Awards + Lunch 1:30 pm – Networking break 2:00 pm – Breakout sessions 3:00 pm – Breakout sessions 4:00 pm – Break 5:00 pm – Social 6:00 pm – Banquet + Awards Thursday, February 26 7:00 am – Breakfast 8:30 am – State of GOED 9:30 am – Breakout sessions 10:15 am – Networking break 10:30 am – Keynote Frank Kelly 11:40 pm – End of conference Sponsorships Sponsorships If you’re interested in being a sponsor for this year’s event, please reach out to [email protected] . View the remaining sponsorship opportunities (PDF) . Thank you to all of our current sponsors! Where to Stay Where to Stay Lodging: AmericInn by Wyndham Call 605-223-2358 to book. Room block available under GOED until February 10, 2026. Clubhouse Hotel & Suites Call (605) 494-2582 to book. Room block available under Governor’s Conference until January 24, 2026. Agenda Agenda Click here to see full agenda. *subject to change Tuesday, February 24 4:30 pm – Registration opens and Networking Social begins Wednesday, February 25 7:00 am – Breakfast 8:30 am – Welcome 9:00 am – Keynote Joel Sylvester 10:00 am – Networking break 10:30 am – Breakout sessions 11:30 am – Breakout sessions 12:30 pm – Giant Vision Awards + Lunch 1:30 pm – Networking break 2:00 pm – Breakout sessions 3:00 pm – Breakout sessions 4:00 pm – Break 5:00 pm – Social 6:00 pm – Banquet + Awards Thursday, February 26 7:00 am – Breakfast 8:30 am – State of GOED 9:30 am – Breakout sessions 10:15 am – Networking break 10:30 am – Keynote Frank Kelly 11:40 pm – End of conference Frank Kelly Joel Sylvester Matt Gauger Frank Kelly Keynote Speaker Frank Kelly is a distinguished expert on global issues, drawing from an extensive background in both government and the private sector. His unique blend of experience in international affairs has positioned him as a leading authority in his field.