2026 - Economic Summit & Executive Leadership Outlook
Tuesday, December 8, 2026
7:30 - 10:30 am
Wilmington Convention Center
Start your morning with a powerful gathering of insights and expertise at the Greater Wilmington Chamber’s Economic Summit and CEO Panel Discussion. This event is designed for business leaders, policy makers, and professionals who want to stay ahead of economic developments as we move into 2027.
Event Overview
We are excited to feature Dr. Mouhcine Guettabi, Professor of Economics at UNCW, who will provide an in-depth analysis of the economic landscape on a national, statewide, and local level. With a focus on key economic indicators such as consumer spending, unemployment trends, and interest rates, this session offers one of the first comprehensive post-election assessments of the U.S. economy.
Panel Discussion
After the economic overview, the program transitions to a dynamic Panel Discussion moderated by Natalie English, CEO of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. This session will feature regional leaders in aviation, maritime industry and public transportation, sharing their perspectives on economic trends, regional growth and the challenges and opportunities shaping southeastern North Carolina’s business landscape.
Tickets & Sponsorships
Tickets are $65 for members and $75 for non-members.
If you're interested in exploring sponsorship opportunities, please feel free to reach out to Chris Hardy at hardy@wilmingtonchamber.org
Agenda
7:30 – 8:00 AM – Breakfast & Registration
8:00 – 8:45 AM – Welcome & Economic Outlook with Dr. Mouhcine Guettabi, UNCW
8:45 – 10:30 AM – Executive Leadership Panel Discussion
Featuring:
- Jeff Bourk, Wilmington International Airport
- Brian Clark, North Carolina State Ports Authority
- Mark Hairr, Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority
- Natalie English, President & CEO, Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce (moderator)
Parking
Complimentary parking is available in the Wilmington Convention Center Parking Deck. Attendees may pick up their parking passes at their seats in the ballroom.
- Doors open at 7:30 AM.
- Name badges will be provided at check-in.
- A full breakfast buffet and coffee service will be available as you check in.
- Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to secure parking and be seated before the program begins.
- Business or business-casual attire is appropriate.
Event Sponsors
Leader Sponsor
Advocate Sponsor
Date and Time
Tuesday Dec 8, 2026
7:30 AM - 10:30 AM EST
Location
Wilmington Convention Center
10 Convention Center Drive
Wilmington, NC 28401
Fees/Admission
All registration fees for Chamber events, classes, and seminars are non-refundable. If you choose not to attend a registered event, class, or seminar, the fee will be forfeited. However, if the Chamber cancels an event, class, or seminar, a full refund will be issued. To ensure commitments to our vendors, the Wilmington Chamber requires advance payment for admission to all Chamber-promoted and sponsored events.Return, Refund, and Cancellation Policy
Contact Information
Sophie Craddock
Send Email
Printed courtesy of www.wilmingtonchamber.org/ – Contact the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce for more information.
1 Estell Lee Place, Wilmington, NC 28401 – (910) 762-2611 – info@wilmingtonchamber.org