The Midwest Summits are a dynamic series of high-impact events where we bring together national and regional experts, business leaders, policymakers, and industry associations to explore four core pillars shaping the future of the Midwest economy: Technology, Agriculture, Energy, and Economic. Each Summit is intentionally crafted to spark meaningful discussion and deliver practical, forward-looking insights across these essential sectors. Together, they give our region a clear view of innovations, challenges, and emerging opportunities influencing long-term economic success. We welcome a diverse group of attendees—from agribusiness professionals and supply-chain leaders to tech executives, energy innovators, economists, and publicpolicy decision-makers—all seeking a deeper understanding of how these interconnected forces will drive growth and resilience across the Midwest.
Why the Midwest Summits matter
By convening leaders from across industries, we foster collaboration and spark conversations that lead to innovation, partnerships, and proactive planning. Over the years, we have been honored to host keynote speakers who bring invaluable perspectives, including Matthew W. Finn on economic forecasting, Ylan Kazi on the transformative power of AI, and Tony Clark on the region’s evolving energy landscape. Our most recent Energy Summit continued this tradition with keynote speaker Rich Goldberg offering a national-security lens on the future of energy and its economic impact. Looking ahead, our upcoming Midwest Economic Outlook Summit on February 19, 2026, will feature Neel Kashkari, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. The packed agenda will give leaders the opportunity to examine emerging economic trends, ask timely questions, and form meaningful connections.
Who should attend?
We design the Midwest Summits for a broad audience of leaders who want to stay ahead of industry transformation. Ideal attendees include:
- Executives and business owners navigating growth in a rapidly evolving market
- Economic developers and community leaders shaping regional strategy
- HR and operations professionals focused on talent, security, and technology adoption
- Supply-chain, logistics, and agribusiness stakeholders monitoring shifts in global and regional markets
- Anyone interested in public policy, innovation, and the future economic vitality of the Upper Midwest
Take the Next Step
As the Midwest continues to evolve, the insights we share through these Summits are more valuable than ever. Whether your organization is preparing for growth, navigating new challenges, or looking to stay ahead of industry change, our Midwest Summits offer a critical opportunity to learn, connect, and lead with confidence
Each Midwest Summit is livestreamed on the FMWF Chamber and Forum webpages, with an average reach of 7,000 virtual viewers. We invite you to join us virtually or in person with the over 500 individuals who gather here in Fargo each quarter to engage in this timely content. The Chamber also offers sponsorship opportunities for businesses to gain exposure to thousands of viewers. If you are interested in positioning your brand at the forefront of these conversations, reach out to the FMWF Chamber or visit our website for further details.
Join us for our Midwest Economic Summit on February 19 from 8-11 a.m. virtually or in person at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds.
Building The Civic Leadership Foundation our Region Needs
Civic engagement is at a crossroads. Across the nation, and right here in North Dakota, we are facing a pivotal moment. With term limits on the horizon, our state will need more North Dakotans prepared to step up and serve in public roles. Strong communities rely on informed, active residents who are ready to lead, and the need for those leaders is growing. Recognizing this urgency, we at the FMWF Chamber, powered by Innovate28, launched the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE), a first-ofits-kind initiative designed to inspire, empower, and equip business-minded leaders for public service.
We know that business leaders bring a results-oriented mindset that strengthens the civic fabric of our communities. Their focus on growth, innovation, and accountability is exactly the type of thinking our public institutions need. More and more, employers, executives, and entrepreneurs tell us they want to do more than identify challenges—they want to shape solutions. Through the Center for Civic Engagement, we will provide the structured pathways, mentorship, and practical tools that make civic engagement both achievable and accessible.
We also recognize that many potential candidates hesitate to run for office or serve on civic boards because they’re unsure whether their employer would support that decision. As a Chamber, we believe business involvement can change that by encouraging participation, creating environments where civic engagement is something to be celebrated.
The Center for Civic Engagement will equip employers and employees with the skills, resources, and networks to lead effectively. From city commissions to school boards to the state legislature, we’re building a pipeline of problem-solvers who understand community needs and business realities.
We are organizing this work around four core commitments that translate our vision into meaningful action:
Cultivate Community Leaders
Encourage and prepare individuals to step into a leadership role, whether serving on a board, running for office, or contributing through volunteer service.
Invest in People
Provide resources, training, and opportunities that make civic participation accessible, flexible, and rewarding for people of all stages of life and careers.
Foster A Culture of Service
Build a community where civic involvement is valued and celebrated, ensuring that participation in public life strengthens, not hinders, personal and professional growth.
Lead By Example
Share nonpartisan election information, host community discussions, and connect citizens with mentors and pathways into public service so more people feel empowered to participate.
Get Involved
At the FMWF Chamber, we are committed to building a foundation of business-minded, community-focused leaders ready to shape North Dakota’s future. We encourage employers and individuals to explore our CCE program, sign the pledge, nominate emerging leaders, and deepen their commitment to civic participation.
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