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

Leadership & Welcome

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.

Beto Yarce

Beto Yarce is the current Director at the Seattle Office of Economic Development. He’s a bilingual business executive, nonprofit leader, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in fundraising, policy development, marketing, and strategic planning. Known for building strong relationships and leading with empathy, Beto brings a people-centered approach to strengthening organizations and supporting long-term growth.

Michi Suzuki

Michi Suzuki is a Seattle-based public relations strategist and founder of Michi Suzuki PR. With more than 25 years of experience, she helps brands connect storytelling with growth and visibility.

Joleen Zanuzoski

Joleen Zanuzoski is Senior Director of Public Relations & Marketing at Green Rubino, bringing deep expertise in media strategy, storytelling, and event-driven visibility.

JJ McKay

JJ McKay is a strategic leader with over two decades of experience building and scaling consumer-focused organizations, known for driving partnerships, audience engagement, and large-scale growth.

Aaron Keating

Managing Director & Policy Associate at the Economic Opportunity Institute, Aaron leads operational strategy and policy work focused on retirement security and Washington’s economic landscape.

Traci Underwood

Director of Policy Development & Research, Traci brings over two decades of experience advancing economic justice through public policy, financial stability initiatives, and cross-sector collaboration.

Leo Flor

Chief Legacy Officer and longtime civic leader, Leo brings decades of experience in economic development, public service, and regional partnerships focused on building inclusive and sustainable growth.

Todd Allan

Todd Allan is the founder of Structured Space and a digital productivity specialist helping small teams streamline systems, reduce clutter, and build a strong foundation for 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, Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth, and Beto Yarce, the Director of the Seattle Office of Economic Development.

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, Joleen Zanuzoski of Green Rubino, and Leo Flor of Seattle FWC26.

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, Toraya Miller and JJ MCKay 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.