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Annual Economic Summit 2026
Date and Time
Monday Nov 9, 2026
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM EST
Registration Opens: 9:30 AM
Luncheon: 11:45 AM - 1:30 PM
Quick Connect B2B Networking: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Luncheon: 11:45 AM - 1:30 PM
Location
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa - Governor's Ballroom
Fees/Admission
Economic Outlook Summit:
- Reserved tables of 8: Available until 10/21 -
- Individual Tickets: Available until 10/28
Registration will close on 10/31 at 12 PM.
Please note we cannot accommodate refunds one week prior to the event.
Registration Opens:
9:30 AM
Showcase & Quick Connect Networking:
9:30 - 11:45
Luncheon:
11:45 - 1:30
Investor/Member Pricing:
Reserved Table of 8 (available until 10/21/25) -
$550
Individual Ticket
$65
Business Showcase Table
(sold out)$500
Future Investors/Non-Member Pricing:
Individual Ticket
$85
Contact Information
Molly MacGirr
Send Email
Event Sponsors
Presenting
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Beverage
Description
2026 Annual Economic Summit
Each fall, Traverse Connect presents the Annual Economic Summit to highlight trends, speak to issues affecting the economy, and garner wisdom from economic experts to look ahead at the emerging business climate.This year, the conversation will be focused on growing and scaling diverse businesses across Northern Michigan and the outlook for our region. We are excited to expand this day to include networking, economic outlook discussions, and business showcase.
Quick Connect & Showcase Tables:
(9:30 AM - 11:00 AM)
Start the day connecting and networking with businesses across the Grand Traverse region! Quick Connect is incorporating intentional B2B networking, encouraging movement over the course of two hours. Make new connections with business and community leaders to help build your network. This event is free to attend with the purchase of an Economic Outlook Luncheon ticket.
We have a Business Showcase in the exhibition hall leading into the Economic Outlook Luncheon. Open exclusively to Economic Outlook Summit attendees, the Business Showcase will highlight 20 businesses. The Business Showcase will be a great opportunity for businesses within the Grand Traverse Region to highlight who they are and what they do. Booths for the Business Showcase are open to Traverse Connect Investors/Members only for $500.
The showcase includes one six-foot table with black drape, two chairs, and two tickets to attend our Economic Outlook Luncheon. Please note, these tickets may not be applied to a table purchase.
Luncheon:
(11:45 AM - 1:30 PM)
Our traditional longstanding program is back by popular demand, bigger and better than ever! We are very excited to welcome Jeff Guilfoyle, Senior Strategist with Public Sector Consultants, to provide economic insight from a national and state level.
We will also have a panel discussion to focus more specifically on the Grand Traverse region, featuring panelists from leading regional employers.
Traverse Connect investors/members can purchase reserved tables of eight for $550 or individual tickets for $65 each. Non-investors/members can purchase individual tickets for $85.
We are also honored to have Fifth Third Bank back as our Presenting Sponsor for the luncheon.
Lodging Accommodations:
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa will be offering a lodging discount for attendees, coming soon!
Traverse Connect and Michigan's Creative Coast are pleased to invite 10 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 career to northern Michigan. From finance to art administration and HR, this year's Explorers represent a wide range of professional backgrounds.
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.
Check out sponsorship opportunities HERE, or contact Molly MacGirr, Director of Events & Programs: molly.macgirr@traverseconnect.com
Event Sponsors
Showcase Table
