Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo

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Two Days. Five Counties. One Region Looking Forward.
Join business, government, economic development and community leaders from Thurston, Mason, Lewis, Grays Harbor and Pacific counties for the 2026 Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation EXPO.


Choose the Day—or Days—that Fit Your Interests

DECEMBER 9 

Rural Economic Development Pre-Conference 
Early Registration: $50  |  Regular Registration: $75

Explore the trends, challenges, and emerging opportunities shaping rural communities across our region. Sessions will highlight agritourism, community branding, resilience-building, and innovative approaches that help strengthen local economies and create vibrant, sustainable communities.

Single Registration    |     Group Registration

 

 

 

 

DECEMBER 10 

Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation EXPO
Early Registration: $175  |  Regular Registration: $200 

Our region comes together for economic insight, innovative ideas, meaningful connections and conversations about what’s next. 

Featuring an Economic Forecast from Hart Hodges and James McCafferty of Western Washington University’s Center for Economic and Business Research, plus breakout sessions, regional experts, exhibitors and networking. 

Single Registration    |     Group Registration

Ready to Register? 

Choose the registration option that works best for you.


You may register for either day or both days during the registration process.

SINGLE REGISTRATION 
Registering just yourself? 
Create your attendee account, select December 9, December 10, or both days, and complete your registration. 

Single Registration

GROUP REGISTRATION
Registering multiple people from your organization? 
Use Group Registration to register your attendees together. You’ll be able to select the appropriate event day or days for each attendee. 

Group Registration

A Quick Note About Your Account 

You will be asked to create an account during registration. 

Your account does more than complete your registration—it also gives you access to the EXPO online event app, where you’ll be able to access event information, build your profile, view the agenda and connect with the EXPO experience. 

Please use an email address you can easily access, as this will be connected to your attendee account and event app. 

What is the Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation EXPO?

December 9 & 10, 2026 | Great Wolf Lodge, Grand Mound, WA

Hosted by Regional Leaders
The Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation EXPO is hosted by the region’s economic development leaders: Thurston Economic Development Council, Economic Alliance of Lewis County, Mason County Economic Development Council, Pacific County Economic Development Council, Greater Grays Harbor Inc., and Evergreen Coast Regional Partnership.

Platinum Partner
Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council is the event’s Platinum Partner.

Connecting Washington’s Leaders
Over two days, the EXPO brings together business, government, and community leaders from across Washington State to share insights, spark innovation, strengthen collaboration, and build meaningful connections.

This premier regional event features an economic forecast from Hart Hodges and James McCafferty of Western Washington University, a Tribal Economic Development Panel, and conversations with regional economic development leaders. Engaging breakout sessions will explore the economic advantages of Tribal Government, and business collaboration; rural healthcare access; energy; place branding; international development and foreign trade; and emerging business innovations. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect with exhibitors, exchange ideas, and explore strategies that strengthen our regional economy.

December 9 – The Future of Rural: A full-day pre-conference focused on strengthening rural economies through innovative development strategies, agritourism and food systems, workforce opportunities, and collaborative problem-solving. Featuring regional experts and interactive discussions, this day is designed to inspire practical solutions and lasting partnerships.

December 10 – Economic Forecast & Innovation EXPO: The region’s signature economic development gathering, featuring economic insights, thought-provoking discussions, innovative strategies, an exhibition hall, and valuable networking opportunities with leaders shaping the future of the five-county Pacific Mountain region.

With more than 450 business and community decision-makers participating, the EXPO offers exceptional opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, discover new opportunities, and help shape a thriving regional economy.

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