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.
From Data to Deals: Mastering CRM for Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Professionals
April 22, 2026 | Noon – 1:30 p.m. Central
This course equips BR&E professionals with the tools, frameworks, and strategies to transform Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems into powerful engines for business intelligence, retention, and expansion. Participants will learn how to capture, structure, analyze, and activate business data to support proactive outreach, identify risks, uncover expansion opportunities, and align stakeholders across their ecosystem. Grounded in real-world economic development applications, this course bridges the gap between technology, strategy, and relationship management, enabling practitioners to move from reactive service delivery to predictive and strategic economic development leadership.
About the Speaker
As the CEO and Founder of Alia Consulting – Economic Development Firm, Alia Abbas leverages her extensive background in disaster and emergency management, as well as business continuity, to drive the success of her firm. Alia Consulting specializes in providing crucial support to economic development organizations, particularly in disaster and emergency preparedness, with a strong focus on business continuity. Alia’s firm has played a pivotal role in assisting clients with their investment attraction initiatives, supply chain strategies, and disaster recovery planning. Through collaborations with esteemed organizations including the International Economic Development Council, City of Toronto, City of Brampton, and Toronto Global. Additionally, Alia and her firm offer invaluable expertise in developing comprehensive economic development strategies, encompassing areas such as business retention and expansion (BR&E), foreign direct investment (FDI), and strategic community planning. With ten years of project management experience, collaborating with municipalities across Canada and the United States of America, Alia possesses a deep understanding of the diverse needs and challenges faced by different communities.
Fundamentals Course – Continuous Model
May 12 – 21, 2026
The BREI Fundamentals Course is designed to provide the participant with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement a Business Retention and Expansion Visitation program as part of a viable and effective economic development program. A BR&E Visitation Program is an economic development strategy that is recognized and utilized across the world.
The BREI Fundamentals Course covers essential information needed to develop and implement a BR&E visitation program through an intensive, four session educational event. BR&E practitioners and academics worldwide have developed course materials by identifying the basic elements required to implement and maintain a successful BR&E program. A variety of visitation program types will be covered, and each type will be discussed with regard to its impact on community capacity building.
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 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, May 12, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Central
- Thursday, May 14, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Central
- Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Central
- Thursday, May 21, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Central
About the Speaker
Dr. Alan Barefield is a highly respected leader in economic development and a longtime champion of Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) initiatives in Mississippi and beyond. Through his distinguished career with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, he provided strategic guidance and technical assistance to communities seeking to strengthen local economies through business engagement and data-driven decision making. Dr. Barefield has been deeply involved with Business Retention and Expansion International (BREI), contributing to the advancement of best practices, training programs, and global collaboration among economic developers. His work has helped communities better understand employer needs, support workforce development, and implement sustainable growth strategies. Following his recent retirement, Dr. Barefield leaves a lasting legacy of leadership, mentorship, and impactful service in the field of economic development. He holds the Master BRE Professional certification, one of only a handful ever awarded to BREI members.
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.
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
Register Online
2022 Business Retention & Expansion International Conference
Register Online
Communications Planning for BRE
Register Online
2021 Business Retention & Expansion International Conference
Register Online
Collaboration: Work Smarter, Not Harder
Register Online
Customer Service is Critical
Register Online
Data That Helps Keep Businesses Moving
Register Online
Business Pulse Check: The Entrepreneur Recovery Journey
Register Online
Business Opportunities in Disaster: Supply and Demand
Register Online
A View Inside a Global Plan
Learn more and register online
Enhancing Rural Business Development Ecosystems One Conversation at a Time
Learn more and register online
Boots on the Ground Business Retention and Expansion
Learn more and register online
Business Retention and Expansion International 