Michigan’s Premier Economic Summit and Annual Meeting Tentative Agenda

 

It’s remarkable to reflect on the fact that just a decade ago, MEDA gathered in Detroit and proudly declared Detroit the “All-American Comeback City.”

Today, that comeback has evolved into a full-scale transformation. Detroit – and the broader Southeast Michigan region – has not only rebounded but risen as a global leader and a blueprint for what cities of the future can become. With breakthrough industries taking shape, world-class innovation emerging, and a skyline enriched by both groundbreaking new developments and extraordinary historic restorations, the momentum is unmistakable.

MEDA members and partners from across the state are invited to Detroit’s iconic Westin Book Cadillac Hotel for three powerful days of learning, exploration, and connection.

Attendees will dive into forward-thinking topics they can take home as catalysts for their own communities, no matter what size – ranging from a fresh outlook on tech, flexible zoning options, and competing on a global level, to the latest need-to-knows about data center development, building resilient local economies, and the potential for Michigan to lead the nation in drone innovation and other multimodal technologies.

As always, MEDA will ensure you experience the host city firsthand. Expect immersive tours, memorable networking opportunities, and a chance to witness Detroit’s continued evolution up close.

Wednesday, August 5th

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. MEDA Board of Directors Meeting

2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Conference Registration
Conference registration is not only for checking in, but also for picking up your materials, paying if you have not yet, asking any questions you have, and networking with fellow attendees as they arrive.

2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Tours (tentative)

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Opening Reception at Location TBD
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.
Attendees: included – Guests: $TBD

7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Trivia Night at Location TBD
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.
Attendees and Guests: $35

Thursday, August 6th

7:30 a.m. Registration and Networking Breakfast
Grab your registration packet if you have not already, and ask any questions about the conference.

7:30 a.m. Meet the Board Breakfast
Making those first connections with experienced, well-connected leaders can feel challenging - especially when you’re new to the profession and MEDA community. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to a special breakfast designed just for you! Join MEDA’s Board of Directors, staff, and Committee Chairs for a welcoming, informal opportunity to connect, build relationships, and start your network with confidence.

8:30 a.m. Conference Welcome

9:00 a.m. Opening Keynote
Dane Carlson is a writer, podcaster, economic developer, and entrepreneur in Houston, Texas, sharing real-world insight from the economic development community across the nation. His company, Sitehunt, was built on his experience responding to RFP’s and hoping for the best to a system that promotes being ready, responding quickly, and presenting a community well.
Dane Carlson, CEO, Sitehunt

9:55 a.m. This is Economic Development - Michigan Style Presentation
Starting Economic Development Week and inspired by MEDA’s popular Why Economic Development resource webpage, MEDA embarked on a summer campaign to highlight the work of Michigan’s economic developers, with the goal of creating a resource that tells the story of what economic developers do through real examples. Enjoy a video presentation of the adventure.

10:00 a.m. Networking Break

10:30 a.m. All Hands On Deck: DRP's Innovative Solution to Facilitate Industrial Development
Stop potential projects from sinking into a "graveyard of shipwrecks." Explore DRP's Industrial Development Toolkit, a treasure trove of strategies for communities and industrial developers. The best ideas have been pirated to help you navigate modern zoning, avoid stormy public opposition, and ensure your next big project stays on an even keel. Case studies, model language, and practical steps will be shared as points of interest.
Jason Ball, Senior Planner, Progressive Companies
Shannon Selby, Vice President, Real Estate, Detroit Regional Partnership

11:30 a.m. Networking Break

11:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions 1

1. Design as Strategy: Developing Resilient Economies
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 service delivery, 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.
Bonnie Fahoome, Co-Executive Director, Design Core Detroit

2. FDI in a Changing World: Trends, Drivers, and Opportunities for Michigan
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 to attract and retain investment.  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.
Guillermo Mazier, Senior Vice President, Global Business, Financial Times

3. Belong Dickinson - Multimedia Storytelling About Living and Working in the Dickinson Area
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.
Seth Anderson, Creative Lead and Media Production, Mountain Media House
Mindy Meyers, Executive Director, Dickinson Area Economic Alliance
Elsa Pontbriand, President, efp communiqué

12:45 p.m. Awards Luncheon and Membership

MEDA’s awards recognize economic developers who have a rich history of contribution to the profession and a proven record of accomplishment as well as one that is showing great promise for future success. The awards presented include MEDA Medalist of the Year, Mike Conboy Professional Development, President’s, Emerging Star, and Robert Sieghart Awards. The Birgit M. Klohs Fellowship is also presented to forward women and minorities in economic development.

2:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions 2

1. The Next Step Ahead With Ned
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.
Ned Staebler, President and CEO, TechTown, and Vice President for Economic Development, Wayne State University

2. Leveraging a Corridor to Drive Economic Development: The Michigan Avenue Innovation Network
Corridor-based strategies can be powerful drivers of economic development when growth is coordinated rather than fragmented. This session examines how corridors can leverage development proximity, complementary uses, and industry clusters to create critical mass that attracts additional investment. Panelists will discuss the importance of strong corridor branding and identity in shaping market perception, along with the role of unifying infrastructure - such as transportation, streetscapes, and shared amenities - in connecting projects and reinforcing long-term economic momentum.
Potential Moderator: Nick Posavetz, Vice President, Plante Moran Realpoint
Panelists: Anne Marie Graham-Hudak, Township Supervisor, Canton Township
John Paul Rea, Deputy County Executive, Macomb County
Others TBD

3. USDA Rural Development Programs and Rural Opportunity Zones
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will present 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.
Valarie Handy, Deputy State Director of Rural Development – Michigan, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Dom Restuccia, State Director of Rural Development – Michigan, U.S. Department of Agriculture

3:15 p.m. Networking Break

3:30 p.m. Citizens Research Council Panel
Eric W. Lupher, President, Citizens Research Council
Additional CRC Representatives TBD

4:30 p.m. Tours (tentative)

Friday, August 7th

8:00 a.m. Registration and Networking Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Concurrent Sessions 3

1. Building a Stronger Small Business Ecosystem
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.
Wafa Dinaro, Executive Director, New Economy Initiative
Fred Paul, Associate Director, New Economy Initiative
Youseph Saad, Program Coordinator, New Economy Initiative

2. Flexible Zoning Blueprint for Economic Development
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.
Eric Pietsch, Senior Planner, Giffels Webster
Joe Tangari, AICP, Principal Planner, Giffels Webste

3. Advancing Economic Development Through Multimodal Integration with UAS, AAM, and Emerging Technologies
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.
Moderator: Christopher Girdwood, CEO, Detroit Region Aerotropolis
Panelists: Michael Healander, CEO, Airspace Link, Inc.
Robert McCraight, Mayor, City of Romulus
Others TBD

10:00 a.m. Networking Break

10:15 a.m. General Session TBD

11:15 a.m. Networking Break + Snack Time

11:30 a.m. Building the Next Data Centers in Michigan
Data center discussions are everywhere: on the news, on your socials, at the dinner table. Hear from professionals who have worked directly on data center projects. From the legal aspects to construction to local considerations, there is more to learn with each project, and many are learning as they go. Build your confidence as you discuss these experiences with our panelists.
Moderator: TBD
Panelists: TBD

1:00 p.m. Adjournment

Learn More

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Go to the Event page for cost, location, hotel reservation, and registration information.

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