Call for Speakers – Michigan’s Premier Economic Summit and Annual Meeting

Marquette | August 4-6, 2027

Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) is heading to Marquette for Michigan’s Premier Economic Summit and Annual Meeting—and we want YOU on the agenda!

We’re looking for dynamic speakers and insightful session ideas that can spark innovation, address real-world economic development challenges, and inspire action across Michigan communities.

Whether you're tackling workforce development, housing, infrastructure, business retention, sustainability, placemaking—or another hot topic—we want to hear from you.

Why Present at MEDA?

1. Make a Meaningful Impact
Contribute to the growth of Michigan’s economic development community by sharing practical solutions, bold ideas, and real success stories.

2. Connect with Economic Development Leaders
Meet professionals from across the state who are driving change—from local practitioners to regional and state-level leaders.

3. Build Your Reputation
Speaking at a MEDA event gives you visibility as a thought leader in the field. We highlight presenters in conference materials and promotions.

4. Be Part of the Solution
This is your chance to shape how Michigan communities prepare for future growth, address economic challenges, and build resilience.

5. Enjoy the Full Conference Experience
Speakers receive discounted registration to attend the Summit, including networking events, keynotes, and an energizing learning environment in one of Michigan’s most dynamic destinations.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome proposals that are:
 Practical and action-oriented
 Backed by experience, case studies, or data
 Innovative and future-focused
 Collaborative or cross-sector in nature

Topics may include (but are not limited to):

• Talent attraction and workforce solutions
• Housing challenges and solutions
• Economic resiliency and crisis planning
• Overcoming Opposition
• Placemaking and downtown revitalization
• Public-private partnerships
• Entrepreneurship and small business support
• Rural and urban strategies
• Trends in funding, incentives, and policy
• Infrastructure laws

Who Should Submit?

We welcome seasoned professionals, emerging voices, and cross-sector partners alike—if you’ve got something valuable to share, we want to hear it!

Who Decides?

MEDA's Education Committee will evaluate proposals.

FYI's

• Based on the evaluation of proposals by the committee, some presenters may be asked to be part of a panel to allow for multiple presentations on a similar theme.
• The time allowed for oral presentations and facilitated panel discussions, including time for questions and answers, will be around 60 minutes.
• In the interest of time, oral presentation proposals must limit the number of speakers during the 60-minute session to no more than three (3) individuals. Proposals submitted for oral presentation must include the name of the primary author or presenter and the name of the co-authors or co-presenters.
• Proposals for a facilitated panel discussion must include the name of the facilitator or moderator and the names of no more than three (3) individuals on the panel. No additional panelists may be added after the proposal is accepted without the permission of the committee.
• We will do our best to meet the date that you request, but ask that you and your recommended speakers hold all dates of the requested event until confirmed.

The Committee May –

• place the session in a general format (all conference attendees) or a concurrent session format (more than one session at a time, attendees select upon registration).
• modify the submitted title and session description to fit the conference theme.

If the subject matter you would like to propose must have more than 60 minutes or more than three (3) presenters to effectively convey information to the audience, please contact MEDA to discuss it more in depth.

Notification of selections are expected to occur at least 8 weeks prior to a given conference date.

Submit Your Proposal by December 16th

Let’s inspire, challenge, and empower each other to build a stronger, more vibrant Michigan.

We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table.

NOTE: You can submit sessions at any time, but for early consideration, submit your form by the due date.

Those Dates Don't Work for You?

You can submit a general session submission form to be considered for other MEDA conferences, events, and webinars.

Questions?

Contact Catie Sowers.