Bids Open for SSTI's 2006 Annual Conference

One comment we receive numerous times each year at SSTI's annual conference is that people wish more of the key decision makers and TBED practitioners in their regions had attended the event to make it easier to re invigorate their entire efforts to promote growth through science and technology. The easiest way to accomplish that is to host SSTI's 10th Annual Conference next fall!

SSTI has received many questions from local, regional and state organizations wanting to host the premier event for the tech-based economic development profession in 2006. Letters of intent from prospective nominees are due by Nov. 16, 2005. We will be accepting nominations of host organizations and locations for SSTI's 10th Annual Conference until Dec. 23, 2005.

Held in October or early November each year, SSTI’s annual two-and-a-half day event attracts approximately 350 participants from more than 40 states and several countries. The conference is especially designed for those engaged in tech-based economic development on the local, regional, state or national level.

To be the host organization or location for SSTI's conference is to showcase nationally and internationally the success of your state, region or community tech-based economic development efforts. Specific benefits include:

• Minimal or no travel expenses incurred for conference attendees from your selected state. This cost savings and convenience facilitates greater attendance by key state and local decision makers and practitioners in the region's tech-based economic development community. The result can be a better understanding and stronger commitment among legislators and civic leaders to building a tech-based economy, as well as re-energizing your program staff and board with fresh ideas, perspectives and professional development tips from peers from around the country attending the event.
• Opportunity to help determine pre-conference activities, speakers for conference sessions and a local dignitary for the keynote address;
• Conference host, location and site featured in the SSTI Weekly Digest, on SSTI's website in promotional materials and external article placements; and,
• At least 40 complimentary conference registrations for distribution to local funding organizations.

Nominations may be from collaborations of several organizations, with a lead organization designated as host. The lead organization for the 2006 conference must be an SSTI Sponsor or Affiliate in good standing for all of 2006. (More information on sponsor or affiliate membership is available at http://www.ssti.org/benefits.htm.) The host organization also must be willing to provide funding that helps SSTI keep conference costs affordable to all attendees. This funding can be obtained in part from collaborative partners in the bid. Recent hosts also have provided in-kind support such as on-site conference staffing assistance, audio and visual equipment, printing capability, storage and other services.

The complete bid package for SSTI's 10th annual conference is available through the 2006 conference web page: http://www.ssti.org/conference06.htm

More information may be obtained from Noelle Sheets, SSTI's Director of Membership Services, at: sheets @ ssti.org