Conferences Are the Nexus of Networking

Kingman Economic Development (ED) is committed to fostering a community where businesses thrive and residents prosper. Strong connections are a key pillar to success, and Kingman ED continues to see first-hand the value of consistently networking with like-minded individuals and industry leaders.

The Power of Professional Development

“Professional development is gaining new skills through continuing education and career training after entering the workforce. It can include taking classes or workshops, attending professional or industry conferences, or earning a certificate to expand your knowledge in your chosen field,” - Harvard University, Division of Continuing Education.

By regularly attending industry conferences, Kingman ED:

• Builds and strengthens industry relationships
• Gains valuable industry insights
• Returns to Kingman with innovative ideas to remain competitive

These benefits also help with potential collaborations and partnerships. In 2024, Kingman ED’s team attended five annual conferences:

• AAED - Arizona Association for Economic Development
• ICSC - International Council of Shopping Centers
• Rural Policy Forum - Local First Arizona
• IEDC 2024 - International Economic Development Council
• MUFC - Multi-Unit Franchising Conference

Other smaller-scale networking opportunities happen throughout the year. 

Networking & Connecting

We spoke with Economic Development Project Managers Sylvia Shaffer and Terri Curtis about the networking process and the results of relationships built from connecting through conferences.

Sylvia Shaffer: “ICSC Las Vegas is a premier event where the City can meet with prospective retailers and commercial developers interested in Kingman. Thousands of steps happen daily, hundreds of business cards are handed out, and several meetings occur during this three-day event. … We have made many new connections with retail brands that the Kingman community wishes to see.

ICSC Western Region Conference is a reduced version of ICSC Las Vegas. It’s a better opportunity to network with local vs. national retail agents who oversee the Western Region.”

Terri Curtis: “Building meaningful relationships takes time and effort. They don’t happen overnight.”

Sylvia Shaffer: “The process to bring Marshalls to Kingman was extensive. We have been reaching out to Marshalls for approximately ten years and as of November 21, 2024, Marshalls Kingman, AZ, opened for business. Before this location, the closest Marshalls was around 95 miles away in Henderson, NV.”

Terri Curtis: “Connections were made at 2023’s AAED Fall Forum, and later, Kingman applied for and was awarded a grant. Our success was largely due to the relationships we began fostering at that conference. Since then, we’ve attended other conferences where those initial connections led to an introduction to additional funding sources, which we are now exploring to support upcoming projects.”

Choose Kingman

Kingman ED isn’t just a team; it’s a force that drives Kingman forward. The dedicated staff is always on the go, from scouting prime locations for new businesses to connecting entrepreneurs with the needed resources. Kingman ED is committed to building lasting relationships with every business owner in and relocating to Kingman.