Event Recap of SAMCEDA’s 2026 ‘THRED Talks’

In June 2026, the San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA) convened more than 300 leaders from business, government, education, nonprofits, labor, and the community for its 73rd Annual Meeting featuring "THRED Talks" - Weaving Our Region Together event at The Farallon Room at Skyline College in San Bruno.

For ten years, “THRED Talks” has been built on a simple belief: the future belongs to communities willing to bring diverse voices together, challenge conventional thinking, and solve problems collaboratively. In a time of rapid technological change, economic uncertainty, and growing complexity, the need for trusted spaces where leaders can learn from one another has never been greater.

This year’s speakers reflected that commitment:

Benjamin Jaros - Research Fellow, Hoover Institution
Natalie Holmes - Senior Researcher, Community Engagement and Analysis, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Patrick A. McLaughlin - Research Fellow, Hoover Institution
Kara Newport - President & CEO, Filoli
Cecilia Phillips - Coordinating Producer / Reporter, KQED’s Check, Please! Bay Area

Together, they challenged attendees to think differently about artificial intelligence, economic opportunities, regulatory policy, community identity and connections through nature and food, innovation, and the changing dynamics that will define the Bay Area for decades to come. These were not simply presentations, they were conversations designed to spark new ideas, strengthen partnerships, and inspire action.

Because the biggest challenges facing our region will never be solved by one organization, one sector, or one perspective alone.

Since its launch in 2016, “THRED Talks” has become one of the Bay Area’s premier cross-sector leadership forums. It is where CEOs sit beside elected officials, entrepreneurs exchange ideas with educators, nonprofit leaders connect with business executives, and innovators engage with community advocates. It is where unlikely conversations become lasting partnerships and where relationships become the foundation for progress.

At SAMCEDA, we believe that weaving our region together is not a slogan. It is a strategy. By connecting people, ideas, and institutions, we strengthen the economic and social fabric of San Mateo County and position our region to compete, innovate, and thrive.

The conversations don’t end when the stage goes dark. They continue in boardrooms, classrooms, city halls, workplaces, and communities throughout the year because the strongest regions are built not by chance, but by collaboration.

SAMCEDA is proud to convene these conversations and grateful to our sponsors and partners whose vision and support make “THRED Talks” possible.

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To view the presentations and to learn more about “THRED Talks,” please click here .
(Click here to read the speakers’ bios)