Tue, October 28th, 2025

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12:00 pm – 1:30 pm CT

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Virtual Keynote Studio

Gearing Up for 2026 – The Economy

Days
Hours
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About This Session

New Format! MHEDA looks forward to welcoming economist ITR Economics Connor Lokar to the virtual stage to help you prepare your business for shifting economic conditions in 2026 and beyond. This virtual keynote will be presented live in a professional studio, making for an engaging session for you and your leadership team to learn and ask questions!

Business cycle conditions are set to generally improve in 2026 and beyond. It is important to know how much rise to expect, and for how long, for the general economy and specifically by markets. Additionally, we expect inflation pressures to heat up beginning in 2026 and in the following years. Looking at the drivers of that inflation, we will present how much inflation to expect, and how high interest rates are likely to go through 2027.

Who Should Attend

This session is ideal for business leaders, executives, financial planners, sales and marketing strategists, and operations professionals who need to understand how upcoming economic trends will impact their markets and decision-making. If you’re responsible for planning, budgeting, forecasting, or setting strategy for 2026 and beyond, this session will equip you with critical insights on inflation, interest rates, and market-specific business cycle changes. 

EVENT SPEAKER

Learn From the Best

Connor Lokar is a Senior Forecaster and Senior Economic Consulting Speaker for ITR Economics, and will serve as the Economic Speaker at MHEDA’s 2026 Convention. Since joining ITR in 2014, Connor has delivered keynotes, workshops, and webinars across North America, earning a reputation for presenting economic insights with authority, accuracy, and humor. Known for his quick wit and engaging storytelling, he captivates audiences while making complex data both understandable and actionable. Thousands of business leaders have benefited from his dynamic approach, as he emphasizes the practical application of economic intelligence and inspires his audiences to take meaningful action.

Key Takeaways

Interest Rate Sensitivity: One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Not all markets and businesses are interest-rate sensitive. We will be looking at different relevant markets with an eye toward assessing how much of a headwind rising interest rates will present.

Early Indicators: Timing the Downturn in Key Segments

Earlier-turning segments of the economy will need to know how soon they will likely experience business cycle degradation and to what extent.

ITR’s Long View: Market Outlook Through 2027 and Beyond

Discuss relevant markets along with ITR Economics’ outlook through 2027 for inflation, interest rates, downside risks, upside potential. Review ITR Economics’ extended outlook for the 2030s.

Prepare For This Session

Take full advantage of your member benefits by downloading and reviewing the latest ITR Economics report in preparation for our upcoming virtual keynote. This exclusive resource offers valuable insights into the economic trends shaping the industry.

Pricing

Register to Attend

Member

FREE

Included With Your Membership

Non-Member

$99

Per Person Rate For
Non-Members

Save the Date

Mark your calendar for the 2026 Convention, happening May 2–6 at the Grand Hyatt in Nashville, Tennessee. We look forward to welcoming Connor Lokar to the stage to present an Economic Outlook.

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Gene Marks

CPA, National Business Columnist, Author & Speaker

Gene Marks is a past columnist for both The New York Times and The Washington Post. Gene now writes regularly for The Hill, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Forbes, Entrepreneur, The Washington Times, and The Guardian. Gene is a best-selling author and has written 5 books on business management. Gene appears on Fox Business, MSNBC, as well as CBS Eye on the World with John Batchelor and SiriusXM’s Wharton Business Channel where he talks about the financial, economic and technology issues that affect business leaders today. Gene helps business owners, executives and managers understand the political, economic and technological trends that will affect their companies and provides actionable insights.

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