Gov. Gary R. Herbert has announced Arthur Brooks as keynote speaker for the 11th annual Utah Economic Summit on Friday, April 14 at the Grand America Hotel. This year’s event, centered on a theme of “Opportunity,” will be presented in partnership by Utah Media Group, Zions Bank and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
Dr. Brooks will address the audience in the afternoon portion of the all-day event. Currently serving as president of the American Enterprise Institute, Dr. Brooks is widely known as author of the New York Times best seller “The Conservative Heart: How to Build a Fairer, Happier and More Prosperous America.”
“Utahns often boast the best opportunity America has to offer – and for good reason. We have successfully fostered an atmosphere in which advancements in disruptive technology, digital media, life sciences, aerospace and more abound,” Gov. Herbert said. “The 2017 Economic Summit will convene top influential business and thought leaders, setting the stage for continued meaningful conversation and collaboration in our state.”
Gov. Herbert will address attendees in the morning, following four “power presenters”: Hannah Elsakr, vice president of Americas business operations for eBay; Natalie Gochnour, associate dean of the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business and director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute; Devin Thorpe, journalist, author and speaker on social entrepreneurship; and Michelle Suzuki, chief marketing officer of RizePoint.
Breakout sessions are designed to provide how-to information on topics ranging from marketing, funding and sales to diversification and globalization. In addition, attendees can learn how to get involved in projects surrounding workforce development, refugee employment and generational planning such as Point of the Mountain. The event will conclude with a networking reception featuring locally owned and sourced foods presented by Harmons Grocery.
The 11th annual Utah Economic Summit will celebrate and advance opportunities across industries and communities statewide. Last year’s event had approximately 1,200 attendees. Business and community leaders, as well as government officials, students and educators are encouraged to join.
For more information, visit www.UtahEconomicSummit.com.