Experts to share insights on innovation, technology and empowering workplace culture
NEW NORTH, March 27, 2026 – Registration is now open for the New North Summit – Region on the Rise – scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, at the iconic Lambeau Field Atrium in Green Bay. Speakers will offer practical insights on embracing change, technology and building an empowering workplace culture. Community First Credit Union is the event’s platinum sponsor.
A feature of this year’s New North Summit is nationally recognized keynote speakers in leadership and technology, complemented by regional experts on talent and entrepreneurship.
A link to register can be found www.newnorthsummit.com; an early-bird entry fee is available through April 15.
The 2026 Summit program opens with presentation of the flags by the Oneida Nation Color Guard and performance of the National Anthem by Grammy Award winner Esteli Gomez of Lawrence University.
New North Board Co-Chairs Sachin Shivaram of Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry and Mary Goggans, Encapsys founder, will address business and community leaders from the region and provide an update on New North activities over the past year.
New North President and CEO Patti Habeck will unveil the latest on the region’s strategic planning that will provide a forward-focused roadmap designed to drive even greater resilience and growth for Northeast Wisconsin.
“I’m excited by the great lineup of speakers we have lined up for this year’s New North Summit,” says Habeck. “Attendees will take away powerful lessons on leadership, in addition to learning more about the technology around datacenters. Talent and entrepreneurship will be centerpieces of our afternoon session.”
The event’s initial keynote address, sponsored by Miron Construction, will be given by Rima Alaily, corporate VP and general counsel at Microsoft. She leads the global legal team that enables Microsoft’s cloud and AI infrastructure, helping to ensure companies worldwide have the capacity they need to power their AI transformation through a community-focused sustainable approach.
Alaily’s work sits at the intersection of technology, sustainability and global regulatory environments, guiding Microsoft through the complex legal and policy challenges that come with building and scaling the physical foundation of the digital world.
Following a brief break, John Miller, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), will provide state-level updates on economic-development activities.
The morning’s second keynote speaker, sponsored by U.S. Venture – communications coach and author Denise Thomas – then takes the stage. She is a nationally recognized leadership strategist and executive communications coach, who has more than two decades of experience helping leaders and organizations navigate change, build trust and communicate with clarity, confidence and connection – especially in moments that matter most.
The author of the best-selling The Only One in the Room, Thomas blends powerful storytelling with practical, immediately applicable leadership strategies. Her work centers on elevating executive presence, strengthening inclusive leadership and empowering individuals to lead without waiting for permission as organizations meet inevitable change.
Thomas has partnered with Fortune 500 companies, public-sector organizations, nonprofits and professional associations across the United States.
Due to the recent passing of planned keynote Bob Chapman, a third speaker is being secured, sponsored by Capital Credit Union. Each Summit guest will receive a copy of Everybody Matters, Chapman’s best-selling book. “By sharing his message, we honor Bob’s enduring legacy that continues to remind us that the way we lead impacts lives far beyond the workplace,” says Habeck.
For the second straight year, New North will recognize alumni of Insight magazine’s ’40 Under 40,’ giving these young leaders the opportunity to get better connected to the region. The formal announcement of the New North Workplace Excellence Award, presented by Keystone Partners, follows.
The morning program will conclude with Ann Franz of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance celebrating the organization’s 20 years of successes.
Following a lunch and networking break, two concurrent breakout sessions will be held: a panel on cross-industry talent development strategies and a roundtable discussion on entrepreneurship.
New North’s Jason Mathwig and Rebecca Deschane will begin the first session by providing an overview of New North’s role in industry alliances, along with New North Hires Heroes and initiatives around career pathways and digital skilling.
Regional leaders in the construction, digital and healthcare industries – Hope Voight of Tweet Garot, Dan Suda of EDCi and Dr. Ashwani Bhatia of BayCare Clinic – then will discuss, “The Workforce Reality Check: What’s Actually Working in 2026.”
In the entrepreneurship session, WEDC’s Miller returns to the stage to share his personal experience as an entrepreneur.
A panel of successful entrepreneurs from the New North region follows. Participants include Nicole Hurd of Auvia Health, along with Lily Schuette and Jessica Nicholson of The Nook Lounge & Bookstore – both winners at the NEW Launch Alliance Pitch Event held last December – and Sam and Richard Smith of Optimal Cleaning Solutions, Packer Mentor protégés.
The New North Summit wraps up with a networking reception from 2:30-4:30 p.m., with an option to partake in a networking activity led by Ian Abston, Forward 48 and Hoan Group. Musical entertainment will be provided by singer/songwriter Austin Skalecki, who crafts acoustic music rooted in nostalgic melodies and authentic stories.
Event agenda updates will be provided at www.newnorthsummit.com on an ongoing basis.
WHERE: Lambeau Field Atrium
1265 Lombardi Ave.; Green Bay, Wis.
WHEN: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
