16th Annual Native American Economic Development Conference
June 6-7, 2023
Pechanga Resort Casino – Temecula, CA Event Details
The 16th Annual Native American Economic Development Conference will be held on June 6-7, 2023 at Pechanga Resort Casino.
Through a variety of panels and interactive discussions, attendees will engage with experts focusing on economic diversification. For the 16th year in a row, Tribal leaders will come together to discover new ways to diversify their Tribe’s economic ventures and focus on building resilient and sustainable communities that thrive. You’ll hear success stories, and case studies and dig deeper into new ways to generate revenue beyond gaming. You’ll also discuss with experts what the economic future may look like in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and how your economy can come back strong. By networking with other Tribal leaders, decision-makers, and industry professionals, you can exchange tangible ideas on maximizing your respective economies.
We ensure our attendees get to know their peers and interact with one another throughout the event by providing a variety of engaging sessions, numerous networking opportunities, and impressive business solutions.
Four Conferences for the Price of One!
This event is being held in conjunction with our:
- 13th Annual Native American Healthcare Conference
- 11th Annual Native American Housing Conference
- Eighth Annual Native American Cannabis & Hemp Conference
When you register for one, you will have access to all four conferences!
Who Should Attend:
- Architect Firms
- CEO’s and CFO’s of Renewable Energy Companies
- Construction Companies
- Economic Development Professionals
- Energy Generators
- Engineers
- Environmental Assessment Companies
- Feasibility Study Companies
- Finance and Legal Professionals
- Government and Other Professional Service Firms
- Investors in Renewable Energy Projects
- Technology Developers
- Tribal Leaders
TO SPEAK WITH A REPRESENTATIVE ABOUT ATTENDING, SPEAKING, EXHIBITING OR SPONSORING, PLEASE CALL US AT 201-857-5333 OR EMAIL SALES@NATIVENATIONEVENTS.ORG.
At Native Nation Events, we pride ourselves on offering best-in-class networking events in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. No need for suits and ties; business casual is the preferred dress code for our conferences.
Thank you to our Co-Chairs and Platinum sponsors for their continued support, dedication to knowledge, and drive to enhance the Native American community.
Register Now To Attend
For Elected Tribal Council or Tribal Government/Enterprise Representatives
Tribal Super Early Bird
$745
Tribal Early Bird
$845
Tribal Standard
$945
Group Rate (Four or more paid from same Tribe or entity)
Tribal Group Super Early Bird
$645
Tribal Group Early Bird
$745
Tribal Group Standard
$845
For Other Industry Professionals
Pro Super Early Bird
$845
Pro Early Bird
$945
Pro Standard
$1045
HOTEL INFORMATION
Pechanga Resort Casino45000 Pechanga Parkway
Temecula, CA 92592
1-888-PECHANGA
Room Rate: $204 per night
Booking Code: 7374159
Room Cut-Off Date: May 4, 2023
YOU MUST MENTION NATIVE NATION EVENTS OR THE NATIVE AMERICAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE TO RECEIVE THE DISCOUNTED RATE!
Reserve Room Now16th Annual Native American Economic Development Conference
June 6-7, 2023
Pechanga Resort Casino – Temecula, CA
Tuesday, June 6th, 2023
7:30 - 8:30 AM
Registration and Networking Breakfast
Registration A&B | Summit Ballroom C
8:30 - 8:45 AM
Opening Remarks
Summit Ballroom AB
Justin O'Connor
President | Native Nation Events
Ken Perez
President | Pechanga Development Corporation
8:45 - 9:30 AM
Keynote- Unlocking the Best Version of Yourself and Embracing Change and Uncertainty
Summit Ballroom AB
Jim Stroker
Coach | Native Nation Events
- The 3 questions you must answer to create alignment and tranquility in your life.
- Becoming aware of the space between stimulus and response, and making this your power tool.
- Regaining a sense of control by discipline of focus on what is in your control and what is out.
- Deciding to bring your attention to “The Process”, and leading teams to focus here rather than outcome.
- The mindful leader and self care strategies that allow for sustainability and building teams of trust.
- The locked in intention that you have for exiting the game of life, and will you create a game plan that uses AMOR FATI as your theme?
