2025 IEDC Annual Conference - Tariffs, Trade, Talent & Transformation: A Hands-on, Data-Driven Strategy Lab
September 16, 2025 | 3:00 PM โ 4:00 PM EDT

Country / Territory
Related contacts
Related industries
Related offices
Related contacts
Related industries
Related offices
Related contacts
Related industries
Related offices
Location
Huntington Place Convention Center, 1 Washington Blvd.
Detroit, Michigan 48226
At the 2025 IEDC Annual Conference, economic developers will explore how to navigate unprecedented challenges driven by shifting tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and evolving workforce demands. Traditional approaches to foreign direct investment, talent attraction, and business retention are no longer enough.
Featured Speaker
Christian Dallman
Partner, Fragomen
Christian Dallman brings knowledge of workforce mobility and immigration strategy, offering unique perspectives on how global talent flows intersect with trade, investment, and business transformation. His insights will help participants reframe their approaches to talent and workforce development in todayโs evolving economic climate. He will also emphasize how organizations can adapt to shifting global policies, leverage immigration frameworks to strengthen talent pipelines, and align workforce mobility strategies with broader economic development goals. Christian will be sharing these perspectives during Tariffs, Trade, Talent & Transformation: A Hands-On, Data-Driven Strategy Lab on Tuesday, September 16, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in Room 330B.
This hands-on, data-driven labโfacilitated by the International Advisory Committeeโinvites participants to rethink strategies for todayโs global trade and talent environment. The session begins with expert insights on FDI trends, workforce transformation, and business retention, followed by interactive table discussions focused on solution-oriented questions. Each table will encourage the exchange of practical ideas and peer learning, allowing participants to select the topics most relevant to their work.
Country / Territory
Related contacts
Related industries
Related offices
Related contacts
Related industries
Related offices
Related contacts
Related industries
Related offices
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europeโs new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UKโs immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
Fragomen news
Fragomenโs Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its โVoice of the Industryโ Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Polandโs tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.
Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerceโs related lawsuit.
Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the โBest Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Providerโ EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.
Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.
Blog post
Director Willys MacโOlale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continentโs economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martรญnez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europeโs new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UKโs immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
Fragomen news
Fragomenโs Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its โVoice of the Industryโ Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Polandโs tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.
Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerceโs related lawsuit.
Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the โBest Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Providerโ EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.
Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.
Blog post
Director Willys MacโOlale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continentโs economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martรญnez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

![Porthole headshot image of Fragomen [Troy][Partner][ChristianDallman]](https://www.fragomen.com/a/web/c3s3rGSGtyfCRryb5y5cXw/39RPyv/christian_dallman_porthole.jpg)