Program

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
Jeff Michael, Director, Bureau of Business and Economic Research

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 – 11:50
An Update on Our Energy Investment
Brian Bird, CEO, NorthWestern Energy

11:50 – 12:10
Break and Lunch

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

1:00 pm
Adjourn