Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Economic Development Tech Summit, hosted by GIS WebTech, is set for November 4-5, 2026, at The Hamilton Alpharetta in Atlanta, USA.
This summit uniquely focuses on the intersection of technology and economic development, offering educational workshops, networking opportunities, and award recognition for innovation in the field.
Attendees will engage in hands-on sessions that explore the latest technologies, spatial AI, and data-driven strategies to enhance their organizations' impact.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Economic Development Tech Summit takes place on November 4-5, 2026, at The Hamilton Alpharetta, Atlanta, USA.
- 2Scale and Focus: This summit is dedicated to technology in economic development, attracting professionals from various sectors.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by GIS WebTech, known for innovative solutions in economic development technology.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include economic development professionals, site selectors, and technology partners.
- 5Entry: Registration is open with limited space; fees are $850 for economic development organization staff and $1350 for corporate attendees.
Why visit
Attending the Economic Development Tech Summit provides valuable insights into the latest technologies shaping economic development. Engage with industry leaders, participate in interactive workshops, and network with peers to foster meaningful partnerships. This summit is designed for professionals looking to leverage technology for enhanced economic growth.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the Economic Development Tech Summit offers unparalleled visibility to key decision-makers in the economic development sector. Showcase your innovative solutions, connect with potential clients, and gain insights into industry trends. This is an opportunity to position your organization as a leader in economic development technology.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Economic development organization staff
Site selectors and consultants
GIS professionals
Data analysts in economic development
Marketing and communications staff for EDOs
Technology partners and vendors
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
GIS and mapping software vendors serving economic development organisations
Site-selection and property data platform providers
Economic development agencies and regional marketing organisations
Data analytics and spatial AI companies
Consultancies advising on site selection and incentive programmes
Real estate and industrial park developers
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
GIS and web mapping platforms
Site-selection databases and property search tools
Spatial analytics and data dashboards
Economic development CRM and workflow software
Incentive and compliance management tools
Regional marketing and prospect-engagement technology
Location & Facilities
Venue
The Hamilton Alpharetta
35 Milton Avenue, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009
Facilities
Parking
The Hamilton Alpharetta in Atlanta typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: The Hamilton Alpharetta in Atlanta typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at The Hamilton Alpharetta for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
Event days: Check-in at noon
sessions from1:00 PM to 4:30 PM on November 4
and from7:30 AM to noon on November 5
General admission
Economic Development Organization Staff
850General admission
Corporate/For-Profit
1350
Who runs the show
Organisers
GIS WebTech
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Atlanta, USA
Why it matters
Attending the Economic Development Tech Summit provides valuable insights into the latest technologies shaping economic development. Engage with industry leaders, participate in interactive workshops, and network with peers to foster meaningful partnerships.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
North Point / Mansell Road select-service hotels
Alpharetta, GA5-10 min by rideshare or car to venue
Typical midscale business hotels with parking and breakfast; book early for event dates and confirm cancellation terms. Estimate only.
Downtown Alpharetta limited-service and boutique hotels
Downtown Alpharetta, GA5-15 min by rideshare; some walkable dining nearby to venue
Convenient for evening dining and a short drive to The Hamilton Alpharetta. Confirm event-week rates and parking. Estimate only.
North Fulton upscale business hotels
Alpharetta / Roswell border, GA10-15 min by rideshare or car to venue
Full-service options with meeting space and dining; confirm shuttle availability and any event blocks. Estimate only.
ATL airport-area hotels
Airport / Camp Creek, GA45-60 min by car or rideshare to Alpharetta to venue
Budget option for early flights, but not ideal for daily venue access. Confirm parking and airport shuttle details. Estimate only.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
metro
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forMARTA Red Line from ATL to North Springs station, then rideshare to The Hamilton Alpharetta
MARTA does not run directly to Alpharetta; the Red Line gets you to North Springs, about 10-15 minutes by rideshare from the venue. Check itsmarta.com for schedules.
bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 3.00-6.00 per one-way trip depending on zone (confirm current fare)
Best forXpress regional coach services connecting Atlanta-area counties
Xpress is operated by the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority for commuter trips across the metro area. Check xpressga.com for route coverage and schedules.
rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from ATL to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forHartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to The Hamilton Alpharetta
Use the designated rideshare pickup zones at ATL. Allow 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 70-95 one-way meter or flat rate (confirm before departure)
Best forHartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) to The Hamilton Alpharetta
Pre-book or use the taxi line at ATL. Ask about tolls and total fare before leaving the airport.
parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 10-20 per day at area venues and garages (confirm with venue)
Best forThe Hamilton Alpharetta and nearby Alpharetta-area venues
Confirm daily rates, height restrictions, and event validation with The Hamilton Alpharetta or your hotel.
rental_car
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forAlpharetta and North Fulton business travel
Useful if you plan to visit multiple EDOs or suburban meetings; confirm hotel parking charges and Atlanta traffic patterns.
Weather
November in Alpharetta and metro Atlanta is mild and changeable: expect cool mornings, comfortable afternoons, and a moderate chance of rain. Pack layers and a light waterproof jacket for transfers between hotels and The Hamilton Alpharetta. Confirm the forecast close to event dates.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Venue Wi-Fi is typically available for attendees; confirm network details at registration. US mobile networks use GSM/LTE/5G, so international visitors should check roaming or buy an eSIM. Power is 120V, 60Hz with Type A/B plugs; bring adapters for non-US devices.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is standard for economic development and GIS conferences in Atlanta; bring a jacket for evening receptions or site-consultant meetings.
Tipping
Tipping 15-20 percent is customary for table service and taxi or rideshare; check whether gratuity is already included.
Punctuality
Sessions generally start on time. Arrive early for badge pickup and allow extra time for traffic between Alpharetta and downtown Atlanta.
Local etiquette
Atlanta is a convention-friendly city. Carry business cards, use first names in most professional settings, and confirm meeting locations in advance.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: ATL
Book flights to ATL for the widest choice of commercial service. Allow 45-60 minutes by road to Alpharetta and arrive the day before if attending morning sessions. International travelers should confirm ESTA or B-1 visa status before purchasing tickets. No organiser-published airfare was found; compare live fares after confirming event dates.
Visa
Most international visitors attending a US trade event travel on a B-1 business visitor visa or under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) where their nationality qualifies; confirm your category on the US Department of State site before booking.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Official visa guidance lives on travel.state.gov; the ESTA application is handled separately through the US Customs and Border Protection site. Allow extra time if an embassy interview is required.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL). Allow road or rail time to The Hamilton Alpharetta; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near The Hamilton Alpharetta: Alpharetta, GA: North Point / Mansell Road select-service hotels; Downtown Alpharetta, GA: Downtown Alpharetta limited-service and boutique hotels; Alpharetta / Roswell border, GA: North Fulton upscale business hotels.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate across metro Atlanta. Use the designated rideshare pickup zones at ATL and expect roughly USD 55-85 from the airport to Alpharetta before surge pricing or tolls. Rideshare is also practical for hotel-to-venue trips and evening dinners; confirm live quotes in the app.
Public transit: MARTA rail and bus serve Atlanta, and the Red Line connects ATL to North Springs station, about 10-15 minutes by rideshare from Alpharetta. MARTA does not run directly to The Hamilton Alpharetta, so plan a transfer. Xpress commuter coaches serve surrounding counties. Check itsmarta.com and xpressga.com for schedules and fare details.
Parking: The Hamilton Alpharetta and nearby Alpharetta venues typically offer on-site or garage parking; confirm daily rates, height restrictions, and event validation with the venue. A planning estimate of USD 10-20 per day is reasonable for Alpharetta-area parking, but confirm before travel.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November (confirm exact event dates)
Temperature: Daytime highs around 65-70 F (18-21 C); overnight lows around 45-50 F (7-10 C). Confirm the forecast closer to the event.
Seasonality: November is one of Atlanta's drier months, but rain showers are still possible. Carry a compact umbrella and check the forecast 48 hours before travel, especially for outdoor transfers or evening plans in Alpharetta.
Packing: Pack layers, a light rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and business-casual attire for sessions. International visitors should bring a US plug adapter (Type A/B, 120V) and a portable charger for long days at the venue.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at The Economic Development Tech Summit usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
14 days out: confirm registration at the correct tier (USD 850 Economic Development Organization Staff or USD 1,350 Corporate/For-Profit) and check the confirmation email for badge pickup instructions.
T-2
10 days out: book a hotel in Alpharetta or North Fulton; compare downtown Alpharetta, North Point, and Roswell options and confirm cancellation terms.
T-3
7 days out: plan the ATL arrival transfer; compare rideshare, taxi, and MARTA Red Line to North Springs plus a short rideshare to the venue.
T-4
5 days out: download the event app or agenda, shortlist sessions on GIS, site selection, and economic development data, and request meetings with solution providers.
T-5
3 days out: check the Atlanta forecast and pack layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable shoes for walking the venue.
T-6
1 day out: confirm badge pickup hours, parking or transit details, and carry a government-issued photo ID.
T-7
Day of: arrive 30-45 minutes early for registration and test venue Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot if you plan to access GIS demos.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at The Hamilton Alpharetta
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2The Economic Development Tech Summit registration concourse
The Hamilton Alpharetta
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
The Hamilton Alpharetta
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 850 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 850 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether The Economic Development Tech Summit fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For The Economic Development Tech Summit, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your organisation runs economic development programmes and wants hands-on exposure to the tools discussed at the summit.
Best for
Economic development professionals, GIS analysts and site-selection teams evaluating technology and practical workflows.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before the summit for registration and Atlanta travel.
Risks
Detailed session times are not published in captured sources; confirm the agenda before booking flights.
exhibit
Your product serves economic development organisations and you want direct access to that practitioner audience.
Best for
Vendors of GIS, site-selection, data and economic development software seeking meetings with agency buyers.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for sponsorship or exhibit arrangements, freight and marketing.
Risks
Sponsor and exhibit pricing are not published in captured sources; confirm packages with GIS WebTech.
skip
You need a large multi-sector trade fair rather than a focused technology summit.
Best for
Teams outside economic development, GIS or site-selection technology whose goals do not match a practitioner-focused summit.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Economic development organization (EDO)
- A public, private, or nonprofit entity that recruits, retains, and expands businesses in a region. At this event, EDO staff are a core attendee tier alongside corporate and for-profit participants.
- Geographic information system (GIS)
- Software and data used to map, analyze, and publish location-based information such as sites, parcels, utilities, workforce catchments, and transportation access. GIS is central to modern site-selection and economic development marketing.
- Site selection
- The process by which companies and site consultants evaluate locations for new facilities, expansions, or relocations using labor, logistics, real estate, incentives, utilities, and risk data.
- Pad-ready site
- A development site with completed grading, utilities, and permits sufficient for a buyer to begin construction quickly. EDOs often publish pad-ready sites in GIS site-selection tools.
- Certified site
- A site reviewed by a state or regional program for title, environmental, geotechnical, and infrastructure readiness. Certification can shorten prospect due diligence and is often displayed in GIS property databases.
- Prospect
- A company or site consultant actively evaluating a location for investment. EDO teams manage prospects through confidentiality, response timelines, and site-visit coordination.
- Request for information (RFI)
- A formal questionnaire from a prospect or consultant asking an EDO to provide data on sites, workforce, incentives, utilities, and logistics. RFI response speed and data quality are recurring conference topics.
- Geospatial data
- Location-referenced datasets such as parcels, zoning, floodplains, roads, broadband, buildings, and demographics used in site-selection mapping and analysis.
- Target industry
- A sector a region prioritizes for recruitment or expansion based on workforce, supply chain, and economic impact. Target-industry pages are often built with GIS content and property search tools.
- Business retention and expansion (BRE)
- A structured EDO program that interviews and supports existing local employers to help them stay and grow. BRE visits can feed data into CRM and GIS systems used by economic development teams.
- Incentive
- A financial or nonfinancial benefit offered by a state or locality to attract or retain investment, such as tax abatements, grants, infrastructure support, or workforce training assistance.
- Data layer
- A distinct map layer in a GIS, such as parcels, zoning, utilities, or floodplains, that users can turn on and off to analyze a site or compare locations.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Atlanta Tech Conference 2026
- GIS WebTech Summit
- Tech Summit for Economic Developers
- The Economic Development Tech Summit 2026
- The Economic Development Tech Summit Atlanta 2026
- The Economic Development Tech 2026
- The Economic Development Tech Atlanta 2026
- Atlanta USA
- Technology Summit Atlanta 2026
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.