Re- is a remarkable prefix. Use of these two little letters in front of a word can demand we pause to reflect, re-examine and review how our situation has changed — and so too should our actions.

Re- recognizes the status quo isn't acceptable anymore. It reveals a need to rethink what we're doing and to react differently. It requires us to reconsider our goals and desired outcomes. It urges us to respond more appropriately to a new reality with new opportunities.

Change is constant. Every era ushers in forces requiring people, businesses, institutions and governments to adapt. The Great Recession, globalization, demographic shifts and stunning technological advances herald a new era demanding significant transformation. You wouldn't know that looking at how most economic development is practiced, however. That has to change.

As the world changes, economic development must evolve to stay relevant. This year's conference will feature thought leaders on operating in a global environment, capital, higher education and demographics, who will share their take on how current trends in these areas will affect the innovation economy.

A moderated audience discussion will ensure this interactive plenary session will provide the spark to help us start re-thinking everything.

Learn about the plenary...

The Coca-Cola Company's Clyde Tuggle will share his perspective and response to the challenges of managing an enterprise in our complex global environment in a keynote address at SSTI's Annual Conference. Mr. Tuggle will discuss how his company is changing the game through social networking platforms to build one of the world's most recognized brands. Read more about our special keynote address..

With economic development at a crossroads, SSTI's Annual Conference will re-examine every facet of the field. This year's conference will offer breakout sessions in four thematic tracks: strategic direction, universities in economic development, investment & capital and from theory to practice. Participate in the track that most suits your interest, or mix-and-match to create a unique conference experience.

Conference tracks include:

Following the highly anticipated unveiling of 2012 award recipients during a special ceremony on October 29, the winners will meet with attendees for one-on-one interaction to share stories and offer advice. True to roundtable format, this session moves you around the room to promote dialogue and exposure to different viewpoints in the tech-based economic development field.

Beautifully adorned to capture the spirit of the ocean, the Arctic Room at the Georgia Aquarium is your starting point to re- connect with colleagues, experience close encounters with majestic beluga whales, and simply enjoy an evening among friends. This lively event provides a wonderful pre-conference opportunity to network with conference attendees and our local hosts, Invest Atlanta and Clark Atlanta University, over drinks and light hors d'oeuvres by Wolfgang Puck Catering. The event begins at 6:00 PM on Sunday, October 29.

SSTI's conference is packed with timely and thought-provoking workshops, discussion groups and networking opportunities certain to keep you busy during your Atlanta stay. But to fill the gaps in between and maximize your experience, we've arranged some exciting activities geared toward improving your overall wellness and better connecting you to the people you most want to meet and share ideas.

A limited number of conference sponsorship opportunities remain. Due to numerous requests, we have unveiled highly visible interactive opportunities at the right price point. A few of the exciting options include:

SSTI extends its appreciation and thanks to the following exemplary organizations helping to make SSTI's 16th Annual Conference a success.

SSTI will be holding a congressional briefing from 1:00-2:30 p.m. on September 12 in Washington, DC, featuring seven of its members. The briefing, "Lessons from the Field on a Path to Sustained Economic Growth and Job Creation," will provide an overview of state, regional and university tech-based economic development efforts and highlight work being done by Ben Franklin Technology Partners, BioSTL, Center for Innovative Technology, Georgia Research Alliance, JumpStart, Michigan Economic Development Corp, and NorTech.

Come early or stay late and bring the whole family with you to SSTI's 16th Annual Conference, October 29-30. Atlanta has the biggest aquarium, the coolest Coca Cola Museum, and some of the best golf in the U.S. Outdoor activities that celebrate nature, like the Atlanta Botanical Garden and Piedmont Park abound, as does high culture — from art museums to great shopping. You could spend a month in Atlanta without doing the same thing twice.

The old adage "change is inevitable" rings especially true for economic development practitioners who must not only adapt to changes, but anticipate them and employ the best methods to capitalize on new opportunities. SSTI's conference session, Re-Orienting Your Organization for Today's Economy, pulls together three organizations at the local, state and federal level to examine how they have re-oriented their work to reflect the changing economy and the needs of their clients.

During a lively discussion session — Recent Federal Efforts: What's Happened, What's Working and What Should Change — SSTI will bring together the members of the economic development community to review what the federal government has done, how it has worked for the tech-based economic development community, and what changes should be made to improve the federal programs.

There are only six days left before early registration ends on Monday, October 8. Register today and save at least $100 per registration. This year we are offering two full days of conference activities including 16 breakout sessions, four session tracks, three workshops and two networking receptions. Find out more at: ssticonference.org.