From trends that accelerated during the pandemic to the new ways of doing business, it leaves the question as to where are the retail and hospitality industries going? Municipalities are grappling with reduction in sales tax to crippling zoning regulations that are chasing potential retailers away. Site selection trends and pandemic related needs are demanding infrastructure that isn’t available or permissible by zoning restrictions and employment opportunities are declining as industry leaders predict a reduction in hiring caused by automation and minimum wage increases. Online presence has never been more critical to retailer’s success as they have to manage omni-channels to connect to larger audiences causing capacity and financial woes.

In the same spirit as EDCC’s 2020 Virtual Series began, we will tackle the difficult questions, analysis, and trends of this industry and the impact on how our communities respond in supporting critical services, education, and amenities that are already at a financial disadvantage. EDCC’s Events & Programming, Data, and Communication Committees are coming together to bring a one-of-kind virtual event that will get to the heart of these issues, provide data to back up theories developed in the exploration, and result in a thought-leader position report that our professionals will be able to use to help guide conversations and actions at the local level.

Speakers for this event will be announced at a later date.