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2026 Michigan's Premier Economic Summit and Annual Meeting Sessions

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I will attend the Building What's Next Detroit Tour

8/5/26 3:00 to 5:00 PM Registrant

Summary
This tour will take you to three awe-inspiring new and upcoming developments in the heart of Detroit. With the excitement generated by the FIFA World Cup this year, it's top news to know that Detroit will have a soccer stadium - AlumniFi Field - in 2028. Hear from Sean Mann, CEO and Co-Founder of Detroit City Football Club (DCFC), to learn about the history of DCFC and the site; see a 3D model of the stadium, a mock suite, and showroom renderings; and visit the site where it will all take place. After that, visit the most talked-about place in the City: Michigan Central Station! Once a gateway to Detroit, with more than 4,000 passengers a day at its peak in the 1940s, this rehabilitation by Ford Motor Company is now a hub for retail, commercial space, and more. Finally, visit Newlab on the Michigan Central campus. Newlab which works in partnership with startups, major corporations, and government entities to build projects that commercialize critical technologies. The state-of-the-art prototyping equipment, workspaces, and acres of specially permitted pilot sites will keep Michigan an innovation hub for years to come!

I will bring a Guest on the Building What's Next Detroit Tour.

8/5/26 3:00 to 5:00 PM Guest

Summary
This tour will take you to three awe-inspiring new and upcoming developments in the heart of Detroit. With the excitement generated by the FIFA World Cup this year, it's top news to know that Detroit will have a soccer stadium - AlumniFi Field - in 2028. Hear from Sean Mann, CEO and Co-Founder of Detroit City Football Club (DCFC), to learn about the history of DCFC and the site; see a 3D model of the stadium, a mock suite, and showroom renderings; and visit the site where it will all take place. After that, visit the most talked-about place in the City: Michigan Central Station! Once a gateway to Detroit, with more than 4,000 passengers a day at its peak in the 1940s, this rehabilitation by Ford Motor Company is now a hub for retail, commercial space, and more. Finally, visit Newlab on the Michigan Central campus. Newlab which works in partnership with startups, major corporations, and government entities to build projects that commercialize critical technologies. The state-of-the-art prototyping equipment, workspaces, and acres of specially permitted pilot sites will keep Michigan an innovation hub for years to come!

I will attend the Opening Reception (Included)

8/5/26 5:30 to 7:30 PM Registrant

Summary
Join us for a long-held MEDA tradition, the Opening Reception, where old friends meet, and new ones are made, while enjoying local food and drink before the conference.

I will bring a guest to the Opening Reception ($50)

8/5/26 5:30 to 7:30 PM Guest

Summary
2026 Michigan's Premier Economic Summit and Annual Meeting - Opening Reception Guest

I will attend Trivia Night ($35)

8/5/26 7:30 to 9:00 PM Registrant

Summary
A new MEDA tradition has been built! We know you’re smart, and you can prove it at Trivia Night while having fun with your economic development partners and friends.

I will bring a Guest to Trivia Night ($35)

8/5/26 7:30 to 9:00 PM Guest

Summary
2026 Michigan's Premier Economic Summit and Annual Meeting - Trivia Night Guest

Design as Strategy: Developing Resilient Economies

8/6/26 11:45 to 12:45 PM Registrant

Speakers
  • Bonnie Fahoome - Co-Executive Director, Design Core Detroit
Summary
Strong local economies don’t happen by accident. They’re built through clear thinking, smart planning, and good design. This session shows how design goes beyond looks to support businesses, improve how services are delivered, and strengthen commercial corridors and infrastructure. When applied intentionally, design helps reduce inefficiencies, stretch limited resources, attract customers, and create a competitive advantage that supports reliable, long-term growth.

FDI in a Changing World: Trends, Drivers, and Opportunities for Michigan

8/6/26 11:45 to 12:45 PM Registrant

Speakers
  • Guillermo Mazier - SVP, Global Business, Financial Times
Summary
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is evolving as countries and companies respond to global disruptions, regional shifts, and innovation trends. This session will explore how Michigan can effectively translate global FDI opportunities into local economic wins—by understanding key trends, showcasing local strengths, and adopting proactive strategies for investment attraction and retention. Participants will leave with insights on where FDI is headed, how Michigan is positioned, and what practical steps communities can take to compete in a fast-changing global landscape.

