2026 Midwest Economic Forecast Forum

Wednesday, January 14 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. CST

DATE/TIME

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:45 CST

REGISTRATION FEE

Registration is available individually or as a group. Take advantage of our group pricing to invite additional staff, business customers, and other community leaders to join you!

Individual Registration - $59/connection
Group Registration (up to 5 virtual connections) - $199/group

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Prepare for 2026 by joining an economic discussion with Federal Reserve Bank President Neel Kashkari. Time will be allowed for open Q&A during this virtual event.

Bankers are encouraged to invite their business clients and local community leaders to tune in to these economic insights together. Individuals or group registration rates are available.

AGENDA

11:00 - 11:45 a.m. CT
An Economic Discussion with Federal Reserve Bank President Neel Kashkari
Time will be allotted for open Q&A.

11:50 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
U.S.A. & Global Economic Outlook for 2026 & Beyond - Dr. Dave Kohl
What are the economic realities that we can expect from the global and domestic sanctions, tariffs and trade strategies that are intertwined with geopolitical and military uncertainty? This uncertainty impacts your customers’ revenue and cost strategies. How is the global order shifting and what sectors of the economy will it impact?

The cast of three characters in the U.S.A economy: ALICE, HENRY, and HERMAN will determine if smooth sailing or economic white waters are in store at the quarter century mark. Interest rates, real estate, the stock market direction and debt are impacted by all these variables which impact the economic cycle. What are the lead and lag economic indicators telling us about the future of the economy, and how can businesses, banks, and producers strategically position themselves to navigate and even capitalize on the volatility and uncertainty ahead? Dr. Kohl will present a high energy session that you and your team will not want to miss!

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Neel Kashkari, President and CEO
Federal Reserve Bank Minneapolis

Neel Kashkari has been president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis since Jan. 1, 2016. He serves as a member on the Federal Open Market Committee, bringing the Ninth Federal Reserve District’s perspective to monetary policy discussions in Washington, D.C.

In addition, Neel oversees Minneapolis Fed operations and leads its many initiatives. He was instrumental in establishing the Opportunity & Inclusive Growth Institute, whose mission is to ensure that world-class research helps to improve the economic well-being of all Americans.

Most recently, he’s supported the expansion of the Center for Indian Country Development, which advances the prosperity of Native nations and Indigenous communities through actionable data and research.

Neel earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois. He became an aerospace engineer, developing technology for NASA missions. Eventually turning to finance and public policy, he earned his MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, joined Goldman Sachs, and served in several senior positions at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, including overseeing the Troubled Assets Relief Program, or TARP, during the financial crisis.

Before joining the Minneapolis Fed, he spent four years at PIMCO and then, in 2014, ran for governor of California on a platform focused on economic opportunity.

Neel and his wife, Christine, have two children, Uly and Tecumseh, and a Newfoundland dog named Webster.

Dr. Dave Kohl, Virginia Tech
AgriVisions, LLC

Dr. Dave Kohl is an academic Hall of Famer in the College of Agriculture at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. Dr. Kohl has keen insight into the agriculture industry gained through extensive travel, research, and involvement in ag businesses. He has traveled over 10 million miles; conducted more than 7,000 presentations; and published more than 2,500 articles in his career. Dr. Kohl’s wisdom and engagement with all levels of the industry provide a unique perspective into future trends.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Community leaders with an interest in the economic and business environment will find value in hearing from our distinguished guest speaker. Bankers are encouraged to invite their business customers to attend as a part of the bank's group of attendees. Group pricing is also available. 

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS