Learn how a strong community overview sets expectations, builds credibility, and shapes how decision-makers evaluate everything that follows.
Our Premier Annual Event for Economic Developers
ECONOMIX is our unconventional approach to an annual conference. We keep attendees on their toes throughout the multi-day event with our unique format that includes content-rich learning sessions, professional development experiences, one-on-one sessions with site consultants, unforgettable moments, world-class food, and lots of fun!
The conference is designed for economic developers BY economic developers and features 24 site consultants who are ready to build relationships directly with you! ECONOMIX is a convenient way to make and renew connections with other economic development professionals to raise your profile within our professional community.
Check out all the details below—registration, the event agenda, sponsorship opportunities, and everything else you need to know about ECONOMIX 2026!
Date:
November 10 + 11, 2026
Tickets:
$1,950 Early Bird Registration
$1,999 General Registration After May 29
2026 ECONOMIX
November 10 + 11 | Grand Rapids, Michigan
Problems with the registration form? Contact Stephanie – stephanie@consultantconnect.org
It is our pleasure to introduce world-class site consultants to all ECONOMIX attendees. As an attendee, you will have opportunities to speak with 24+ site consultants at our breakout sessions, Office Hours, and meals/activities throughout the event.
We are so grateful for our incredible ECONOMIX sponsors! Their continued support allows us to offer events where economic developers and site consultants not only connect but thrive. Check back soon to view our 2026 sponsors.
Interested in becoming an ECONOMIX sponsor? Email nick@consultantconnect.org.
Each year we are thrilled to bring together speakers that inspire, uplift, and educate our audience. ECONOMIX 2026 is no different. Check back soon to meet our 2026 speaker lineup!
Hotel Information
This year, we’re taking over Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan! All of our event venues will be within walking distance of our host hotel, the JW Marriott.
The JW Marriott will serve as our event hub where we’ll host check-in, several breakout sessions, and Site Consultant Office Hours. This luxury lifestyle hotel blends business and pleasure seamlessly—offering you the best experience. With easy access to all the best amenities Downtown Grand Rapids has to offer, The Marriott is the perfect place to stay during ECONOMIX.
Want to join us at the JW Marriott? We have limited availability through our ECONOMIX room block at our host hotel. Use this link to book your room: https://book.passkey.com/e/51180717
Alternative Hotel Options
Prefer to stay elsewhere? We’ve curated a list of nearby hotels, all within a 5-10 minute walk from the venue. While we don’t have room blocks at these locations, they offer great options based on availability:
- AC Hotel Downtown Grand Rapids
- Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids
- Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids
- Amway Grand Plaza
Availability and rates may vary, so be sure to book early!
Tuesday
All Tuesday events will take place at GLC Live at 20 Monroe and the adjoining restaurant venue: The B.O.B. (All items are included with your general registration unless otherwise noted)
Wednesday
Wednesday events are located throughout Downtown Grand Rapids.
(All items are included with your general registration unless otherwise noted)
*Sponsor-only Office Hours is limited to ECONOMIX sponsors only
**Sponsor Reception with Site Consultants is limited to ECONOMIX sponsors only
Registration is now open for 2026.
Register by filling out the form above, and answer all the form questions. If you need help with your registration, email stephanie@consutlantconnect.org.
If you registered, you should have received a confirmation email from our team. Registered attendees will continue to receive emails leading up to the event.
Questions regarding registration, you may contact stephanie@consultantconnect.org.
ECONOMIX tickets are non-refundable. However, we will be happy to work with you to transfer your ticket to another attendee who can represent your team/community/region on your behalf! Please contact stephanie@consultantconnect.org with the contact info for the new attendee!
No, your registration includes the cost of admission to the ECONOMIX mainstage event, one Wave Breakout Session, and Site Consultant Office Hours but it does not include the cost of airfare, hotel, or transportation.
We will offer a discounted hotel rate as a part of an ECONOMIX hotel room block with our host hotel. We will also offer ground transportation recommendations, however, we strive to make all event related activities walkable from the host hotel!