Belong Dickinson - Multimedia Storytelling About Living and Working in the Dickinson Area

8/6/26 11:45 to 12:45 PM Registrant

Speakers
  • Seth Anderson - Creative Lead and Media Production, Mountain Media House
  • Mindy Meyers - Executive Director, Dickinson Area Economic Alliance
  • Elsa Pontbriand - Communication and Marketing Consultant, Mountain Media House
Summary
The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance is using a multimedia storytelling approach to attract and retain talent, which could easily serve as a blueprint for promoting quality of life in a community. An investor-funded living and working initiative – Belong Dickinson – highlights the many opportunities to find community and belonging in the Dickinson area of the Upper Peninsula.

The Next Step Ahead With Ned

8/6/26 2:15 to 3:15 PM Registrant

Speakers
  • Ned Staebler - Vice President of Economic Development, Wayne State University
Summary
When it comes to staying on top of what’s next in entrepreneurship, tech startups, Main Street, and retail business support, Ned Staebler and his team at TechTown at Wayne State University stay ahead of trends to prepare future workers and entrepreneurs, and to support small businesses and economic development organizations. But Ned isn't about keeping the strategies to himself; he's here to share what they can do and how you can apply them in your EDO. Learn from the leader of an organization that has supported more than 6,000 small businesses in 15 years and has trained businesses around the country for over a dozen years.

USDA Rural Development Programs & Rural Opportunity Zones

8/6/26 2:15 to 3:15 PM Registrant

Speakers
  • Dom Restuccia - State Director of Rural Development – Michigan, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is presenting on Rural Development loans, grants, and loan guarantees for water, sewer, electric, housing, community facilities, and rural businesses. The presentation will also highlight the new Rural Opportunity Zones coming to Michigan next year because of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act of 2025.

Using GIS for Development-Ready Site Selection

8/6/26 2:15 to 3:15 PM Registrant

Speakers
  • Nellie Anderson-Wright - Senior GIS Specialist, SME
  • Travis Alden - Client Relationships Leader, SME
Summary
Not all development sites are created equal—but how do you identify which parcels hold the most promise? This session demonstrates how GIS transforms site selection from guesswork to strategic intelligence. Through case studies from Ionia and Huron Counties, attendees will discover how spatial analysis reveals hidden opportunities by layering critical planning and infrastructure data.

Building a Stronger Small Business Ecosystem

8/7/26 9:00 to 10:00 AM Registrant

Speakers
  • Wafa Dinaro - Executive Director, New Economy Initiative
  • Fred Paul - Associate Director, New Economy Initiative
  • Youseph Saad - Program Coordinator, New Economy Initiative
Summary
The New Economy Initiative will showcase MI Small Business Helper, a free digital platform that connects entrepreneurs across Southeast Michigan to trusted business resources in one centralized hub. The tool helps organizations streamline connections, align services, and expand access to funding, guidance, and programs that support business growth and long-term economic sustainability.

Flexible Zoning Blueprint for Economic Development

8/7/26 9:00 to 10:00 AM Registrant

Speakers
  • Joe Tangari AICP - Principal Planner, Giffels Webster
  • Eric Pietsch - Senior Planner, Giffels Webster
Summary
Learn how zoning can be used to open the door to valuable development and land uses by streamlining processes, providing flexibility, and taking advantage of historical building stock to lower costs. This presentation will cover mixed-use development, planned unit development, nonconforming uses and buildings, streamlining processes, training for elected and appointed officials, and administrative review.

Advancing Economic Development Through Multimodal Integration with UAS, AAM, and Emerging Technologies

8/7/26 9:00 to 10:00 AM Registrant

Speakers
  • Christopher Girdwood - CEO, Detroit Region Aerotropolis
  • Michael Healander - CEO, Airspace Link, Inc.
  • Robert McCraight - Mayor, City of Romulus
  • Matt Whittaker - Director, Mobility Innovation Platform
Summary
This session convenes leaders from the public and private sectors to explore the policy, collaboration, and investment strategies needed to accelerate the safe, sustainable deployment of next-generation aviation infrastructure. From digital integration and automation to extended reality tools, panelists will discuss how forward-looking policy can unlock innovation, expand connectivity and access, and position Michigan as a leader in aviation.
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