Strategies to boost regional development on the Sunshine Coast that bear in mind local opportunities and obstacles will be presented by two international experts at a major forum at the University of the Sunshine Coast on Friday 27 November.

The 2015 Sunshine Coast Futures Conference will feature public engagement expert Dr Rob Greenwood from Canada’s Memorial University as its keynote speaker, along with a workshop run by economic development expert Ed Morrison from Purdue University in the United States.

Dr Greenwood is Executive Director at The Leslie Harris Centre of Regional Policy and Development and is highly regarded as an advisor on economic development policy.

His keynote address, titled ‘The bears are different…’ will discuss common issues that communities encounter in attempting to boost regional development and ways for the Sunshine Coast to overcome such challenges.

Dr Greenwood’s advice will help inform an action plan that will be created at the conference, in keeping with the event’s theme of ‘Getting to Our Future’.

Delegates will also have the chance to hear about cutting-edge strategies for collaboration when Mr Morrison conducts a ‘Strategic Doing’ workshop.

Mr Morrison will share advice on how the Sunshine Coast can create a stronger network of organisations to ensure the region’s continued growth into the future.

USC Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Mike Hefferan said both speakers would provide a wealth of knowledge for the many business, government and community delegates attending this annual event.

“Real prosperity and sustainability for the Sunshine Coast depends on how all of us organise ourselves and conduct business,” Professor Hefferan said.

“Even our recent successes in development are not guaranteed to continue into a future that is changing so rapidly for all of us.

“Dr Greenwood and Mr Morrison’s insights into the challenges and opportunities for the Sunshine Coast will be hugely valuable for the delegates.”

The Sunshine Coast Futures Conference will be held at USC’s Innovation Centre auditorium from 8am to 4pm. Registration details and further information can be found at the Futures Conference website.

— Gen Kennedy