2023 Wisconsin Economic Summit

Fox Cities Exhibition Center, Appleton

More than 400 business and industry leaders, economic development professionals, and academics from throughout our state will gather Oct. 23-24 in Appleton for the second annual Wisconsin Economic Summit.

The theme for this year’s summit is TOGETHER. We will explore how businesses, nonprofits, educators, and economic developers can work together—and connect with public resources—to build an economy that gives all Wisconsinites the opportunity to thrive.

Focus topics include:

  • Collaborating to foster economic growth
  • Meeting today’s workforce needs while preparing our workforce for the future
  • Establishing financial stability for all Wisconsinites
  • Strengthening communities and infrastructure
  • Nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Achieving growth through innovative sustainability and energy solutions

Register for the 2023 Economic Summit

Oct. 23-24, 2023

Monday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

REGISTER NOW

Discounted lodging available

Attendees can take advantage of discounted and government rates (subject to eligibility) at the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley Hotel.

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2023 Wisconsin Economic Summit Speakers

Here are just a few of the leaders who will be speaking at this year’s Summit.

Keynote

Jeff Yabuki

Jeff Yabuki

Chairman, Motive Partners

Read Jeff Yabuki’s bio

Host

Missy Hughes

Missy Hughes

Secretary and CEO, WEDC

Read Missy Hughes’ bio

Emcee/moderator

Toya Washington

Toya Washington

Former Anchor at WISN-TV

Read Toya Washington’s bio

Guest speaker

Amy Pechacek

Amy Pechacek

Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Read Amy Pechacek’s bio

Guest speaker

Chris Baichoo

Chris Baichoo

Executive Director/CEO, WMEP Manufacturing Solutions

Read Chris Baichoo’s bio

Dinner speaker

Michael Perry

Michael Perry

New York Times best-selling Author and Humorist

Read Michael Perry’s bio

Experience the Great Career Try-Out!

This year’s Summit will include a hands-on opportunity to try out some of the state-of-the-art learning technologies that our state’s education system is using to prepare our future workforce. 

WEDC Secretary Missy Hughes operates the forestry simulator.

WEDC Secretary, Missy Hughes, tests her skills operating the forestry simulator.

The Great Career Tryout stations, all presented by Workforce Innovation Grant recipients, will cover welding, to advanced manufacturing and robotics, to forestry, to nursing and more, including:

  • Mobile Melding Lab from Chippewa Valley Technical College
  • Portable Robotic & Industrial Mechanical Trainers from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
  • Skill Boss-Manufacturing and Virtual Reality Trainers from Mid-State Technical College and the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County
  • A forestry simulator, portable sawmill, and portable kiln from UW Stevens Point/Wisconsin Forestry Center
  • A high-fidelity patient simulation for nursing skills training from WisCAP (Wisconsin Community Action Program Association) with Bryant & Stratton College

DO YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

What does it cost to attend the Summit?

The registration fee is $50/participant or $25/student.

Is there a cost for hotel accommodations?

WEDC is not providing hotel accommodations nor reimbursing for lodging costs. Reserve your room at discounted rates by clicking the button below.

Are meals included?

WEDC will supply lunch and dinner on Day 1, and breakfast and lunch (optional) on Day 2. We will accommodate most dietary requirements; attendees can share those during registration.

When will the Summit begin and end?

The Summit will open with a welcome luncheon at 10 a.m. on Oct. 23. It will close with an optional lunch on Oct. 24.

When does registration close?

Online registration closes, Tuesday, Oct. 17.

Onsite registration available at the Summit.

Will the Summit include a virtual option?

We are not planning a virtual option.

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