2026 UEDA Washington Conference

The 2026 UEDA Washington Conference brings together higher education leaders, federal partners, industry allies, and regional practitioners focused on economic development. Set just minutes from the nation’s capital in Arlington, Virginia, this event provides a powerful platform to build partnerships, navigate emerging funding opportunities, and showcase how universities drive talent, innovation, and place. The UEDA Washington Conference is the premier gathering of thought leaders working at the intersection of higher education and economic development. Attendees will gain strategic partnerships with leaders from higher education, government, and industry; explore practical models for advancing innovation ecosystems, entrepreneurship, and regional engagement; gain insight into emerging funding programs and competitive funding sources; and hear directly from federal partners and policy experts on trends shaping university-driven economic development and innovation.