The Road Ahead
Join more than 500 regional stakeholders, C-suite executives, and community leaders for Southwest Michigan First’s third annual State of Economic Development on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel.
In 2023, we launched The Path to Regional Prosperity, a bold three-year strategic action plan that set the direction and pace for our region’s future. Now, we’re building on that momentum with The Road to Regional Prosperity, an ambitious new plan designed to accelerate growth, spark innovation, and capitalize on the vast economic opportunities for Southwest Michigan.
This year’s event brings together a fresh lineup of thought leaders and changemakers you won’t want to miss. Featured keynotes include Dr. Chris Thornberg, founding partner of Beacon Economics and one of the nation’s leading economic forecasters, and Erica Orange, partner at The Future Hunters and one of the world’s Top 50 Female Futurists. Together, they’ll provide a compelling look at the economic forces shaping our future—offering data-driven insights, global trends, and forward-looking strategies to help leaders and organizations navigate what’s next.
Plus, we’ve built in plenty of networking opportunities along the way, allowing you to interact with like-minded individuals who are driven to move our region forward. You’ll walk away with fresh perspectives, actionable strategies, and lots of inspiration for what’s possible on the road ahead.
Program Agenda
- Registration
- Lunch and Networking
- Keynote #1: Economic Outlook, Dr. Christopher Thornberg, Founder, Beacon Economics
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship Panel
- Keynote #2: The Road Ahead, Jonas Peterson, CEO of Southwest Michigan First
- Networking Break
- Gubernatorial Panel
- Keynote #3: The Future is Now: Reimagining Economic Development in an Age of AI, Erica Orange, Partner, The Future Hunters
- Closing Remarks
- Reception and Networking
Let’s shape the future of our region. Together.
