Event on Tuesday, Oct. 7 will feature conversations with national and local leaders on the future of business, politics, creativity and culture in the Midwest
Minneapolis, Minn. – The Minnesota Star Tribune today announced the full program for its inaugural North Star Summit, taking place on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 at the Walker Art Center. The daylong event will bring together top business, political and cultural leaders to explore the issues, ideas and solutions shaping the future of Minnesota, the Midwest and the nation.
“We’re excited about the dynamic lineup we’ve pulled together for our first-ever North Star Summit,” said Steve Grove, publisher and CEO of the Minnesota Star Tribune. “From passionate insight talks to keynotes on America’s future to conversations with leaders shaping our region and the world, this event will be a moment for the Midwest to shine and for meaningful connections to be made.”
VIP tickets have sold out, but limited seating remains available at startribune.com/northstarsummit.
Program Highlights
7:30 a.m. – Registration and networking breakfast
8:30 a.m. – Welcome and Opening Remarks from Steve Grove (publisher and CEO of the Minnesota Star Tribune) and special premiere of the North Star Index (eight ideas defining the Midwest) by Kathleen Hennessey (editor of the Minnesota Star Tribune).
8:45 a.m. – Keynote address: Pete Leyden (futurist and cofounder of The Great Progression) presents “Understanding the Next Great Digital Age.”
9:20 a.m. – Lightning Talks: Insights from the Midwest – A series of 10-minute presentations showcase diverse perspectives on the region’s future:
- Susan Brower (Minnesota State Demographer) presents “Demographic shifts that will define the next generation of regional leadership and growth.”
- Myles Shaver (University of Minnesota) presents “Minnesota’s competitive edge in headquarters and talent.”
- Chanda Smith Baker (Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation) presents “The Minnesota Paradox and the role of philanthropy in addressing inequality.”
- Peter Meijer (New Industrial Corporation) presents “Independent thinking from the Midwest and its national impact.”
- Houston White (Houston White Ventures) presents “Building community-first businesses and bridging divides.”
- Danielle Russell (Google) presents “What Midwest businesses must know about data, privacy and digital transformation.”
10:30 a.m. – Fireside Chat: The Big Interview on AI – Ronnie Chatterji (OpenAI), Neel Kashkari (Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis), and Josh Boak (Associated Press) discuss the profound economic and societal implications of artificial intelligence.
11:20 a.m. – Panel: The Future of the Republican Party in Minnesota with former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Sen. Zach Duckworth, Sen. Julia Coleman. Moderated by Rochelle Olson (Minnesota Star Tribune).
11:55 a.m. – Lunch and Networking Reception
1:20 p.m. – Panel: Midwest Creativity – A discussion featuring artist Dessa, novelist Curtis Sittenfeld, and journalist Ernesto Londoño (The New York Times).
2 p.m. – Panel: Leadership in This Moment – A discussion featuring Dr. Gianrico Farrugia (Mayo Clinic), Gunjan Kedia (U.S. Bancorp), Beth Wozniak (nVent). Moderated by Ali Kaplan (Minnesota Star Tribune).
2:50 p.m. – Lightning Talks: Midwest Disruptors – Visionary leaders share how the region is transforming industries:
- Dayna Frank (First Avenue Productions) presents “When live music becomes civic power.”
- Zach Mannheimer (Alquist 3D) presents “Reinventing how Americans live through housing innovation.”
- Andrew Miller (Minnesota Vikings) presents “Disrupting sports business and fan engagement.”
- Ping Yeh (Vocxi Health) presents “Midwest grit and MedTech breakthroughs.”
4 p.m. – Fireside Chat: States vs. Washington – Gov. Tim Walz and Gov. J.B. Pritzker will join Lisa Lerer (The New York Times) to debate state and federal leadership in this pivotal moment.
4:55 p.m. Closing Remarks followed by happy hour networking reception
About the North Star Summit
Drawing inspiration from events like The New York Times’ DealBook Summit, the Aspen Ideas Festival, and the Texas Tribune Festival, the North Star Summit is a first-of-its-kind ideas festival in the upper Midwest. With substantive talks, newsmaker interviews and panel discussions, the event will showcase the Midwest’s outsized but often overlooked role in shaping the nation’s future.
About The Minnesota Star Tribune
The Minnesota Star Tribune is an innovative modern media organization building on an extraordinary 158-year legacy. With seven Pulitzer Prizes and hundreds of other awards, the Minnesota Star Tribune boasts the Midwest’s largest news organization and is an unrivaled force for journalistic excellence in Minnesota and beyond. As the heart and voice of the north, the Minnesota Star Tribune is on a journey to create the leading model for local news in America – driving innovation in media to make every Minnesotan’s life better. For more information, visit www.startribunecompany.com.