Established in 1992, the Annual State of the Region is one of NVC’s longest-standing signature events. Originally known as the Economic Outlook, this gathering was created to provide executives and policymakers with localized data that national reports often overlooked. Today, that tradition continues as we prepare to deliver the 2026 Northern Virginia economic outlook leaders need to navigate the year ahead. At the time of its founding, the organization operated as the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce and worked to help the region become a global powerhouse; this is a sentiment the organization continues to maintain today.
A foundational partnership with the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis transformed the meeting into the primary source for regional economic data. This collaboration introduced leaders to the Fuller Index and tracked the development of the “Silicon Valley of the East.” A testament to this growth is the fact that the region is home to the world’s largest concentration of data centers, a significant milestone that these early summits helped bring to the attention of the local business community.
Today, this program builds on our legislative advocacy by advancing the policy recommendations and priorities at the heart of the NOVA Roadmap. Following Lobby Day, this event serves to further NVC’s strategic NOVA Roadmap initiative, which focuses on four bold goals: reinventing the local economy, cultivating affordability for our workforce, attracting sustained investment, and telling the region’s powerful story. By analyzing critical data and hosting diverse perspectives, this year’s State of the Region ensures we maintain the momentum necessary to drive regional economic progress in 2026.
Past speakers and moderators include various Virginia Governors, U.S. Senator Mark Warner, economist Dr. Stephen Fuller, and WUSA9 anchor Lesli Foster. The 2026 discussion will continue this tradition by hosting executive visionaries, including Tom Barkin, President & CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond; Bruce Caswell, President & CEO, Maximus; Scott McIntyre, President, Guidehouse; and David Trone, Owner, Total Wine & More. Drew Wilder of NBC4 will moderate the conversation.
All NVC members are encouraged to attend this essential discussion on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Join us to gain a clear-eyed assessment of the Northern Virginia economic outlook 2026 and ensure your organization is positioned for growth. For more information and to register, visit our event page.
