New Speakers Added to 2026 Detroit Policy Conference

Four regional leaders have been added to the speaker lineup for the 2026 Detroit Policy Conference.

Power Perspectives From Chief Executive Officers

Diallo Smith

Diallo Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Life Remodeled, will share his vision for the organization and his plans to advance its mission of revitalizing Detroit’s neighborhoods into thriving communities.

Drawing on his experience with Life Remodeled, including his previous role as Chief Operating Officer, Smith will offer valuable insights into how his leadership will guide the organization into its next impactful chapter.

Ellen Gilchrist

Don’t miss Ellen Gilchrist, Chief Executive Officer of BasBlue, who will reflect on her journey in this position and offer a glimpse into her vision for the organization’s future.

Additionally, Gilchrist will highlight her experience as a trailblazer in the Detroit community and how she leverages that to inform BasBlue’s strategic direction.

A One-on-One Conversation With Mark de la Vergne and Ned Staebler

Mark de la Vergne, Head of Network Growth at Michigan Central, and Ned Staebler, Vice President of Economic Development at Wayne State University and President and Chief Executive Officer at TechTown, will take the stage for a candid conversation on how Detroit’s culture of fragmentation holds the Detroit Region back and the leadership it will take to build a more collaborative, forward-looking economy.

Event Details

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Department at Hudson’s in Detroit (Map/Directions)

Pricing

Chamber Members: $280
Future Members: $380