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Conference Agenda |
We’re excited to welcome you to Detroit this October for a two-day gathering focused on the future of the Great Lakes region. Things kick off with a relaxed networking reception on the evening of October 22, followed by a full day and a half of insightful sessions. From global investment trends and major infrastructure projects to water innovation and cross-border collaboration, this event brings together leaders and changemakers who are shaping the future of our region. This is just the beginning; additional sessions are in the works, and we will share an updated agenda soon! Wednesday, October 22, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Welcome Networking Reception Thursday, October 23, 2025 7:30 am - 8:30 am - Registration, Breakfast and Networking 8:30 am - 9:30 am Join industry expert and veteran Ron Starner for a data-rich analysis of how the Great Lakes region compares to other U.S. and Canadian markets in attracting business investment and facility expansions. Using Conway’s global project database, Starner will reveal top-performing metros, key industry trends, and the factors influencing site selection today. This session offers actionable insights into where the region excels, where it lags, and how stakeholders can boost competitiveness to secure more high-value corporate investments. 9:30 am - 9:45 am - Networking Break 9:45 am - 10:45 am How do corporate decision-makers and their site selection consultants truly view the Great Lakes region when it comes to new business locations and expansions? In this engaging and unfiltered session, a leading site selection consultant will share the good, the bad, and the ugly, providing candid insights into the region’s reputation, performance, and opportunities for improvement. Attendees will gain a valuable outside-in perspective on what makes the region competitive or not, in today’s global investment landscape, with actionable takeaways for enhancing their local and regional strategies 10:45 am - 11:00 am - Networking Break 11:00 am - 12:00 pm If the Great Lakes region were a nation, its economy would rank as the third largest in the world. Much of this strength has historically been built on abundant freshwater resources that fueled industries such as automotive, food processing, pulp and paper, and water technology, while also serving as critical transportation corridors to global markets. Given new climate realities and under-utilized industrial and water supply capacities in the Great Lakes, how do we harness this competitive advantage to drive growth while protecting our freshwater resources? What risks tied to water availability, quality, and resilience threaten current and future businesses—and how can organizations like EDOs and The Water Council help address these challenges to ensure both prosperity and stewardship? 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Group Luncheon 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Adam Tindall-Schlicht, Senior Advisor for Transportation at Ramboll, will deliver a keynote on how the maritime industry is shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for the Great Lakes. Drawing on his leadership at Port Milwaukee and the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, he’ll explore the region’s evolving infrastructure, green shipping, and economic opportunities. His talk will spotlight coastal resiliency, emissions reduction, and binational collaboration as key drivers of trade, investment, and climate action across the Great Lakes- St. Lawrence region. 2:00 pm - 2:15 pm - Networking Break 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm The Great Lakes region has long stood at the center of the global automotive industry. But as the mobility landscape evolves—with electrification, automation, and connected vehicle technologies accelerating change—how do we maintain our competitive edge? In this forward-looking session, Bernard Swiecki, a nationally recognized expert on the automotive sector and mobility ecosystems, will explore how regional assets, workforce readiness, and crossborder innovation can keep the Great Lakes at the forefront of advanced mobility. From electric vehicle manufacturing to smart infrastructure and supply chain resilience, this session will highlight what it takes to lead in a rapidly transforming industry—and how communities can position themselves to capture the next wave of automotive investment. 3:15 pm - 3:30 pm - Networking Break 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm The Great Lakes EDC is at a pivotal moment. This session will bring attendees directly into the process of shaping the organization’s first strategic plan. In a fast-moving, collaborative format, participants will share their insights on what priorities matter most for members and how the Council can create the greatest impact for communities across the region. Your voice will help define the path forward. Together, we’ll identify shared goals, chart a roadmap, and lay the foundation for an organization designed by and for its members. This is your chance to contribute to the future vision of the Great Lakes EDC and ensure the Council reflects the needs, strengths, and opportunities of the region we serve. 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm - Meetup in the Motor Bar 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - Group Dine-A-Rounds (Guests Pay Own) Friday, October 24, 2025 7:30 am - 8:30 am - Networking Breakfast 8:30 am - 9:30 am As global markets shift, the Great Lakes region is emerging as a prime destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). In this session, Bruce Takefman of Research FDI will share insights on the region’s competitive strengths—from advanced manufacturing and clean energy to robust cross-border infrastructure. Attendees will learn about current FDI trends, the top source countries, and key industries that attract global capital. The session will also highlight recent success stories and explore how regional collaboration can amplify investment opportunities across the Great Lakes
Tourism is more than leisure—it’s a catalyst for economic growth, community vitality, and regional identity. From world-class museums and birding festivals to island ferries and cruise ship ports, Great Lakes destinations are leveraging their unique attractions to fuel jobs, investment, and year-round economic activity. This dynamic panel brings together leaders from the National Museum of the Great Lakes, Great Lakes Islands Alliance, and Black Swamp Bird Observatory to share proven strategies for turning local assets into lasting economic impact. Moderated by Diane Lupke of Lupke & Associates, the conversation will highlight transferable insights relevant to communities of all sizes across the Great Lakes. 10:45 am - 11:00 am - Networking Break 11:00 am - 12:00 pm |
| Great Lakes Economic Development Council Detroit, MI 48243 Info@GreatLakesEDC.org |
