Southside Leadership Conference 2026

Lead with clarity. Connect with purpose. Prepare for what's next.

The future of South King County is being shaped right now.

Economic uncertainty. Workforce challenges. New legislation. Changing consumer expectations. Rapid technological innovation.

The leaders who thrive won't simply react—they'll be prepared.

Join hundreds of business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, public officials, and emerging professionals for one of South King County's premier leadership events.

The 2026 Southside Leadership Conference is a high-impact half-day experience designed to give you practical strategies, meaningful connections, and the insights you need to confidently lead your organization into what's next.

This isn't another conference where you'll sit through presentations and leave with a notebook you'll never open again. You'll hear directly from regional decision-makers, industry experts, and respected business leaders who are actively shaping our economy, public policy, workforce, and communities. You'll leave with ideas you can put into action immediately.

Hear From Leaders Shaping Our Region

This year's conference features an outstanding lineup of regional leaders and changemakers, including:

• Mayor Yoshiko Grace Matsui, City of Des Moines

• King County Executive Girmay Zahilay

• Senator Tina Orwall

• Representative Mia Gregerson

• Leaders from the Port of Seattle, Association of Washington Business, Washington Retail Association, Washington Hospitality Association, BECU, Business Impact NW, Greater Seattle Partners, Washington Trust Bank, Multi-Service Center, and many more.

Together, these leaders will share practical insights, real-world experiences, and forward-looking perspectives to help you navigate today's evolving business landscape with confidence.

Special Welcome

The conference will open with welcoming remarks from Mayor Yoshiko Grace Matsui, City of Des Moines, who will share her perspective on regional leadership, collaboration, and the opportunities ahead for South King County.

Her remarks will set the stage for a morning of meaningful conversations focused on strengthening our businesses, communities, and the leaders shaping our region's future.

What You'll Learn

South King County Economic Outlook: What Leaders Should Expect

Understand the trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping South King County's economy—and what they mean for your business, organization, and community.

Hear directly from leaders influencing economic development, transportation, workforce, and public policy throughout our region.

Featured Panelists

• Senator Tina Orwall

• Representative Mia Gregerson

• Cathy Vue, Port of Seattle

• Crystal Leatherman, Director of Policy & Government Affairs, Washington Retail Association

Moderator

Katherine Caffrey, City Manager, City of Des Moines

Regulation & Policy Shifts: Preparing Your Business

Legislation and regulation continue to reshape how organizations operate.

Learn what employers should be paying attention to now, what changes are on the horizon, and how to position your organization for success.

Featured Panelists

• Max Martin, Government Affairs Director, Association of Washington Business

• Councilmember Armen Papyan, City of Tukwila

• Andrea Reay, Director of Policy & Government Affairs, Washington Hospitality Association

Moderator

Carmen Goers, Vice President & Small Business Banking Relationship Manager, Washington Trust Bank

Capital, Cash Flow & Resilience

Build confidence around cash flow, budgeting, capital access, and the financial decisions that strengthen organizations for the long term.

Whether you're growing your business, leading a nonprofit, or managing through uncertainty, you'll walk away with practical financial strategies you can apply immediately.

Featured Panelists

• Shyan Selah, Founder, Brave New World Enterprises

• Harris Anwar, Branch Manager, BECU

Moderator

Joe Sky-Tucker, President & CEO, Business Impact NW

Strategy in Motion: Leading Through Change

The strongest leaders don't simply respond to change—they create momentum through it.

Learn how experienced executives build resilient teams, align strategy with action, and lead confidently through uncertainty.

Featured Panelists

• Kirsten York, CEO, Multi-Service Center

• Lawrence Garrett, Founder & Owner, 828 Group

Moderator

Shannon Braddock, President & CEO, Greater Seattle Partners

Closing Fireside Conversation

The Journey So Far: Resilience, Risk & Reinvention

Close the conference with an inspiring conversation featuring King County Executive Girmay Zahilay as he reflects on leadership, perseverance, taking calculated risks, and leading with purpose during times of change.

Moderator

Mayor Thomas McLeod, City of Tukwila

More Than a Conference

Leadership isn't built through presentations alone.

Throughout the morning, you'll have opportunities to connect with fellow attendees, speakers, elected officials, business executives, nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, and community partners during networking breaks and our Leadership Resource Fair.

These conversations often become the partnerships, collaborations, and relationships that continue long after the conference ends.

Who Should Attend?

Whether you're an established executive or stepping into leadership for the first time, this conference is designed for you.

Ideal for:

• Business owners

• Executives and senior leaders

• Managers and supervisors

• Entrepreneurs

• Nonprofit leaders

• Public sector professionals

• Community leaders

• Emerging professionals

• Anyone committed to growing their leadership and expanding their impact

What You'll Walk Away With

✔ A clearer understanding of the economic and policy landscape shaping South King County.

✔ Practical leadership strategies you can implement immediately.

✔ Greater confidence in financial planning and organizational resilience.

✔ New relationships with business, nonprofit, and government leaders.

✔ Fresh ideas to strengthen your organization and your leadership.

✔ Inspiration from leaders who are actively shaping the future of our region.

Leadership Starts Here.

The challenges facing our communities require thoughtful, connected, and courageous leadership.

Join the conversations that matter. Build meaningful connections. Leave equipped to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Space is limited. Register today and be part of the leadership shaping South King County's future.