What: 50th annual Economic Outlook Seminar, hosted by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER)
When: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11th
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12th
Sidney - March 11th
Miles City - March 12th
Where: The BBER’s Economic Outlook Seminar will conclude in the following cities:
Sidney - MSU Richland County Extension, 1499 North Central, Sidney, MT 59270
Miles City - Sleep Inn & Suites, 1006 S. Haynes Ave., Miles City, MT 59301
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
The 2025 Economic Outlook Seminar will highlight the latest economic trends for local economies and the state of Montana, with a special focus on generative AI and how it could change the way we do our jobs and how the economy operates.
Registration is $90 and includes lunch. Montana University System faculty, staff, and students may attend for a $25 fee. Continuing education credits are also available.
The Bureau of Business and Economic Research has been providing information about Montana’s state and local economies for 70 years. Located at the University of Montana, the bureau is the research and public service branch of the College of Business.
Keynote Speaker:
Paul Gladen - Associate VP for Research & Economic Development and Director of Accelerate Montana
Paul Gladen is Associate Vice President for Research & Economic Development and the Director of Accelerate Montana, the University of Montana (UM)’s portfolio of economic and workforce development programs. Prior to joining UM, Paul was a small business owner in Montana, having previously worked for nearly 20 years in the global accounting and consulting industry.
Paul is a co-founder of the Montana Code School and the Hellgate Venture Network, an entrepreneurial networking group. He also serves on the Board of the Missoula Economic Partnership and was the 2017 Montana Ambassador Educator of the Year. Originally from England, Paul has an MA in Mathematics from Oxford University and an MBA from Manchester Business School.
Additional Speakers:
Patrick Barkey, Director of Research, Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER)
Brian Bird, CEO, NorthWestern Energy
Jeff Michael, Director, BBER
Joel Schumacher, Extension Specialist Agricultural Economics & Economics, Montana State University
Sam Scott, Forest Economist, BBER
Derek Sheehan, Economist, BBER
Melissa Weddell, Director, Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research
Agenda:
8:00 am – 8:10 am - Introduction
8:10 am – 8:25 am - Montana’s AI Future: Rethinking How to Staff and Run Your Business: Patrick Barkey, Director of Research, Bureau of Business and Economic Research, University of Montana
8:25 am – 9:00 am - U.S. and Montana Outlook: Jeff Michael, Director, Bureau of Business and Economic Research, University of Montana
9:00 am – 9:20 am - Health Care Outlook: Patrick Barkey, Director of Research, Bureau of Business and Economic Research
9:20 – 9:30 am - Break
9:30 am – 9:50 am - Tourism and Recreation: Melissa Weddell, Director, Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research
9:50 – 10:10 am - Housing and Construction Outlook: Derek Sheehan, Economist, BBER
10:10 – 10:30 am - Agriculture Outlook: Joel Schumacher, Extension Specialist, Montana State University
10:30 – 10:50 - Forest Industry: Samuel Scott, Forest Economist, Bureau of Business and Economic Research, University of Montana
10:50 – 11:00 - Break
11:00 – 11:15 - Local Outlook: Patrick Barkey, Bureau of Business and Economic Research, University of Montana
11:15 – 11:30 - Local Economic Expert
11:30 – 12:00 - Break and Lunch
12:00 – 12:10 - An Update on Our Energy Investment: Brian Bird, CEO, NorthWestern Energy
12:10 – 12:50 - Robots Are Here to Steal Your Job…Or Make It Way Better: How AI is Changing Work, Hiring, and the Quest for Happy Humans: Paul Gladen, Associate Vice President for Research & Economic Development, University of Montana
12:50 – 1:00 - Conclusion