2026 Kansas Economic Policy Conference: The Future of the Kansas Economy
The 2026 Kansas Economic Policy Conference will explore The Future of the Kansas Economy. Taking place on Thursday, October 29 at the University of Kansas Conference Center on the Lawrence campus with a livestream option, the conference brings together community leaders, policymakers, and subject matter experts. The 2026 KEPC is offered at no cost to attendees.
Contact IPSR with questions.
| PROGRAM | |
|---|---|
| 8:00 am | Registration |
| 8:30 am | Welcome & Introductions Arash Mafi, Chief Academic Officer, Provost, and Executive Vice Chancellor, The University of Kansas |
| 8:45 am | Keynote: AI and the Kansas Economy Donna Ginther, Director, Institute for Policy & Social Research, Roy A. Roberts and Regents Distinguished Professor, Department of Economics, The University of Kansas |
| 9:15 am | Research and Entrepreneurship at Kansas Universities Introduction: Jen Roberts, Executive Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, The University of Kansas Kalin Baca, CEO, Icorium Jason Rogers, CEO, Invary Steven Bellinger, CEO/Owner, Radiation Detection Technologies David Schaefer, CEO, Phoreus Biotechnology Moderator: Deb Miller, chair, Kansas Turnpike Authority |
| 10:15 am | Break |
| 10:30 am | The Future of the Rural Kansas Economy Introduction: Shelley Hooks, Vice Chancellor for Research, The University of Kansas Joshua Svaty, Principal, Gencur Svaty Public Affairs Deb Minkler, Executive Director, Northwest Planning and Development Commission Scott Sproul, President/CEO, Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, Inc. Shonda Anderson, Director, Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship Moderator: Deb Miller, chair, Kansas Turnpike Authority |
| 11:20 am | Break |
| 11:30 am | The Future of Technology and Manufacturing in Kansas Introduction: Matthias Salathe, Chief Research Officer and Senior Vice Chancellor, The University of Kansas Sarah King, Chief People Officer, Panasonic Energy Jason Wright, Product Line Director, AeroVironment Chris Wilson, Senior Vice President, Business Development & Integration, University of Kansas Health System Moderator: Deb Miller, chair, Kansas Turnpike Authority |
| 12:20 pm | Lunch |
| 1:15 pm | The Future of the Kansas Economy Introduction: Douglas A. Girod, Chancellor, The Univeristy of Kansas Laura Kelly, Governor of the State of Kansas, with Jim McLean, senior contributor, Kansas Public Radio |
| 2:45 pm | Closing Remarks |
IPSR for the State of Kansas Reception
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Kansas Economic Policy Conference. As we look back on the last 50 years of convening leaders across sectors in Kansas to tackle tough questions, we invite you to join us for a reception immediately following the Kansas Economic Policy Conference, from 3 to 5:30 pm at the University of Kansas Conference Center, celebrating IPSR's work about and for Kansas. This event will offer time to connect with other leaders in the state and learn about some of the exciting work helping to propel the Kansas economy forward.
KEPC attendees do not need to register separately for this event.