2025 IEDC Annual Conference - Tariffs, Trade, Talent & Transformation: A Hands-on, Data-Driven Strategy Lab

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 today’s 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 lab—facilitated by the International Advisory Committee—invites participants to rethink strategies for today’s 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.