This year CVEP partnered with the statewide nonprofit, California Forward, to bring you The 2023 California Economic Summit: Coachella & Imperial Valleys. A statewide nonprofit organization, California Forward brings together businesses, government, regions and communities to focus on racial and geographic equity, environmental sustainability and economic growth for all.

The three-day California Forward event took place in October at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells.

The kick-off to the event was our 19th Annual CVEP Economic Report and Breakfast, and featured keynote speaker Nikolas Badminton, a world-renowned futurist speaker and futurist consultant who will show us the future trends that shape impactful organizations, trillion-dollar companies, progressive governments, and 200+ billion dollar investment funds. A seasoned futurist, Badminton specializes in highlighting the significance of foresight in securing future success. For more information, see Nikolas Badminton’s Bio below.

We also revealed a preview of the annual economic report, and showcased our region’s business strategies and goals to mobilize a long-term sustainable effort to elevate the economy of the Coachella Valley.

Whether you’re a regional business leader seeking solutions for challenges, or contemplating the relocation or expansion of your business, this year’s program demonstrated why our region remains an exceptional place to work and live.

Click here to view or download the 2023 Greater Palm Springs Economic Reports (Preview and Full Report).

Nikolas Badminton FRSA, Chief Futurist at futurist.com

Nikolas Badminton is a global futurist speaker and Chief Futurist who mentors top executives and the highest levels of government to explore desirable futures, anticipate unforeseen risks, and strengthen strategic planning.

He has spent 30+ years working with leadership at over 400 leading organizations at the frontline of foresight, strategy and disruption – including NASA, United Nations, Google, Microsoft, Intel, IBM, WM, JPMorgan CHASE, VISA, TD Bank, American Express, BISCI, ISACA, Rolls Royce, Procter & Gamble, US Department of State, UK Home Office and many more.

Facing Our Futures: How foresight, futures design and strategy creates prosperity and growth – is Nikolas’ number one best selling book and has been selected for the Next Big Idea Club and as J.P. Morgan Private Bank’s‘Next Gen Pick’ for their prestigious 2023 Summer Reading List to guide new leaders to ignite curiosity and embrace futures thinking.

Nikolas’ essential research has been featured by the BBC, VICE, The Atlantic, Fast Company, Business Insider, Forbes, Sunday Telegraph and many others. He appears on SIRIUSXM and CTV regularly, was a key advisor to the ‘Age of AI’ series with Robert Downey Jr., and appears in the Franklin Institute’s series ‘2050.’