SWVA Economic Forum

10th Annual SWVA Economic Forum Save the date 5.22.25

Tenth Annual SWVA Economic Forum

Thursday, May 22, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Each year, the Forum engages participants through a shared vision of regional collaboration, growth and innovation. It has become a central gathering place to discuss new ideas and synergies around the future of Southwest Virginia and Central Appalachia.

Agenda

8:00–9:00 a.m.
Event Check-In

Opening Welcome
Donna Henry, Ph.D., Chancellor, UVA Wise

Meet the Emcee
Josh Mancuso, Actor, Comedian & Filmmaker

State of the Region
Christine Chmura, Ph.D., Chmura Economics & Analytics

Regional Demographics and Population Trends
Hamilton Lombard, UVA Weldon Cooper Center

Morning Keynote

Panel Discussion

Lunch

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

3:00–5:00 p.m.
Regional Housing Symposium
This optional event following the Forum will convene policymakers, developers, and community leaders for a deep dive into regional housing challenges and opportunities.

 

Interested in becoming a sponsor?
If you or your organization is interested in becoming an event sponsor, please contact Linda Bockus (lbockus@uvawise.edu) for additional details.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Meeting the Moment, Shaping the Future

Additional Event Details

Needing directions to the event venue?
The Southwest Virginia Economic Forum will be held at UVA Wise’s David J. Prior Convocation Center. The address is 437 Stadium Drive, Wise, VA 24293. See the campus map for venue location and event parking (circled in yellow).

Campus map

Looking for event lodging?

The Inn at Wise
100 E Main Street, Wise, VA 24293
276-321-7600

Best Western
124 Woodland Drive SW, Wise, VA 24293
276-328-3500

Hampton Inn Norton
1051 Park Ave SW, Norton, VA 24219
276-437-0305

Western Front
3025 4th Avenue, St. Paul, VA 24283
276-738-3040

K M

Kelly
Moody

Program Support Specialist