Minneapolis, Minn. – The Minnesota Star Tribune has announced plans for its inaugural North Star Summit. Taking place on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 at the Walker Art Center, the event will bring a collection of top business, political, and cultural leaders together to discuss the issues, ideas and solutions that will shape the future of our region and America.
The event’s keynote and luncheon will feature a governor’s panel, led by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, along with top elected and business leaders from other states.
“We’re excited to convene curious and influential leaders for a first of its kind ideas festival in the upper Midwest,” said Steve Grove, Publisher and CEO of the Minnesota Star Tribune. “In a nutshell, the North Star Summit will explore the future of our nation, and how the Midwest is making an outsized – but sometimes overlooked – impact on that future. We hope people will leave this event both informed and inspired.”
Drawing inspiration from events like the New York Times Deal Book Summit, the Aspen Ideas Festival and the Texas Tribune Festival, the North Star Summit aspires to be a new showcase of ideas and influences from the region. With substantive talks, newsmaker interviews and panel discussions about topics of deep relevance to the region, attendees will glean key takeaways and inspiration to inform their daily lives and work.
Some potential topics and breakout sessions include*:
· The Midwest Moment: Why the Future of America Runs Through the Heartland – A bold look at the place our region holds in the country
· The Next Big Thing: Startups Rewriting the Midwest Economy – Regional success stories with national lessons featuring founders and investors in food tech, ag tech and med tech.
· Bridging the Divide: Rural and Urban Futures – Transportation, broadband, education access, and political polarization explored through the lens of rural leaders, mayors and technology innovators.
· The Midwest Migration Story – Examining our history with a focus on talent attraction, retention, AI’s impact and regional demographic shifts.
· The Governors’ Agenda – An examination of how Midwestern states are collaborating (or competing) on major issues including workforce, infrastructure, education, rural development and climate adaptation.
· The Midwest's Role in Global Trade Amid Tariff Uncertainties – An exploration of how Midwestern industries, especially agriculture and manufacturing, are navigating the complexities of international trade and tariffs.
· The Algorithm Next Door: AI in our Everyday – A session exploring how AI is impacting agriculture, health care and small businesses across the Midwest in a tangible and local way.
· Get inside the Midwest Mind: Business Leaders in Conversation –A forum for authentic, dynamic, substantive and actionable conversations between attendees and influential Midwest business leaders.
· The States vs. Washington: Who’s Leading? – An examination of the risks and rewards of state and federal leadership at a time of national polarization
*Topics, breakout sessions and speakers are subject to change.
Ticket information, along with final topic and speaker lists will be announced in the coming months at startribune.com/northstarsummit
About The Minnesota Star Tribune
The Minnesota Star Tribune is an innovative modern media organization building on an extraordinary 157-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.
