Central Coast Economic Forecast Annual Event 2026

The organizer describes attendance as hundreds of community and business leaders.

The event takes place at Alex Madonna Expo Center in San Luis Obispo.

The stated audience includes local businesses, nonprofit organizations, government, individuals, and community and business leaders.

It is most useful for local business owners, nonprofit directors and public agency staff who set budgets and hiring plans and want a regional outlook, since economists including Dr. Chris Thornberg present projections and the audience is made up of hundreds of area leaders. Executives needing national or sector-specific analysis would get less from it, as the focus is the local economy, a purpose the forecast has had since its creation in 2010. Sponsorship by the consultancy Beacon Economics and by REACH points to a regional economic-development crowd, which helps for meeting local decision makers.

Attendees at regional business forecast events usually wear business casual, such as slacks with collared shirts or blazers, and full suits are uncommon.