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GSBA Economic Development Conference 2026

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 (8:30 AM - 3:00 PM) (PDT)

Description

GSBA Economic Development Conference 2026

Join GSBA for the 2026 Economic Development Conference, a day of insight, strategy, and connection designed to support small businesses and nonprofits in a changing economy.

Building on the mission of last year’s conference, this year’s EDC focuses on small business and nonprofit development with a strong emphasis on marketing, events, and AI readiness. From economic insights and policy conversations to practical workshops on visibility, activation, and digital systems, this conference is built to help organizations prepare for what’s next.

Attendees will hear from local leaders, industry experts, and practitioners working at the intersection of business growth, community impact, and innovation. The day also includes time for networking, shared learning, and practical takeaways you can bring back to your work right away.

Date: May 20, 2026

Time: 8:30 AM–3:00 PM

Location: Amazon Nitro Building – Sea48 Nitro South
2205 8th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121

Tickets: GSBA Members: $25 | Nonmembers and Guests: $35

Conference Schedule

8:30 AM — Registration and Breakfast

Check in, connect with fellow attendees, and start the day with breakfast. Donuts and coffee provided by Top Pot Doughnuts, with protein and lower-sugar options available.

9:00 AM — Opening Remarks

Ilona Lohrey, GSBA President & CEO

9:05 AM — Overview of the Day and Kickoff

Host Roby Schapira

9:10 AM — Sponsor Remarks

Wells Fargo

9:15 AM — Remarks from City Leadership

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth

9:30 AM — Washington Economic Outlook

A representative from the State of Washington Economist’s office will discuss the current state of the economy in Washington and what it means for small businesses and nonprofits.

10:00 AM — AI Integration in Small Business

Structured Space LLC

The Data Debt Trap: Why Your AI Initiative is Failing (and How to Fix It in 15 Minutes)

Digital productivity and AI expert Todd Allan breaks down the “Data Debt Trap” that causes many AI pilots to stall before they create real value, and shares practical steps teams can take to build a stronger foundation for AI adoption.

11:15 AM — Marketing Panel

Focusing on business activation during large events

As Seattle and the region prepare for major moments that bring visitors, visibility, and opportunity, this conversation will explore how small businesses can activate around large-scale events in thoughtful, strategic ways. Panelists currently include Michi Suzuki PR, Joleen Zanuzoski of Green Rubino

12:30 PM — Lunch and Networking

Lunch provided by Imperia Lake Union.

1:30 PM — Activating Joy in Uncertain Times

Dreams Unlimited LLC

In a time when many leaders, teams, and business owners are navigating uncertainty, this session invites attendees to reconnect with joy as a meaningful source of energy, resilience, and action.

2:00 PM — How to Network Like a Pro

Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards—it’s about developing meaningful relationships. Alison Scott will lead attendees through actionable skills and strategies to get the most out of networking events—to build lasting connections, get leads, and grow your business!

3:00 PM — Conference Concludes

Featured Session

Activating Joy in Uncertain Times

1:30 PM | Dreams Unlimited LLC

Tay and Val of Dreams Unlimited bring a message that is both energizing and timely. Their work has reached more than 1,000 audiences across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States, with talks delivered in four languages.

From corporate boardrooms and student auditoriums to private galas and community-centered gatherings, they invite audiences to reconnect with purpose, possibility, and momentum. At the 2026 GSBA Economic Development Conference, they will bring that perspective to a conversation designed to help attendees move forward with intention, clarity, and joy.

In a year shaped by uncertainty and adaptation, this featured session offers a meaningful pause in the day and a powerful reminder that joy can be part of how we lead, build, and grow.

Speaker Highlights

Ilona Lohrey

GSBA President & CEO Ilona Lohrey will open the day with welcome remarks and help set the tone for a conference centered on growth, readiness, and connection.

Roby Schapira

Roby Schapira will guide attendees through the day as host, helping frame each conversation and keep the energy moving from session to session.

Mayor Katie Wilson

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson will share remarks on the city’s business climate and the opportunities ahead for small businesses and nonprofits.

Joy Hollingsworth

Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth brings a city leadership perspective to conversations on economic resilience, growth, and community impact.

Michi Suzuki

Michi Suzuki is a longtime PR strategist and founder of Michi Suzuki PR, known for helping brands grow visibility, connection, and community impact.

Joleen Zanuzoski

Joleen Zanuzoski is Senior Director of Public Relations & Marketing at Green Rubino and brings deep experience in storytelling, media strategy, and event-driven visibility.

Todd Allan

Todd Allan of Structured Space helps small teams cut digital clutter, build smarter systems, and create a stronger foundation for AI and everyday productivity.