More than 1,250 regional leaders are expected to gather in Newark on December 8, 2026, for the fourth annual Newark Summit for Economic Development, Placemaking & Innovation. The day-long event will bring together the people behind the city’s development projects, businesses, cultural institutions, and investments for conversations about Newark’s growth and the opportunities ahead.
Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka will return for a keynote fireside chat, joining a lineup of developers, investors, business leaders, and nonprofit executives from across the region.
The Summit will take place on the 16th and 17th floors of 550 Broad Street, offering sweeping views of Downtown Newark and the New York City skyline. The Fidelco Group returns as venue partner, with Newark Alliance and Prudential Financial serving as co-chairs and Invest Newark as presenting partner.
“We are proud to once again host the Newark Summit at Fidelco’s 550 Broad. The building speaks to one of the Newark Summit’s central ideas: that Newark’s continued progress is driven by the intersection of the private, public, and philanthropic sectors,” said Kerri B. Levine, principal of The Fidelco Group. “Just as the Summit brings those leaders together to help build a shared vision for the city’s future development, 550 Broad is a place where those same forces come together every day — making it a fitting home for these important conversations.”
Programming will explore real estate investment, economic development, innovation, site selection, capital markets, transportation, design, and placemaking. Discussions will examine the projects and partnerships shaping Newark, with perspectives from anchor institutions, property owners, developers, occupiers, nonprofits, and advisors.
“It’s an opportunity to assess Newark’s economic progress, identify emerging investment opportunities, and help shape the next chapter of our city’s development,” said Solomon Steplight, CEO of Newark Alliance.
For Invest Newark President and CEO Marcus Randolph, the Summit is also an opportunity to connect the city’s momentum with tangible benefits for its communities. “Newark is experiencing significant momentum, and our responsibility is to ensure that we are deliberate about how we build upon it. This Summit creates an important forum for substantive dialogue, new partnerships, and investment opportunities that can strengthen Newark’s economy and expand opportunity for the people and businesses that call this city home.”
Confirmed speakers include:
Ras J. Baraka, Mayor, City of Newark
Kerri B. Levine, Managing Principal, The Fidelco Group
Solomon Steplight, CEO, Newark Alliance
Adenah Bayoh, Founder & Principal, Adenah Bayoh & Companies
Wasseem Boraie, Managing Principal, Boraie Development
Amy Herbold, President & CEO, Choose New Jersey
Sarah Keh, Vice President, Inclusive Solutions, Prudential Financial
Marcus Randolph, President & CEO, Invest Newark
Evan Weiss, Chief Executive Officer, New Jersey Economic Development Authority
Melanie Walter, Executive Director, NJHMFA
John Schreiber, President and CEO, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Lisa Funderburke, Director & CEO, Newark Museum of Art
Susan J. Schofer, Ph.D., Partner & Chief Science Officer, SOSV / HAX
Jonathan Schultz, Managing Principal, Onyx Equities
Melba Wilson, Founder & Chef, Melba’s Restaurant
Talia Young, President & CEO, Newark Symphony Hall
Additional speakers represent organizations including Cushman & Wakefield, JLL, McKinsey & Company, Newark Housing Authority, University Hospital, and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, with more participants to be announced.
Topics and fireside conversations will include:
Arts institutions, economic catalysts, and partnerships
Mixed-use development, innovative retail, and placemaking
Office space, innovation, capital, and talent
Affordable housing and multifamily development
Emerging markets and the region
Capital markets, finance, tax, and incentives
Leadership innovations in nonprofits, philanthropy, and public-private partnerships
A dedicated fireside conversation with NJPAC’s John Schreiber will focus on Artside, Lionsgate, and Cooperman. Mayor Baraka will participate in a separate fireside chat.
Choose New Jersey President and CEO Amy Herbold will also moderate a conversation with business and real estate leaders about the opportunities ahead as companies consider where to invest, expand, and attract talent.
“Newark’s business community, anchor institutions, and talented workforce are helping drive the city’s continued growth. As companies think about where to invest, expand, and attract talent, Newark has a compelling story to tell,” said Amy Herbold, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “I’m looking forward to moderating a conversation with leaders from across the business and real estate communities about the opportunities ahead and what will help keep that momentum going.”
For those working in Newark’s real estate, business, civic, and cultural communities, the Summit offers a chance to hear directly from decision-makers and connect with potential partners from across the city and region.
For the full speaker lineup, event details, and registration, visit The Newark Summit’s website.
