EDAS 25 Years Celebration

May 27 @ 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

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Join us for a special afternoon as we celebrate 25 years of EDAS – a journey shaped by our members and the wider economic development community.In an era defined by uncertainty and rapid change – from economic shocks to climate challenges – it has never been more important to come together, reflect, and celebrate the power of collaboration, positivity, and innovation. As we mark 25 years of EDAS, we honour not just our history, but the resilience and forward-thinking spirit that continues to shape Scotland’s economic development story.This exclusive invitation-only event for EDAS members will feature:
 Guest speakers including Minister for Employment & Investment, Tom Arthur MSP
Insightful contributions from Julia Steinberger & Grace Blakeley.
Lively discussions, with EDAS Board Member Charlie Woods, with EDAS Chairs past and present, sharing their perspectives
Special awards honouring contributions to EDAS and to economic development
Poetry recital by Brian Connolly
Drinks reception with music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
AgendaArrival for 1:30 start (coffee & sweet treats available to be taken into theatre)1:30 Welcome from Neil McInroy, Chair of EDAS and Global Lead for Community Wealth Building, The Democracy Collaborative.Featuring ‘Quartercentury’ recital by Brian Connolly, Specialist – Innovation Ecosystems, Scottish Enterprise

1:45 Ministerial Address: Tom Arthur MSP, Minister for Employment & Investment, Scottish Government

2:00 Exploring economic futures and the role for economic development: Grace Blakely, Economics and politics commentator, columnist, journalist and author.

2.20 Audience Questions

2.35 EDAS Board Member Charlie Woods, Strategic Engagement Lead, Scotland – ACCA, with EDAS Chairs past and present, sharing their perspectives on what economic development means for them.

Featuring, Jean Hamilton (EDAS Founder & Chair, 1999 – 2005), Robert Pollock (Chaired twice between 2013 and 2022), Neil McInroy (Chair, 2023 to present) and Clare Stoddart, (Chair, EDAS Future Leaders Network, 2024 to present).

3:00 Comfort break

3.20 Countering Cataclysm Capitalism: Professor Julia K Steinberger, Professor of societal challenges of climate change, University of Lausanne

3.40 Audience Questions

3.55 Special awards honouring contributions to EDAS and to economic development

  • Contribution to Economic Development
  • Lifetime Achievement
  • Outstanding Early Career Achievement

4.15 Drinks Reception with music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

 

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Website:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/edas/1670436