9:30 - 10:15 AM
Legislative Update: New and Pending Legislation and What It Means for Indian Country
Summit Ballroom AB
One Who Rides His Horse East (Tom Rodgers)
Founder and CEO | Carlyle Consulting
- Cannabis Federal and State political and policy developments
- Psychedelic Federal and State political and policy developments
- Native American sovereignty- DEA licensure and intellectual property
10:15 - 10:45 AM
Morning Networking Break
Summit Ballroom C
10:45 - 11:00 AM
Economic Development Conference Co-Chair Remarks
Summit Ballroom AB
James Klas
Founder And Principal | KlasRobinson Q.E.D
Dennis Johnson
Chief Investment Office | Ho-Chunk, Inc
11:00 - 12:00 PM
The State of the Economy in 2023 and Beyond
Summit Ballroom AB
Jamie Fullmer-Moderator
Chairman & CEO | Blue Stone Strategy Partners
Mark Fox
Chairman | Three Affiliated Tribes
Richard Sneed
Principal Chief | Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
- Discuss important financial and operational trends to keep an eye on.
- The midterm elections delivered a split congress. Do we expect to see continued progress, or gridlock and little legislative gains?
- What upcoming economic challenges should we prepare for? High inflation, recession, etc.
- How could an incoming recession shape the market and business operations in 2023 and beyond?
- This US Farm Bill is up for renewal in 2023. What is the Farm Bill, and how could it impact Indian Country and economic development funding?
- How have the last three years of the COVID-19 pandemic affected the economy, and what lasting impacts are expected as the world moves forward?
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
Summit Ballroom C
1:00 - 2:00 PM
Leading Multiple Generations and Understanding How they Perceive Enterprise Development
Summit Ballroom AB
Danielle Lazore-Thompson- Moderator
Associate Attorney | Big Fire Law & Policy Group
Treyson Fullmer
Project Manager | Blue Stone Strategy Partners
Teresa Mandelin
Executive Director | Pima Leasing & Financing Corporation
Anne Richardson
Chief | Rappahannock Tribe of Virginia
- There are multiple generational groups currently in the workforce, and this diversity in age groups can create unique challenges in the enterprise development process.
- Different generations have different behaviors, values, and attitudes, and therefore different priorities for which diversification projects are best to pursue.
- Organizations cannot be successful without a talented and motivated workforce. How are leaders learning to understand generational differences and to bring these groups together to create successful projects?
2:00- 3:00 PM
Funding and Financing Your Economic Development Projects
Summit Ballroom AB
James Klas- Moderator
Founder And Principal | KlasRobinson Q.E.D
Brady Bryan
CEO | Brayn Consulting
Adam Rose
Director of Partnerships & Growth | Travois
Dennis Johnson
Chief Investment Office | Ho-Chunk, Inc
John Peebles
Partner | Peebles Kidder
- There are multiple options for accessing growth capital, but accessing that capital for economic development projects can be a hurdle for many tribes. What processes can help streamline this endeavor?
- Discuss different financing options, such as grants, loans, equity funding, new market tax credits, etc.
- What grants and loans – local, state, and federal- are available for tribal use?
- In what ways can New Market Tax Credits be a financing leverage tool?
- Does the scope of the project determine the type of financing you should seek?
- Where should you start? How do you get funding to get your project off the ground?
3:00 - 3:30 PM
Afternoon Networking Break
Summit Ballroom C
3:30 - 4:45 PM
Tribal Leaders & Executive Roundtable: Diversification – Growing Your Portfolio Within or Outside Your Gaming Enterprise
Summit Ballroom AB
Luke Jumper- Moderator
Senior Project Manager/Partner | TBE Architects
Michael Olujic
General Manager | Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino
James Siva
Vice Chairman | Morongo Band of Mission Indians
Mark Fox
Chairman | Three Affiliated Tribes
- Where have tribal enterprises been most successful in creating economic development projects to complement their gaming industry?
- Hear about unique projects and case studies from tribes who have launched economic development projects beyond gaming, such as manufacturing, hospitality, entertainment, tourism, energy, healthcare, banking, broadcast media, etc.
- Diversification projects help to encourage economic growth, create jobs, expand opportunities for tribal members, and secure the future for generations to come.
- What are the benefits of a diverse business portfolio? Revenue generated can be used for tribal programs and services such as healthcare, education, housing, cultural enhancement, youth programs, elder care, and more.
