The 9th annual Madison Region Economic Development and Diversity Summit will be held as a live event on Tuesday, August 16, at Monona Terrace. We look forward to gathering with you for an exceptional day of speakers, ideas and collaboration.

This year marks the ninth year of continued partnership between the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) and the Urban League of Greater Madison (ULGM), hosting a joint event for Madison Region business and community leaders focused on economic development and diversity.

Each year, the Summit builds on previous events in a collective commitment to advancing talent, opportunity, and growth for all the Region’s citizens. Weaving together the important conversations of diversity and economic development, this event reflects the organizations’ shared goal of building this region into a model of economic inclusion.

The day-long Summit will engage, educate, and empower attendees around issues related to economic, workforce, and community development. The event will feature keynote speakers, break-out sessions, and ample networking opportunities.

Participants will represent the entire eight-county Madison Region, with an anticipated audience of 600+ business executives, community leaders, economic development professionals, educators, elected officials, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders.

Speakers

Javier Ávila

Author. Professor. Inspiration.
Javier Ávila’s distinguished career began in the Caribbean, where he taught English at the University of Puerto Rico for eight years.
The high-octane, poignant, and hilarious one-man show The Trouble with My Name consolidates Ávila’s talents as a poet and professor.

Justin Jones-Fosu

Diversity & Inclusion Specialist, Author of The Inclusive Mindset
Justin Jones-Fosu MBA, CSP is an international speaker, a social entrepreneur, and author. He is the Founder and CEO of Work. Meaningful. where he speaks 50 – 60 times a year for professionals, Fortune 500 corporations, organizations, and associations.

Register