Economic Outlook

November 5, 2025 9:00 am – 11:00 am Seaport Hotel Boston

Event Details

Join us to hear from expert panelists on the economic opportunities and challenges that will shape the local economy.

Attendees will gain actionable insights to inform business, policy, and investment decisions for the year ahead.

Examine evolving consumer preferences and habits that are reshaping industries across the Commonwealth.

Tickets

FREE for Members & Non-Members

Forecasting the Year Ahead with Expert Economic Insights

Join us on November 5 for this free Economic Outlook event, where leading experts in local, national, and global economics, retail, finance, and hospitality will explore the trends shaping the year ahead. With 2026 on the horizon, panelists will examine the economic opportunities and challenges expected to influence the Greater Boston region and the Commonwealth.

This year’s program will focus on the 2026 economic outlook, with special attention to ongoing trends in consumer behavior. Discussions will explore the impact of changes in national economic policies, emerging technologies, workforce and industry dynamics, and global geopolitical developments. These insights will help attendees shape strategic planning and decision-making for the year ahead.

Press and media wishing to cover the event must RSVP to [email protected].

Questions? Contact us.

Erica Deese

Senior Program Manager

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Erica

Speakers

Meghan Shue

Chief Investment Strategist, Wilmington Trust

Meghan is responsible for helping manage the end-to-end asset allocation process, developing market research, and communicating the investment team’s market outlook…Read more

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Lizanne Kindler

Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer, KnitWell Group

Lizanne Kindler is the Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of KnitWell Group, a multi-brand specialty retail company comprised of the iconic American apparel…Read more

Lizanne Kindler is the Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of KnitWell Group, a multi-brand specialty retail company comprised of the iconic American apparel brands, Ann Taylor, Chico’s, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, Talbots, and White House Black Market. Together, these brands generate $6 billion in sales, serve 20 million customers and employ 45,000 associates across the country, making KnitWell one of the largest specialty apparel companies in the United States.

Lizanne is a highly accomplished executive with more than 30 years of experience in fashion retail. She started her career at Ann Taylor Stores Corporation, where she spent 15 years in various leadership roles. Lizanne was instrumental in leading the foundational stages of their ecommerce business, as well as launching Ann Taylor Loft. She left Ann Taylor in 2008 to come to Talbots the first time as the Senior Vice President of Merchandising. Two years later, Lizanne went to Kohl’s to be the Executive Vice President of Product Development.

Lizanne returned to Talbots as President in August of 2012 when the company was acquired by private equity firm, Sycamore Partners, and was promoted to CEO nine months later. In January 2021, she was also named CEO of Ann Taylor, LOFT and Lane Bryant, collectively known as Ascena, when these brands were purchased out of bankruptcy by Sycamore Partners. KnitWell Group was established in May of 2023 and Lizanne was named Executive Chair and CEO. The company subsequently acquired Chico’s FAS in January of 2024.

Over the course of the last 10 years, Lizanne and her team have created a tested and proven playbook for operating a vertical specialty retail business that is equally focused on creating a strong and profitable foundation, a best-in-class integrated operating platform, and having clearly defined and differentiated high-performing brands. Using this playbook, she has executed two significant turnarounds, first with Talbots, and then with the Ascena brands.

Outside of KnitWell Group, Lizanne is a highly respected leader in the industry and in the community. In 2024, She was named as the American Apparel and Footwear Association’s Person of the Year as part of their American Image Awards. Lizanne leads KnitWell Group’s efforts in the communities they serve through partnerships at the national level with Dress for Success and Breast Cancer Research Foundation, having raised nearly $100 million to support and empower women. In addition to her philanthropic work, Lizanne has served on the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston since January of 2020 and is currently the Deputy Chair. She is also the Vice Chair for Denmark for the American-Scandinavian Foundation.

A native of Denmark, Lizanne graduated from the Copenhagen Business School with a BA in Economics.

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René F. Jones

Chairman and CEO, M&T Bank

René F. Jones is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of M&T Bank, a community-focused banking franchise with over $211 billion in assets* and a network…Read more

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Patrick Lyons

Co-Founder and CEO, Lyons Group

Patrick T. Lyons is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Lyons Group, a Boston-based hospitality company. Over the past 40 years, the company has created over 50 unique…Read more

Vivian Iannotti

Chief Executive Officer, Stop and Compare Markets

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Agenda

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Networking & Registration

Guests arrive, sign in at registration, and network with fellow attendees.

9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Program

Hear from Meghan Shue, Lizanne Kindler, and local and regional business leaders, addressing the economic forecast for the year ahead.

10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Audience Q&A

A chance to ask questions to the experts.

Presenting Sponsor

FAQs

What is included in my registration?

Access to a welcoming community of professionals over a great conversation forecasting the year ahead and morning refreshments!

What should I bring?

An interest in connecting and networking with other professionals. Oh, and don’t forget business cards.

What should I wear?

Please come dressed for your day!

When should I arrive?

Registration begins a 9:00 a.m., with program starting promptly at 9:30 a.m.!

Do I need to register in advance?

We have a limited number of tickets available for this event and encourage registering in advance.

Seaport Hotel Boston

1 Seaport Ln, Boston, MA 02210

Get Directions

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce encourages persons with disabilities to participate, and engage fully, in its programs and events.

If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, including but not limited to, listening devices, closed captioning, large print, wheelchair access, allergies and environmental sensitivities, or if you have any questions about the venue, event format, or virtual platform, please contact us at [email protected].

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Get Involved

Become a Member

About Us

Get to Know the Chamber

Member Benefits

Grow Your Business

Membership Directory

Not sure if you’re a member?

Events & Networking

WHAT’S NEXT

Upcoming Events

Engage & Learn

FEATURED EVENT

Series

2025 Government Affairs Forum | State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMMING:

Member Engagement

Maximize Your Membership

Unlock Value

Membership Directory

Discover fellow Chamber members.

Upcoming Events

Stay Involved

Talent & Workforce

City Awake

Boston’s Future Leaders

Massachusetts Apprentice Network

Strategic Communication for Better Collaboration

Partnership with Boston Public Schools

Policy & Impact

GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

Business Climate

Climate & Energy

Health Care

Housing & Development

Talent

Transportation

Foundation