Session Title TBD

Dr. Alissa Sklar is a recognized expert in economic development communication, marketing, and social media. She is the vice president of marketing for the fDi Intelligence, which includes the GIS Planning online GIS site selection tools, fDi Markets, fDi Benchmark, Investment Flow, Incentives Flow, fDi Strategies and fDi Institute. Dr. Sklar works directly with clients to develop and fine-tune marketing campaigns to promote their use of online GIS data tools. Using a customized, collaborative approach, Dr. Sklar works to expand the reach of location brands in the highly competitive field of economic development.

With a Ph.D. and M.A. in Communication and Cultural Studies from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Dr. Sklar has worked extensively in both private and academic sectors, serving as a social media consultant for economic development agencies, full time faculty member at Concordia University’s Department of Communication Studies, research faculty at McGill University, blogger, and multiple award-winning journalist.

The focus of Dr. Sklar’s research and writing has been on information and communication technologies and community cultures. She believes that using these technologies thoughtfully and effectively requires a skillful combination of knowledge, critique and creativity. Dr. Sklar has provided strategic teaching, consultation and training in educational, cultural and business settings for a variety of audiences across North America and Europe, synthesizing and presenting complex information in engaging and practical ways.