Business Retention and Expansion International offers both in-person and web-based trainings throughout the year in order to educate and train its members in best practices and skills for BRE.
The continuing education workshops hosted by BREI are written and published by certified BRE trainers (unless expressed otherwise) and are designed specifically for our members’ needs. Additional non-certification webinars are offered throughout the year to help share ideas and practices from fellow members, sponsors, and experts.
BREI Fundamentals Course, February 2026
We are pleased to announce that Business Retention & Expansion International (BREI) will host its next Fundamentals Course in February, 2025. Taught by Alan Barefield, MBREP, PhD, and Jason Guidry, BREP, successful completion of this course will entitle enrollees to obtain their industry-leading BRE Coordinator Certification (BREC).
This course is built on components of different model strategies which are designed to identify common and specific issues that a community’s businesses will face. Economic Developers will use this model to derive the ways to support, retain, and expand local businesses according to their needs.
After the BRE Fundamentals course, you will know:
- Whether your community is ready to implement a BRE program
- Understand the current environment in which your community’s businesses operate
- How to develop an approach that best suits your community
- Techniques for effective program evaluation
- Next steps
The BR&E Fundamentals Course consists of a four-part series of sessions and accomplishes its goals through the use of lectures, group discussions, group exercises and interactions with established BR&E practitioners. Upon successful completion of the course, attendees receive the BR&E Coordinator certification. This certification is a requisite to receiving BREI credit for continuing training in other BRE programs.
Dates of Fundamentals Course
- Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Central
- Thursday, February 5, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Central
- Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Central
- Thursday, February 12, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Central
Click here to learn more and register
2026 Business Retention & Expansion International Conference
The 2026 Business Retention & Expansion International (BREI) Conference will bring together leading experts, practitioners, and innovators from across the globe to explore the most pressing challenges and emerging opportunities in business retention and expansion. Guided by input from our members, the conference agenda will focus on the topics that matter most to communities and economic developers today, ranging from workforce development and business engagement strategies to global market trends and innovative retention tools.
This year’s event will be hosted in a fully virtual format, designed to maximize accessibility and value for participants. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with international speakers, take part in interactive workshops, and connect with colleagues worldwide, all from the convenience of their home or office. The virtual platform will also provide flexible, cost-effective access to high-quality programming without the burden of travel expenses.
By combining global expertise with practical, community-driven insights, the 2026 BREI Conference promises to deliver actionable strategies and fresh perspectives that will strengthen local economies and empower professionals to achieve measurable impact in their regions.
Registration coming soon…
On-Demand Sessions
2025 Business Retention & Expansion International Conference
Experience the 2025 Cheyenne BR&E Conference on-demand, originally held June 11–13 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and packed with strategic insights for community and economic developers. This recorded event explores essential topics such as selecting the right CRM, crafting compelling board reports, and celebrating business retention and expansion (BRE) wins. Sessions also dive into leveraging AI, workforce development, and local ordinance reform to support sustainable business growth. Whether you’re a Main Street leader or economic development professional, this training offers practical tools and inspiration to elevate your BRE initiatives.
General Registration
View Agenda
Survey Design and Analysis
This session will review the tips and strategies behind designing surveys for community businesses, analyzing the results of those surveys, and carrying these results into practical follow-up and community improvement.
This session is 1.0 hour of continuing education.
Strengthening Roots – Enhancing Business Longevity and Workforce Growth Through BRE
This interactive session is designed for business leaders, policymakers, and economic development professionals focused on harnessing the power of Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) to foster economic resilience. Attendees will explore cutting-edge strategies for sustaining business growth and developing a robust workforce. Through case studies, group discussions, and expert panels, this session will offer insights into creating synergies between business health and workforce development, ensuring a thriving local economy.
This session is 1.0 hour of continuing education.
Revitalize to Thrive: Fostering Sustainable Business Improvement Districts and Downtown Revival
Aimed at BR&E professionals, urban planners, and community leaders, this workshop delves into the art and science of revitalizing Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and downtown cores. Participants will learn about successful revitalization strategies, from stakeholder engagement and community partnership building to innovative economic and environmental sustainability practices. The session promises to be a blend of theory and practice, providing participants with the tools and inspiration needed to transform their downtown areas into vibrant economic and cultural centers.
This session is 1.0 hour of continuing education.
Strategic Triumph: Mastering BRE through Disaster and Supply Chain Resilience
Elevate your Business Retention and Expansion strategies in the face of uncertainty.
Our exclusive webinar unveils the keys to unparalleled success as Business Retention and Expansion experts. Dive into cutting-edge approaches that encompass the five stages of disaster management: prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Leading to informed decision-making in economic recovery. Delve into the world of disaster management, supply chain resiliency, and learn how to seamlessly integrate preparedness and mitigation into your decision-making processes. Explore strategies for creating shared strategic value across community lifelines by integrating supply chain and site selection best practices.
This session goes beyond expert knowledge, offering tangible key takeaways – actionable insights, and proven strategies for your business’s resilience. Elevate your strategy and secure your success in the BRE arena. Don’t miss out – register now and embark on your roadmap to resilience!
This session is 3.0 hours of continuing education.
2024 Business Retention & Expansion International Conference
You are invited to join fellow BRE professionals for the On-Demand option of the 2024 Business Retention and Expansion Annual Conference, originally recorded on June 11-13, 2024.. The 2024 conference features international speakers on subject matter identified by our membership as major issues and opportunities in business retention and expansion.
Conference Booklet
Registration
Leveraging AI for Economic Development
Presenter: Dean Whittaker
AI expert Dean Whittaker will provide an overview of leading AI systems like Claude, and ChatGPT. He will explain how economic developers can utilize these tools for activities like business attraction and retention, talent development, and strategic planning.
Key Takeaways:
- The basics of Artificial Intelligence & key AI systems on the market.
- Ways to incorporate AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT into your economic development efforts.
- Strategies for using AI to enhance prospect outreach and support existing businesses.
- How AI can help inform your short and long-term planning.
- Ethical considerations when leveraging AI in the public sector.
BRE Program Evaluation
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2022 Business Retention & Expansion International Conference
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Communications Planning for BRE
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2021 Business Retention & Expansion International Conference
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Collaboration: Work Smarter, Not Harder
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Customer Service is Critical
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Data That Helps Keep Businesses Moving
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Business Pulse Check: The Entrepreneur Recovery Journey
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Business Opportunities in Disaster: Supply and Demand
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A View Inside a Global Plan
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Enhancing Rural Business Development Ecosystems One Conversation at a Time
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Boots on the Ground Business Retention and Expansion
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