Annual Economic Summit 2026

Kick off the day at Northern Michigan's largest B2B networking event, bringing together more than 700 business professionals and community leaders from across the region! Quick Connect is dedicated to intentional networking, with more than 350 attendees arriving early to make new connections, strengthen relationships, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Whether you're looking to grow your business, expand your network, or discover new partnerships, this is an opportunity to connect with the people and organizations driving our region forward.

Alongside Quick Connect, the Business Showcase features 25 businesses and organizations from across Northern Michigan, offering attendees a chance to discover new resources, services, and potential partners. Quick Connect and the Business Showcase are included with the purchase of an Economic Outlook Luncheon ticket.

Interested in Showcasing Your Business?

Put your business in front of hundreds of regional business leaders and decision-makers! Business Showcase exhibitors benefit from direct engagement with attendees throughout the morning, along with prime visibility as luncheon guests make their way into the ballroom. Business Showcase booths are available exclusively to Traverse Connect Investors/Members for $750.
Each showcase includes:
One six-foot table with black tablecloth
Two Chairs
Two tickets to the Economic Outlook Luncheon
Please note that the two included luncheon tickets cannot be applied toward the purchase of a reserved table.

Our longstanding Economic Outlook Luncheon returns, bringing together hundreds of business and community leaders for a forward-looking conversation about our economy and the future of the Grand Traverse region. Hear from the Finnish Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Leena-Kaisa Mikkola on several Michigan-Finland strategic partnership initiatives including smart and autonomous vehicles, defense and dual-use technology, and the maritime industry. The Ambassador's visit is made possible in partnership with the International Affairs Forum. Following the fireside chat, Jeff Guilfoyle, Senior Strategist with Public Sector Consultants, returns to provide economic insight and perspective on trends at the national and state levels. The program will conclude with a regional panel discussion exploring growth, development readiness, infrastructure, and opportunities for greater collaboration across the Grand Traverse region. 

Traverse Connect investors/members can purchase reserved tables of eight for $650 or individual tickets for $75. Non-investors/members can purchase individual tickets for $100.

Luncheon Agenda:

Jeff Guilfoyle is a senior strategist at Public Sector Consultants. With more than 25 years of experience, Jeff is a recognized expert in a wide range of policy areas, including tax policy, economic development, school finance, the state budget, and initiatives to improve outcomes for young children. Jeff is a leading voice and frequent presenter on the national and state economies. He has rejoined PSC after serving as chief deputy Treasurer for the Michigan Department of Treasury. 

Jeff has a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan and an MA and PhD in Economics from Michigan State University. 



Ambassador Mikkola will touch on key highlights of the economic partnership between the State of Michigan and Finland, as well as joint priorities with Northern Michigan including defense and dual-use technology, uncrewed mobility systems, and the maritime industry. The Ambassador's visit has been made possible through Traverse Connect's partnership with the International Affairs Forum at NMC

Click Here to learn more about Ambassador Mikkola






 

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Find Your Next New Hire from Our Northern Explorers!


 

Traverse Connect and Michigan's Creative Coast are pleased to invite five individuals from outside the Grand Traverse Region for a long weekend of creating personal and professional connections to help you make the move! 

Meet the 2026 Northern Explorers who will be joining us at the Annual Economic Summit as our VIP guests to explore opportunities to move their careers to northern Michigan. From finance to art administration and HR, this year's Explorers represent a wide range of professional backgrounds.

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Looking for ways to showcase your business?  Check out sponsorship opportunities HERE, or contact Molly MacGirr, Director of Events & Programs: molly.macgirr@traverseconnect.com