The Midwest Economic Outlook Summit convenes business leaders, policymakers and community stakeholders for a focused, data-informed look at where the regional economy is headed and what it means for decision-makers across the Upper Midwest.
Designed to move beyond headlines, the Summit offers timely insight into the economic forces shaping 2026 — from interest rates, inflation and labor market conditions to workforce participation, housing and child care, technology adoption and global trade pressures. Through a mix of innovative insight sessions, industry perspectives and interactive dialogue, attendees will gain a clearer understanding of emerging trends and the signals that matter most for strategic planning.
The Summit also features a fireside chat featuring Neel Kashkari, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and a voting member of the Federal Open Market Committee. President Kashkari will share insights from the Federal Reserve’s perspective on current economic conditions and the outlook ahead, grounding the conversation in data from across the Ninth Federal Reserve District, which includes Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Northwest Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. His remarks and moderated discussion offer a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the nation’s leading economic voices and to engage in audience-driven discussion on how the regional and national economy are positioned as 2026 approaches.
A central feature of the Summit is its emphasis on engagement. Attendees are invited to submit questions and participate in thoughtful conversation, creating space for real dialogue around economic challenges and opportunities facing the Midwest. Throughout the morning, business and community leaders will also connect across sectors, strengthening relationships and exploring collaboration that supports regional growth and long-term resilience.
Introduction
Shannon Full, President and CEO, FMWF Chamber
Keynote Address and Fireside ChatYour 2026 Economic Roadmap
Neel KashkariPresident and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
Fireside chat moderated by Jim Ryan, Chairman and CEO, Old National Bank
Neel Kashkari will deliver a data-grounded economic roadmap for 2026, offering insight into inflation, labor market trends and key indicators shaping business and community planning. His moderated discussion connects national economic signals to Midwest realities.
Panel DiscussionThe Midwest Growth Equation: People + Business
Nigel Haarstad, State Demographer, North Dakota Dept. of CommerceArik Spencer, President and CEO, Greater North Dakota ChamberSusan Brower, Minnesota State Demographer, Minnesota State Demographic CenterKurt Zellers, CEO, Minnesota Business Partnership
Panel discussion moderated by Shannon Full, President and CEO, FMWF Chamber
Business outcomes are shaped by people, and people trends are shaped by business environments. Leaders from North Dakota and Minnesota explore how demographic realities and business strategy intersect to influence the Midwest’s economic future.
Sponsor HighlightPremier Sponsor: Old National Bank
Jim Ryan, Chairman and CEO, Old National Bank
Industry InsightsFrom Economic Trends to Operational Reality
Health Care - Kristin Herrmann, Chief Financial Officer (Fargo), Sanford HealthManufacturing - Jon Grandon, Vice President, Attachments, Parts & Service, Bobcat CompanyHospitality - Angie Whitcomb, President and CEO, Hospitality Minnesota
The Industry Insights segment provides a focused look at how key sectors are navigating today’s economic conditions. Leaders from health care, manufacturing and hospitality will have 10 minutes each to share what they’re seeing on the ground and how economic signals are influencing operations, investment and workforce decisions.
Speaker Presentation and Fireside ChatGlobal Economy and Trade
David O'HaraManaging Director, MKI Global Partners
Fireside chat moderated by Georges Tippens, VP of Finance & Administration, Minnesota State Moorhead
David O’Hara will bring a global trade lens to the economic outlook, unpacking how U.S. trade strategy, geopolitics and policy shifts are influencing North American markets. His insight connects global uncertainty to real implications for Midwest industries, including agriculture and manufacturing.
Closing
Red River Valley Fair Grounds - Butler Machinery Arena
Livestream Link
In-Person | $45 members | $55 not-yet-members
Day-of Registration | $55 members | $65 not-yet-members
Livestream | No cost
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