Registration open for the Sept. 30 to Oct. 1 event in Eau Claire
MADISON, WI. SEPT. 8, 2026 – From three-time Olympic medalist Kate Markgraf to New York Times bestseller and Pulitzer Prize finalist George Packer to a host of state and local economic leaders, speakers at this year’s Wisconsin Economic Summit will share their experience navigating uncertainty, overcoming adversity, and demonstrating what it means to have the determination to dream.
“My path from a young soccer player to Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion was filled with challenges, setbacks, and incredible teammates,” Markgraf said. “I’m honored to join the Wisconsin Economic Summit to share what that journey taught me about leadership, resilience, and pursuing goals that seem out of reach.”
The fifth annual Wisconsin Economic Summit, “Determination to Dream,” is set for Sept. 30 to Oct. 1 at the Pablo Center in Eau Claire. The event offers leaders in business, education, government, community development, and related fields a chance to explore how to strengthen their competitive advantages, invest in talent and innovation, and create a more prosperous economy.
“‘Determination to Dream’ is all about understanding the challenges facing our economy and building a bright future where everyone can thrive,” said John W. Miller, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s leading economic development organization. “We’ll be tackling topics like building Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, supporting early careers, and access to opportunity, all of which help make Wisconsin a place where people want to work, live, and grow.”
Sessions will examine workforce challenges, the outlook of young professionals entering the workforce, and the ideas and industries shaping Wisconsin’s future.
The summit’s keynote speaker will be George Packer, a nationally recognized author and staff writer for The Atlantic. A New York Times bestseller, his most notable works include The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America and Our Man: Richard Holbrooke and the End of the American Century. Packer’s address will explore the social, economic, and cultural forces shaping America and what they mean for leaders navigating uncertainty.
Other speakers at this year’s event include:
- Kate Markgraf, three-time Olympic medalist, FIFA Women’s World Cup champion
- Thomas Kemp, Ph.D., chair and professor, UW-Eau Claire Department of Economics
- Vivek Swaminathan, CEO, Cardamom Health
- Deb Carey, owner, New Glarus Brewing Company
This year’s summit will feature breakout sessions that will allow attendees to share insights and experiences, learn about trends and strategies others are using, and get feedback on challenges and ideas.
The breakout sessions will focus on:
- Exploring what Wisconsin’s education and workforce leaders are doing to build talent pipelines and make family-supporting careers more accessible.
- Understanding the opportunities and barriers shaping economic mobility for young Wisconsinites as they advance their careers.
- Looking forward to the ideas, industries, and partnerships defining Wisconsin’s future.
Visit the Wisconsin Economic Summit website, to find more details, agenda updates, and registration information.
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