The Raleigh Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Economic Development Forum this week, aiming to explore the future of the Triangle’s economy in 20 years.

The event, held May 15 from 8-10 a.m. at Raleigh Marriott City Center, will address key indicators that are driving the economy towards sustained growth, and how these factors may adjust the community’s demographics, education dynamics and infrastructure.

The keynote will be presented by Ted Abernathy, managing partner of Triangle-based economic strategy consultancy Economic Leadership LLC.

Abernathy’s firm produces research analyzing economic trends for a number of clients, including state and local governments and business organizations such as Research Triangle Regional Partnership, Piedmont Triad Partnership, Danville Regional Foundation, Raleigh Chamber and Cary Chamber, among others. He’s also the lead researcher for the NC TECH Association’s annual State of Technology Industry Report.

The Economic Development Forum features a panel with Abernathy and other local leaders discussing the expected impacts of economic change in the Triangle.

The speakers include local urban designer and architect Roberta Fox, NC State IBM Quantum Hub Director Dr. Daniel Stancil and Western Governors University Chancellor Catherine Truitt.

Michael Haley, executive director of Wake County Economic Development, will moderate the discussion.

He says the forum’s focus is an important topic for local leaders to address together.

“The conversation about what Raleigh, Wake County and the Research Triangle region will be in 20 years is critical,” Haley said. “We must continue to strive to maximize the opportunities that lay in front of us as a community.”

Raleigh Chamber organizers say they’re expecting a turnout of around 300 attendees. Tickets are sold out.

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