Industry Experts to Forecast 2026 during Free Business & Economic Outlook Conference

A panel of regional business and economic experts will gather this month to share insights about industry trends for 2026 during the Business and Economic Outlook conference.

The event, hosted by the Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable (NWIBRT) and the Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF), is set to take place 8 a.m.-noon, Oct. 31 at Ivy Tech Community College, 3100 Ivy Tech Drive, Valparaiso. The event is free for NWIBRT members.

“Our region’s success depends on staying ahead of the economic and industry trends,” said Kevin Comerford, director of professional development with CAF and chair of the NWIBRT Education Committee. “It is an important opportunity for business leaders to hear directly from those who understand where we are headed and what it means for Northwest Indiana.”

Presenters at the event will include:

• Sherri Ziller, President & CEO, Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority
• Emily W. Easton, Director of Education, Chicago Quantum Exchange
• Tom Vander Woude, Director of Transportation, Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission
• Tony Sindone, Director of the Center for Economic Education and Research, Indiana University Northwest
• Audra Peterson, Director, Porter County Career and Technical Education
• Steve Skalka, Chief Fiduciary Officer, Harbour Trust and Investment Management Company
• Eddie Melton, Mayor, City of Gary

Attendees are requested to register for the event at NWIBRT.org. Members of the media are invited to attend.