Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo

Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo 2023: Building Economic Prosperity in Our Region

The highly anticipated Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo is set to return on December 7, 2023, at Great Wolf Lodge from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This event, hosted by a partnership between the five economic development organizations of the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development region, promises to be a pivotal gathering for business and community leaders alike.

This year’s theme, “Building Regional Economic Prosperity,” will have a strong emphasis on workforce and will showcase the economic impact our Tribal Nations have on our regional economy. Attendees can look forward to in-depth discussions and valuable insights into a wide range of pressing issues affecting our business communities, including infrastructure, energy, artificial intelligence, the creative economy, and more. Business and community leaders will gain insights into critical and emerging trends and will be provided with information to guide their business models and action plans. Furthermore, the event will emphasize the integration of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into these themes and innovations.

Economic forecast keynote speakers Hart Hodges and James McCafferty, from Western Washington University’s College of Business & Economics, will utilize their expertise to shed light on critical economic matters and emerging trends.

The event will also feature an Economic Development Leaders Panel, consisting of the Directors of the Economic Alliance of Lewis County, Greater Grays Harbor Inc., the Economic Development Council of Mason County, the Pacific County Economic Development Council, and the Thurston Economic Development Council and Center for Business & Innovation. These panelists will discuss exciting projects in their respective counties and outline the future economic trends that will shape prosperity in the region.

Our breakout sessions are dedicated to tackling the pressing issues and opportunities within our dynamic five-county region, with workforce development taking center stage. We’re not just looking at the present, but peering into the future, questioning where we stand today, where we strive to be, and the strategies to bridge that gap.

Our focal points encompass a comprehensive examination of infrastructure and energy requirements, the ever-expanding role of the creative economy, and the transformative influence of artificial intelligence on our regional business landscape.

From the essential art of strategic planning to the practical hurdles of execution, our distinguished panels of experts are here to immerse you in engaging discussions that revolve around sculpting the world we yearn to inhabit. Join us in shaping the future.

To add a delightful local flavor to the event, attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in Local Food and Craft Beverage Tastings. The event will conclude with a chance to network with local vendors and savor the diverse culinary offerings the region has to offer.

Event Details:
Date: December 7, 2023
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Great Wolf Lodge
Admission Costs: Attendees $100, Exhibitors $700
Sponsorship Opportunities: Contact Holly House at hhouse@thurstonedc.com