The Janus Forum is a unique learning and networking event in the economic development and site selection industry. The Janus Forum offers invited economic developers as well as guest site selection consultants and corporate executives an unmatched venue for peer learning and interaction in a relaxed and scenic setting. This unique approach has made the Forum one of the highlights of the annual economic development industry calendar with extremely strong participant evaluations.
Who Attends and What is the Program?
Because of the Forum’s emphasis on peer learning and networking, a limited number of new participants are invited to attend each Forum and join returning alumni. Getting a diverse mix of industry professionals across geography and experience level is a priority.
Rather than relying solely on outside speakers with pre-determined topics, participants set the program by choosing priority issues that affect the economic development and site selection profession and professional. Priority topics are assessed in focused discussion groups, and summary findings and recommendations are circulated to selected industry professionals, elected officials and local decision makers. Best practices in community and economic development are not only shared; they are created at the Janus Forum.
Where and When are the Janus Forums Held?
The Janus Forum began in 2009 with an informal gathering of leading industry professionals at the home of consultant Robert Pittman and wife Anita in Lakemont, Georgia overlooking historic Lake Rabun. As word spread regarding the uniqueness and value of the Forum, more professionals expressed a desire to attend. To accommodate this increased demand while still maintaining the small, informal peer-learning atmosphere, additional Janus Forums at other locations have been scheduled, including Santa Rosa Beach and Amelia Island, Florida. A Janus Forum is also held each year at the “home base” of Lakemont in Rabun County, Georgia.
Who Hosts the Forum?
The host and parent organization of the Janus Forum is the Janus Institute, a Georgia non-profit corporation. Its mission is to help communities advance themselves through best practices in economic development derived from tapping into the rich collective knowledge and experience of leading economic developers, site consultants and corporate executives from around the country. In addition to sponsoring the Forum, the Institute publishes professional and community educational materials, provides event and meeting speakers, and on request helps communities plan and realize better futures.
A Janus Forum in Your Area?
The Janus Institute partners with local sponsoring organizations to host Janus Forums in their locations. Local sponsors benefit from helping advance community and economic development in their local area and region, and from national exposure to industry leaders including site consultants and corporate executives. For more information, please contact Robert Pittman, Executive Director and Founder of the Janus Institute at 404-431-1255, rpittman@janusinstitute.org.
Interested in attending the Janus Forum? Contact us for more information.