EVENT AGENDA
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| 5:00 pm | Welcome Reception at the ElsinoreKick off the conference at the historic Elsinore Theatre, a Tudor Gothic showplace designed to resemble a castle from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, built in 1926, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. […]
Tim Williams
Executive Director, Oregon Film
Amy Lewin
Director of Arts and Culture, Cultural Trust of Oregon
Presented by: Travel Oregon |
| 7:00 pm | Dine Out in SalemDINE OUT IN SALEM Following the reception, attendees can sign up on the spot to continue the evening with dinner at one of Salem’s many local restaurants alongside fellow conference-goers. […]
Greg Heinze
Vice President, Meetings & Conventions, Travel Salem
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| 8:00 am | Opening CeremoniesSantiam Ballroom Start your Monday with energy and inspiration at the 2026 Opening Ceremonies, the official launch of the conference’s first full day. Enjoy a delicious catered breakfast while hearing […]
Damon Runberg
Senior Economist, Business Oregon
Presented by: Business Oregon |
| 9:35 am | Growing Employer Supported Child CareBREAKOUT SESSION A This session explores how child care functions as essential economic infrastructure that supports workforce participation, business growth, and regional competitiveness. Participants will examine Oregon trends, learn about […]
Bryan Steinhauser
Business Liaison / Childcare Accelerator, Early Learning Hub of Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties
Holly Mar-Conte
Child Care Sector Strategist, Onward Eugene
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| 10:55 am | Resilient Economies, Resilient Food SystemsBREAKOUT SESSION B What economic developers can do to strengthen food system resilience.
Marta Tarantsey
Regional Development Officer, Business Oregon
Jim Cupples
Regional Food System Coordinator, Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA)
Colton Duval
Senior Sales Development Executive, Watch Duty
Chris Jagger
Owner / Operator, Blue Fox Farm
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| 1:45 pm | Film Production and Local Economic OpportunityBREAKOUT SESSION A This session explores how Oregon Communities Can Attract Projects, Support Production and Turn Film-Related Assets Into Lasting Economic Value.
Tim Williams
Executive Director, Oregon Film
Jane Ridley
Director, Strategic Initiatives & Community Projects, Oregon Firm
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| 3:00 pm | Housing Innovation = More JobsBREAKOUT SESSION A Enough housing at the right price points is the number one barrier to hiring and retaining workforce in Oregon. Economic and regulatory barriers abound. To truly grow […] |
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| 10:00 am | Adventure DayADVENTURE #1 – Grown in the Valley: Manufacturing + Ag Value Chain Track Explore the Mid-Valley’s manufacturing and agricultural backbone, from GK Machine and Canopii’s blend of legacy fabrication and […] Presented by: Torus |