State to welcome global business leaders, innovators and economic development partners in April 2020
INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 18, 2019) – Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) will host an inaugural conference, the Indiana Global Economic Summit, in Indianapolis next spring. The summit, planned for April 26-28, 2020, will convene the state’s economic development partners in business, education and government as well as business prospects from across the world to foster collaboration and accelerate conversations on the future of the global economy.
“In Indiana, we work every day to create a top-ranked business climate that encourages growth, supports collaboration and fosters innovation,” said Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “And because of that collaboration, Hoosiers are developing life-changing and life-saving solutions across the state at global corporations, startups and renown universities. Indiana is uniquely positioned to be a leader in the 21st century digital economy, and we look forward to convening partners here in the heart of the Midwest to build on this momentum, advancing lifelong economic impact and cultural relationships.”
The Indiana Global Economic Summit will convene conversations on high-growth sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, defense and cybersecurity, life sciences, agbiosciences, aerospace and IT, and related topics like workforce, connectivity and quality of place, with speakers highlighting best practices, new innovations and economic insights. Conference sessions will focus on universal issues that have implications on communities across the world, such as global food supplies, cybersecurity in a digital age, sustainability, energy storage solutions, space exploration and the disruption of technology across business.
“The world is more connected now than ever before,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “The opportunities and challenges we face today in a rapidly-evolving economy are shared, and we’re in an exciting position to learn from one another and to work together to advance industry, innovation, workforce, connectivity and quality of life. As a state, we’re committed to ensuring that our state is a premier, global hub for talent and for business, and this Summit is another exciting chance to bring the world back to Indiana and showcase our people and our communities that make Indiana the best place to live, work and play.”
The IEDC anticipates hosting approximately 600-800 attendees from across Indiana, the U.S. and around the world, with guests representing global business leaders; economic development partners in education and workforce, industry, innovation and international engagement; nonprofits, government, universities and cultural organizations; international delegations of government and industry leaders; and entrepreneurs and innovators. Conference programming will take place at the Indiana Convention Center and The Westin Indianapolis, and Summit receptions will be hosted at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indiana State Museum.
Additional information, including registration, is available online at www.indianaglobalsummit.com. Those interested in learning more or attending are encouraged to sign up for conference updates to receive the latest information on programming, speakers and related events in the coming weeks and months.
Indiana is home to more than 1,030 foreign-owned business establishments, which support 203,000 Hoosier jobs, as well as many corporations, small businesses and startups, including Allison Transmission, Berry Global, Cummins, Eli Lilly, Hillenbrand and Zimmer Biomet, that have international operations or provide products and services to global markets.
As part of Governor Holcomb’s plan to make Indiana a magnet for job creation, Indiana is committed to improving the state’s connectivity by attracting new nonstop and direct flights to and from Hoosier airports. In 2017, the state secured its first year-round, nonstop flight to Europe, connecting Indianapolis International Airport to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris and providing a critical link for Hoosiers and global businesses. And in February 2020, the state will host the Routes Americas conference, convening leading network planners, airports and tourism authorities in Indianapolis to discuss increased air service from airports across North and South America.
This information was provided by the IEDC. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) leads the state of Indiana’s economic development efforts, helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Governed by a 15-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.