5:00PM
Day One Sessions Conclude
Wednesday, June 7th, 2023
7:30 - 8:30 AM
Registration and Networking Breakfast
Registration A&B | Summit Ballroom C
8:30 - 9:30AM
Deciding How to Manage your Tribal Enterprises and Determining Who to Work With
Summit Ballroom AB
James Klas- Moderator
Founder And Principal | KlasRobinson Q.E.D
Steve Bodmer
General Counsel | Pechanga Band of Indians
Hellyaachwehay Quisquis
President/CEO | San Pasqual Economic Development Corporation
Hannah Prairie Chief
Coordinator, Economic Development Authority, Planning and Development | Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes
- It’s important to identify your tribe’s ideal corporate structure. What factors go into deciding if enterprises should be run by tribal governments or by tribal development corporations?
- As economic development opportunities continue to evolve, tribal governments are entering into commercial transactions with third parties more often. How do tribes select whom to partner with?
- How do you create a process to ensure the tribe is working with the correct professionals and corporations for their projects?
- How can tribes and Native Corporations work together effectively to take advantage of federal infrastructure programs and funding?
9:30 - 10:15 AM
Development of Renewable Energy Projects for Economic Growth and Energy Independence
Summit Ballroom AB
Molly Brown- Moderator
Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy | GenPro Energy Solutions
David Tam
CEO | Grey Snow Management Solutions
Lisa Garcia
Senior Consultant | Department of Energy Loans Program Office
Jon Walton
Chief Technology Officer | Grey Snow Management Solutions, LLC (GSMS) /Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska
- In August 2022 President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, one of the most significant actions Congress has taken on clean energy and climate change.
- Equitable renewable energy development in Indian Country will be beneficial for both the tribe and the United States.
- What are the opportunities, challenges, and best practices for developing renewable energy opportunities on tribal lands?
- Engaging in renewable energy can create opportunities for economic diversification, new revenue streams, more jobs, energy independence, and environmental sustainability.
- Discuss successful strategies and processes tribes have gone through to develop energy projects, including funding and financing the endeavor.
10:15 - 10:45 AM
Morning Networking Break
Summit Ballroom C
10:45 - 11:45 AM
An Update on Investment Opportunities in Indian Country
Summit Ballroom AB
Bernard Machlovitch-Moderator
Private Advisor- Managing Director | Rockefeller Global Family Office
Dennis Johnson
Chief Investment Officer | Ho-Chunk, Inc.
Andrew Masiel
Treasurer | Pechanga Development Corporation
Nick Trella
Senior Vice President | Segal
- What are the current market conditions, and what is predicted for the future?
- Discuss the importance of creating and developing sound investment strategies.
- What does the investment process look like?
- Discover different ways to build a balanced portfolio.
- What opportunities are available for tribes? Long and short-term investing, equity investing, impact investing, and more.
- Are there any foreseeable pitfalls for tribal communities to delve into off-reservation investing?
11:45 - 12:45 PM
Minors Trust and Financial Literacy for Native American Youth
Summit Ballroom AB
Samuel Fuller- Moderator
Senior Vice President | Providence First Trust Company
Andrew Masiel
Treasurer | Pechanga Development Corporation
Laura Bartlett
Senior Vice President | BOK Financial
Hans Maentz
Private Advisor- Managing Director | Rockefeller Global Family Office
Lavita Hill
Treasury Specialist | Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
- How are Minors Trust Funds invested, and how does the distribution process work?
- How can your tribe structure a Minors Trust Program that encourages educational pursuits?
- What are the latest tax laws for Minors Per Capita Trusts?
- Discuss best practices for teaching financial literacy to Native American youth, and how a financial literacy program will benefit your tribe.
12:45 PM
Economic Development Conference Concludes
Hannah Prairie Chief
Conference Co-Chair
Platinum Sponsors
Product Demonstration
Gold Sponsors
Exhibitors
Badge Sponsor
Media Sponsors
If you’re interested in sponsoring this event, please reach out to Joe Baranello at joe@nativenationevents.org or call him at 201-857-5333 for additional details.
Tribal Government & Enterprise Representatives
Sponsors & Exhibitors
The 16th Annual Native American Economic Development Conference was an impactful two days at the Pechanga Resort & Casino. Attendees learned new ways to bring prosperity to their tribes while networking with other leaders who have the skills and experience to help make it happen.
