GSBA Economic Development Conference

A Day of Ideas, Insights, and Impact

Building on the mission of last year’s conference, this year’s EDC focuses on small business and nonprofit development with a strong emphasis on marketing, events, and AI readiness. From economic insights and policy conversations to practical workshops on visibility, activation, and digital systems, this conference is built to help organizations prepare for what’s next.

Attendees will hear from local leaders, industry experts, and practitioners working at the intersection of business growth, community impact, and innovation. The day also includes time for networking, shared learning, and practical takeaways you can bring back to your work right away.

Date: May 20, 2026

Time: 8:30 AM–3:00 PM

Location: Amazon Nitro Building – Sea48 Nitro South

Tickets: GSBA Members: $25 | Nonmembers and Guests: $35

Voices Shaping The Day

Featured Session

Activating Joy in Uncertain Times

1:30 PM | Dreams Unlimited LLC

In a time when many leaders, teams, and business owners are navigating uncertainty, this session invites attendees to reconnect with joy as a meaningful source of energy, resilience, and action.

Tay and Val of Dreams Unlimited have delivered talks in four languages to more than 1,000 audiences across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Their work has reached corporate boardrooms, student auditoriums, private galas, and community-centered gatherings with a message centered on purpose, possibility, and momentum.

At the 2026 GSBA Economic Development Conference, they’ll bring that perspective to a conversation designed to help attendees move forward with intention, clarity, and joy.

Tay and Val speaking

Speaker Highlights

Ilona Lohrey

Ilona Lohrey is President & CEO of GSBA, where she leads programs that support LGBTQ+ and allied businesses while advancing economic opportunity across Washington. She will open the conference with reflections on collaboration, resilience, and the future of small business development.

Roby Schapira

Roby Schapira will host the conference, guiding the day’s conversations and helping connect each session’s insights to the broader themes of economic growth, innovation, and collaboration.

Mayor Katie Wilson

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson will share perspectives on the city’s economic climate and the role partnerships between government, businesses, and community organizations play in supporting small business growth.

Joy Hollingsworth

Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth brings a perspective rooted in community leadership and economic vitality, exploring how policy and entrepreneurship intersect to strengthen Seattle’s local business ecosystem.

Michi Suzuki

Michi Suzuki is a Seattle-based public relations strategist and founder of Michi Suzuki PR. With more than 25 years of experience across hospitality, tech, nonprofit, and consumer brands, she helps organizations connect storytelling with strategic growth. At the conference she’ll share insights on visibility, partnerships, and activating around major events.

Joleen Zanuzoski

Joleen Zanuzoski is Senior Director of Public Relations & Marketing at Green Rubino, where she leads communications and brand strategy initiatives. With deep experience in media relations, campaign development, and storytelling, she helps organizations connect authentically with audiences and amplify their impact.

Todd Allan

Todd Allan is the founder of Structured Space and a digital productivity specialist focused on helping small teams simplify their technology and workflows. He works with businesses to reduce digital clutter, improve collaboration, and unlock the real potential of tools like Google Workspace and AI.

Conference Schedule

A full day of insight, strategy, and connection.

8:30 AM

Registration and Breakfast

Check in, connect with fellow attendees, and start the day with breakfast. Donuts and coffee provided by Top Pot Doughnuts, with protein and lower-sugar options available.

9:00 AM

Opening Remarks

Ilona Lohrey, GSBA President & CEO

9:05 AM

Overview of the Day and Kickoff

Host Roby Schapira

9:10 AM

Sponsor Remarks

Wells Fargo

9:15 AM

Remarks from City Leadership

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth

9:30 AM

Washington Economic Outlook

A representative from the State of Washington Economist’s office will discuss the current state of the economy in Washington and what it means for small businesses and nonprofits.

10:00 AM

AI Integration in Small Business

Structured Space LLC

The Data Debt Trap: Why Your AI Initiative is Failing (and How to Fix It in 15 Minutes)

Digital productivity and AI expert Todd Allan breaks down the “Data Debt Trap” that causes many AI pilots to stall before they create real value, and shares practical steps teams can take to build a stronger foundation for AI adoption.

11:15 AM

Marketing Panel

Focusing on business activation during large events

As Seattle and the region prepare for major moments that bring visitors, visibility, and opportunity, this conversation will explore how small businesses can activate around large-scale events in thoughtful, strategic ways. Panelists currently include Michi Suzuki PR and Joleen Zanuzoski of Green Rubino.

12:30 PM

Lunch and Networking

Lunch provided by Imperia Lake Union.

1:30 PM

Activating Joy in Uncertain Times

Dreams Unlimited LLC

In a time when many leaders, teams, and business owners are navigating uncertainty, this session invites attendees to reconnect with joy as a meaningful source of energy, resilience, and action.

2:00 PM

How to Network Like a Pro

Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards—it’s about developing meaningful relationships. Alison Scott will lead attendees through actionable skills and strategies to get the most out of networking events—to build lasting connections, get leads, and grow your business.

3:00 PM

Conference Concludes

Thank you for joining us for the 2026 GSBA Economic Development Conference.