2026 State of the Economy Summit
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The Power of Momentum
Join us at the 2026 State of the Economy Summit, a premier event that brings together business and community leaders to explore the forces shaping the Region’s economic future.
Momentum is building across the Saskatoon Region, from major civic and industrial developments to emerging industries. The 2026 State of the Economy Summit will explore how we can harness this momentum to build long-term competitiveness and capacity. Drawing on insights from business, government and leaders, we’ll focus on turning today’s progress into tomorrow’s opportunities, ensuring the Region remains one of Canada’s most dynamic and liveable mid-sized cities.
Build strategic connections, and be part of the conversation shaping the Saskatoon Region’s economic landscape.
Agenda
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM — Registration & Breakfast
Location: Main Stage
Check in, grab your name badge, and enjoy breakfast while connecting with fellow attendees.
8:30 AM – 9:15 AM — Welcome Remarks
Location: Main Stage
Speakers:
Erin Lawson, CEO, SREDA
Milton Tootoosis, Chief Economic Reconciliation Officer, SREDA
Mayor Block, City of Saskatoon
Mayor Philipchuk, Warman
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM — Keynote: 2026 Economic Outlook
Location: Main Stage
Speaker: Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist, Signal49 Research
Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist at Signal49 Research, will turn the latest economic data into clear insights, linking local trends with national and global shifts, and what they mean for the Saskatoon Region.
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM — Networking Break
Location: Main Stage
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM — Panel: Competing Globally, Growing Locally
Location: Main Stage
Speakers:
Kurtis Hinz, CEO, TAM International
Jaclyn Arnold-Kelly, Co-Founder, Purely Kids
Trevor Thiessen, President & Co-Owner, Redekopp Manufacturing
Moderator: Chris Lane, CEO, Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership
Explore Saskatoon and Saskatchewan’s place on the global stage, our competitive advantages, and the opportunities ahead, and why it matters for the Region’s economic future.
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM — Panel: Investing in Saskatchewan
Location: Main Stage
Speakers:
Grant Kook, Founder, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chair, Westcap Mgt.
Alex Shimla, Principle, Conexus Venture Capital
Moderator: Alix Hayden, Director Innovation Mobilization and Partnerships, University of Saskatchewan
Hear from Saskatchewan’s leading investors as they share what they’re seeing in the market – where capital is moving, what’s shaping investment decisions, and what it signals for the Region’s economic outlook.
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM — Lunch
Location: Main Stage
Enjoy a buffet lunch and connect with fellow attendees before the afternoon sessions.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM — Keynote: Dare to Be Different
Sponsored by Saskatoon Destination Marketing Hotels Inc.
Location: Main Stage
Speaker: Chris Fields, Principal, Rynic
Chris Fields, seasoned strategist and dynamic speaker with decades of experience in economic development, will share practical insights on bold leadership and strategic growth, mixing real-world examples with humour to explore how the Saskatoon Region can seize opportunities and shape its economic future.
1:30 PM – 1:45 PM — Networking Break
Location: Galleries
Grab a refreshment and head to the breakout sessions.
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM — Breakout Sessions: Diving into Emerging Industries – Defence, Nuclear, Critical Minerals
Location: Galleries
Speakers: TBA
Attendees choose a session to explore emerging industries, examining their current state, opportunities, and challenges, and why they matter for the Saskatoon Region.
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM — Networking Break
Location: Main Stage
Connect with fellow attendees and head to the Main Stage.
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM — Panel: Building the Region
Location: Main Stage
Speakers:
Reeve Hargrave, RM of Corman Park
Jeff Jorgenson, City Manager, City of Saskatoon
Candace Wasacase, CEO, Kahkewistahâw Landing
David Dube, President & CEO, Concorde Group
Moderator: Mike Staines, VP & District Manager, PCL Construction
Explore the key projects and development opportunities shaping the Saskatoon Region, what they mean for the future, and the complexity of managing growth and change.
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM — Closing Remarks
Location: Main Stage
Speaker: Erin Lawson, CEO, SREDA
Sponsorship Package
With its influential audience, the 2026 State of the Economy Summit offers valuable sponsorship opportunities for organizations looking to enhance their visibility, connect with key decision-makers, and position themselves at the forefront of economic discussions.