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Morning Workshop

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

• Who should attend: elected officials, local government representatives working on economic development projects, economic development professionals, professional advisors, and other interested stakeholders.
• Stay for the day: Workshop only attendees can also register for the full first day of the conference. 

Winning Projects: Alignment Across Government + Economic Developers + Professional Advisors

Following SEA-1, communities have increased pressure to land economic development projects to raise revenue from AV and local income taxes. How do elected officials, economic development professionals, and professional advisors align to win these opportunities? Executing successful project financing requires a team approach. This session will convene different members of those groups to share perspectives on the evolution of the local government “toolbox”, strategies for avoiding project pitfalls, and best practices for leveraging the collective expertise of the team to drive a successful project outcome.

Fees

Registration Opens

Welcome

Indiana State of the Economy 

Indiana enjoys new opportunities and challenges as it enters 2026. Executive business leaders and policy makers must prepare themselves to manage slower economic growth, market uncertainties, tariffs, and artificial intelligence. The state government’s shift to emphasis on regional development strategies gives cities, towns, and counties a new opportunity to own their future and win support from the General Assembly and Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Robust leadership and bold vision can place a strong economic future within the grasp of Hoosier communities. Obsession by policy with a lift in labor productivity defines a path for success.
Phil Powell, Executive Director, Indiana Business Research Center and Clinical Professor of Business Economics at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business

Networking Break & Speed Dating

Talent development = School + Business + Community Partnerships

Adam McDaniel, Assistant Superintendent, New Castle Community Schools

Michi McClaine, Vice President of Talent Development, Regional Opportunities Initiatives 

Networking Break

SEA 1, Community and Economic Impacts, and What May be Next

Hear perspectives on near- and long-term effects of SEA 1 from the 2025 legislative session, which reformed how local government is funded in Indiana and provided property tax relief for certain categories of property owners. Learn how SEA-1 is impacting public and private sector economic strategies, local government budgets, and Indiana’s public finance landscape.
Matt Greller, CEO, AIM
Vanessa Green Sinders, CEO, Indiana Chamber
John Sauter, Director, U.S. Public Finance, S&P Global - Ratings
Moderator: Matt Eckerle

Legislative Forum

The panel will feature Josh Richardson, the new head of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and IEDA legislative counsel Mark Shublak in a candid discussion about the policy direction, goals, and vision shaping Indiana’s economic future under Governor Braun’s administration. Participants will gain insight into emerging priorities, anticipated policy changes, and the strategic role workforce development will play in driving statewide growth. Richardson will share how his experience in state government informs his approach and how IEDC intends to partner with local leaders, industry, and community stakeholders to strengthen economic opportunity across Indiana.

Josh Richardson, IEDC

Mark Shublak, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Reception

IEDA After Hours

Not sure what to do after dinner or the reception? Want to meet more attendees in a relaxed atmosphere? Join attendees for Karaoke!

Breakfast

Welcome & IPP Update

8:45 AM

Beyond the Message: Building Trust and Resilience Through Effective Communication 

Laurel Judkins, Founder & Principal, Judkins Strategies

Aaron Smith, BAR Communications

Brad Rateike, Founder & Principal, BAR Communications

9:45 AM

Networking Break

10:00 AM

The Changing Landscape of Site Selection: Policy, Trends, and Indiana’s Position

Hear from a panel of leading site selectors as they share insights on the latest trends, challenges, and priorities shaping business location decisions in today’s dynamic environment. Learn firsthand how state and federal legislative changes, evolving IEDC policies, and shifting market forces are influencing site selection—and how communities can strategically prepare to stay competitive. The discussion will highlight national trends and offer perspective on how Indiana measures up against other states in the current economic landscape.

Katie Culp, CEO, KSM Location Advisors

Matt Hogan, DuCharme, McMillen & Associates, Inc.

Future of IEDA

Jeremy Sowders, Hoosier Energy

John Launius, One Southern Indiana