2026 State of the Economy Summit
Schedule
Tue May 12 2026 at 08:00 am to 04:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
TCU Place | Saskatoon, SK
About this Event
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. See you there!
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Registration & Breakfast
Info: Check in, grab your name badge, and enjoy breakfast while connecting with fellow attendees.
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:15 AM
Welcome Remarks
Host: Erin Lawson, CEO, SREDA
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Keynote: 2026 Economic Outlook
Host: Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist, Signal49 Research
Info: 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
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Panel: Competing Globally, Growing Locally
Host: Kurtis Hinz, CEO, TAM International
Info: 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. Sponsored by Saskatchewan Ministry of Trade and Export Development.
🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Panel: Investing in Saskatchewan
Host: Grant Kook, CEO, Westcap
Info: 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
Info: Enjoy a buffet lunch and connect with fellow attendees before the afternoon sessions.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
New Program Launch
Host: Erin Lawson, CEO, SREDA
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:45 PM
Keynote: Dare to Be Different
Host: Chris Fields, Principle, Rynic
Info: 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. Sponsored by Discover Saskatoon / Saskatoon Destination Marketing Hotels Inc.
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:00 PM
Networking Break
Info: Grab a refreshment and head to the breakout sessions.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
Breakout Session: Defence
Host: Russ Beaudin, VP of Defence, Calian
Info: Attendees choose a session to explore emerging industries, examining their current state, opportunities, and challenges, and why they matter for the Saskatoon Region. Sponsored by Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
Breakout Session: Critical Minerals
Host: Mike Crabtree, President and CEO, SRC
Info: Attendees choose a session to explore emerging industries, examining their current state, opportunities, and challenges, and why they matter for the Saskatoon Region. Sponsored by Saskatchewan Research Council.
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:00 PM
Networking Break
Info: Connect with fellow attendees and head to the Main Stage.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:45 PM
Panel: Building the Region
Host: Jeff Jorgenson, City Manager, City of Saskatoon
Info: 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. Sponsored by PCL Construction.
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Host: Erin Lawson, CEO, SREDA
Where is it happening?
TCU Place, 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, CanadaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 170.74 to CAD 1186.77