For ECONOMIX 2026, we will provide dinner on Tuesday, November 10 and Lunch on Wednesday, November 11!
Jeans. Yes, we said jeans, and we really mean it. ECONOMIX is a place that inspires and provokes creative out-of-the-box thinking. We can’t have you in stiff business attire if we’re going to get anything done. Yes, this also includes Site Consultant Office Hours.
All that you really need to bring is an open mind and a positive attitude, but in case you feel like you need more, here are some ideas:
-business cards
-notebook/pen
-phone charger
We pretty much take over a city when we bring ECONOMIX to town, so yes, our event includes many venues. This is why you can find a map, in your event guidebook that you will receive at registration. You will also find event map signs and directional signage throughout our host city. However, when in doubt, look for one of our team members to help direct you!
You can check-in at the same location as Site Consultant Office Hours, which you will typically find at a meeting space in our host hotel.
At registration, you will receive an event booklet with an agenda, maps, site consultant bios as well as a place to take notes.
Nope – we can check you in at the registration table using your first and last name at the door.
Yes, we always strive to utilize venues that are handicap accessible. Please email our team to learn about your options in advance.
Below is a list of site consultant firms we typically see at the event:
• Cushman & Wakefield
• CBRE
• Colliers
• CRESA
• Newmark
• Site Selection Group
• Global Location Strategies
• BLS
• VisionFirst Advisors
• EY
• Deloitte
• Atlas Insight
• Compass Key Site Solutions
• Kupperman Location Solutions
If you’re looking for a way to get more time with site consultants or to get more than one ticket, consider an ECONOMIX Sponsorship. Sponsorship opportunities vary in availability but we would love for you to bring your own unique mix to the table. Email Nick for opportunities. (nick@consultantconnect.org)
With your ECONOMIX registration, you may register, free of charge, to our breakout sessions and/or the Site Consultant Office Hours! Our team at Consultant Connect refers to office hours as “mini roundtables.” All the consultants will be seated at different tables and the attendees (that’s you) will rotate around to the different consultants in 20 minute blocks, don’t worry we’ll keep time.
You access the site consultants by registering for Office Hours. You don’t need to bring anything, not even your marketing materials, you just need a mind that is ready for great conversation around industry trends. We will even supply you with the contact information for each consultant.
In addition to seeing site consultants leading panels onstage, you can also engage with them throughout the event as many site consultants will sit in the audience, attend meals, receptions, and afterhours events.
Breakout Sessions
This is your opportunity to take a deep dive into a topic of your choice led by industry professionals and/or site consultants. Read through the following descriptions to see which breakout session interests you!
Investing in Site Readiness: Is the Needle Actually Moving?
Examine whether your investments in site readiness are creating real market advantage, what strategies are working, and how communities are measuring progress and deal competitiveness.
The Community Overview: Nailing an Important but Often Overlooked Moment
Strategy Outside of the Box: Using Design Thinking to Unlock Creative Economic Development
Apply design thinking to economic development challenges to spark new ideas, fresh approaches, and collaborative problem-solving.
Designing Industry Ecosystems that Stick: Aerospace + Defense
Learn how communities can build the relationships, infrastructure, and alignment needed to support long-term growth in aerospace and defense industries.
Leadership By Design: Leveraging Your Leadership Strengths to Navigate Change and Complexity
Reclaiming Opportunity: How Brownfield Reform Can Unlock Redevelopment
Learn how Brownfield reform in Michigan is creating new pathways for housing development and community revitalization.
Built to Compete: Understanding the Site Consultant Lens
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how site consultants evaluate markets and uncover competitive advantages.
Designing Industry Ecosystems that Stick: Life Sciences
Learn how communities can build the relationships, infrastructure, and alignment needed to support long-term growth in the life science industry.
From Data to Meaning: Turning Facts, Assets, and Projects into a Story People Remember
Learn how to turn good data into a compelling narrative that moves from information to influence.
The Courage to Focus: How to Build a Strategy That Moves You from Broad Appeal to Strategic Differentiation
Learn why clarity and focus boost competitiveness and how a targeted strategy drives differentiation.