GARC Economic Development Conference – Lake Lanier Island, GA
We are excited to once again host the GARC Economic Development Conference in just a few months! The conference will be held at Lake Lanier Islands Resort in Buford, Georgia (www.lanierislands.com) on May 3-5, 2026. This conference is a unique training opportunity for Regional Commission staff and policy members; it may also be beneficial for other partners. Please share this information on registration, sponsorships, hotel accommodations and speakers with others as needed.
The Economic and Community Development Committee is hard at work planning a robust agenda with notable speakers, conference sessions, and evening events. Please check back to the GARC website: www.garc.ga.gov. for conference updates including the agenda (when available).
Registration is open from March 2- April 10, 2026. Click HERE to register or scan QR code.
**NOTE: All Regional Commissions are responsible for at least three registrations. Payment for three registrations will be required regardless of attendance at the conference.
Registration
FULL REGISTRATION – $350.00 per person
Full registration includes all conference sessions, receptions, meals and breaks.
SPOUSE/GUEST REGISTRATION – $250.00 per person
The Spouse/Guest rate is for a guest accompanying any registered attendee and includes receptions and all meals.
MONDAY ONLY REGISTRATION- $175.00 per person
Monday Only registration includes breakfast, lunch and breaks on Monday. It does not include the reception or dinner.
Upon receipt of the Registration Form, the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission will send an invoice for payment. Payment must be made by check.
Cancellations
Any cancellations for conference registration must be received by April 17, 2026, to receive a refund (minus a $50.00 administrative fee). Cancellations received after April 17, 2026, will not be eligible for a refund.
Hotel Reservations
Room Block Available Until April 3, 2026
A block of hotel rooms (Reference GARC Economic Development Conference) is reserved at Lake Lanier Islands Resort with a GARC Conference rate of $199.00 per night plus a $20.00 resort fee and applicable taxes (13%). Room reservations can be made by contacting Lake Lanier Islands Resort directly at 1-800-840-5253, the online link here, or by emailing reservations@lanierislands.com before April 3, 2026. Additionally, hotel cancellations must be made prior to April 3, 2026, to avoid any fees.
Speakers
Speakers who exclusively participate in their session will incur no charges and are invited to partake in refreshments throughout their presentation. Speakers who wish to attend the entire day or conference are invited to register at the appropriate level. Speakers are also requested to provide their bio on the registration portal.
Sponsorship Opportunities
There are three $750 sponsorship opportunities: Sunday night reception, Monday lunch, and Monday night reception. Sponsors will have the opportunity to speak briefly at the sponsored event. Interested sponsors can complete the Select Sponsor on the online registration form. Upon receipt of the Registration Form, the Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission will send an invoice to the Sponsor for payment. The sponsorship deadline is April 3, 2026.
For questions or additional information, please contact Laura M. Mathis, GARC President at garc@mg-rc.org.
We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming 2026 GARC Economic Development Conference at Lake Lanier Islands Resort.
