Regional Economic Forecast and Innovation EXPO December 4th

The Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo is presented in partnership with the five economic development organizations of the Pacific Mountain Workforce Region:

• Greater Grays Harbor Inc.
• Economic Alliance of Lewis County
• Mason County Economic Development Council
• Pacific County Economic Development Council
• Thurston Economic Development Council & Center for Business Innovation

Now in its 17th year, this premier networking event draws more than 500 influential leaders from Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, Lewis, and Pacific counties—along with participants from throughout the region. Attendees include key decision-makers, innovators, and thought leaders across business, nonprofit, education, and public sectors.

The conference offers dynamic opportunities to connect with peers, explore cutting-edge technologies and innovations from leading exhibitors, participate in breakout sessions, and gain valuable insights through a forward-looking regional economic forecast.

Participants will be presented with solutions and strategies that they can use in the planning and operation of their business, and to build a strong resilient and inclusive community.

Breakout Sessions Breakout sessions at the Economic Forecast and Innovation EXPO will dive into the most pressing challenges and promising opportunities across our five-county region.

Additional sessions will explore the impact of policy on small business success, and how access to timely, high-quality data can be a game-changer for regional decision-making. Other critical topics include tourism, Bio Diversity Zones, and a Rural Recap from the Future of Rural pre-Conference.

Led by regional leaders who are actively driving progress, these sessions promise to be engaging, enlightening—and yes, even fun.

EXPO 2025

Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo

December 4, 2025 | Great Wolf Lodge, Grand Mound, WA

7:00 AM — Registration Opens / Expo Hall Open / Breakfast / Networking

8:00 AM — Chehalis Canoe Family Blessing

8:10 AM — Welcome

8:20 AM — Morning Keynote: Denny Heck

9:00 AM — Regional Tribal Enterprises Panel

10:00 AM — Morning Breakout Sessions

1. AI & the Future of Work: Unlocking Economic Potential

2. The Future of Energy: Keeping the Grid Resilient and Reliable

3. Rural Development Strategies

10:50 AM — Expo Hall / Networking

12:00 PM Lunch is Served

Keynote – Economist Dr. Bill Conerly

1:15 PM — Afternoon Breakout Sessions

1. From Students to Founders: Building Local Economies from Campus to Community

2. Smart Retail Strategies for a Thriving Community

3. Tourism as Economic Catalyst

2:15 PM — 5 County EDC Directors Panel

3:10 PM — FIFA/World Cup Presentation

3:25 PM — Closing

Pre- Conference: The Future of Rural: Building Capacity, Shaping Community

December 3, 2025 | Great Wolf Lodge, Grand Mound, WA

12:30 PM – Registration & Networking

1:00 PM – Welcome & Introductory Session: Rural Challenges

Speakers: Annette Roth & George Sharp, opening remarks by event sponsor, Rural Assembly

1:45 PM – Three Models of Planning for Community Initiatives

Presenter(s): Livable Cities Year, TractorBeamHQ,

2:30 PM – Break Duration: 15 minutes

2:45 PM – Capacity Building: Shaping the future of rural communities

Speaker: Annette Roth

3:15 PM – The Three Models in Action: Interactive Activity

Facilitator: Rural Assembly, with assist from EDD/EDC staff

4:15 PM – Group Reflections & Sharing

Facilitator: George Sharp, with assist from Annette Roth

4:45 PM – Closing Remarks & Next Steps

Facilitator: Annette Roth

5:00 PM – Adjourn