The Virginia Bankers Association and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce are partnering to host the 2027 Financial Forecast. Now in its sixteenth year, this is the premier event of its kind in Richmond, attracting hundreds of members of the business community as they learn what lies ahead for the state and national economy. 

Location & Time

Richmond Marriott
500 E Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219

Registration will open at 11:30 a.m. and the 2027 Financial Forecast will begin at 12:00 p.m.

Agenda

*Agenda subject to change.

11:30 a.m. Registration & Check-in

12:00 p.m. Welcome

12:05 p.m. Lunch

12:40 p.m. Data Centers & the Impact on the Virginia Economy João-Pedro Ferreira | University of Virginia, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service

1:20 p.m. Virginia Economic Outlook – A Fireside Chat Thomas I. Barkin | Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

1:55 p.m. Closing Remarks

2:00 p.m. Event Adjourns

Meet the Speakers

Thomas I. Barkin
President & CEO
Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Tom Barkin is the president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. He has held this position since 2018. Tom serves on the Fed’s chief monetary policy body, the Federal Open Market Committee, and is also responsible for bank supervision and the Federal Reserve’s technology organization. He is “on the ground” continually in the Fed’s Fifth District, which covers South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, D.C., West Virginia and Maryland. His engagement in the region has brought real attention to areas facing economic challenges. Prior to joining the Richmond Fed, Tom was a senior partner and CFO at McKinsey & Company, a worldwide management consulting firm, where he also oversaw McKinsey’s offices in the southern United States.

João-Pedro Ferreira
Acting Director of the Center for Economic and Policy Studies
University of Virginia, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service

João Ferreira is Acting Director of the Center for Economic and Policy Studies at the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. An expert in regional economic analysis, economic forecasting, and the economic and policy implications of structural changes affecting Virginia and other regional economies, João is responsible for the Cooper Center’s Economic Forecast for Virginia, which helps policymakers and public officials understand changes in the Commonwealth’s economy and its relationship to national economic conditions.  A major area of João’s recent research examines the rapid growth of data centers and its implications for economic development, electricity demand, infrastructure, labor markets, public revenues, and regional economies in Virginia and elsewhere. 

More broadly, João’s research focuses on urban and regional economics, input-output and regional economic modeling, energy and environmental economics, and the evaluation of public policies and investments. He is particularly interested in understanding how major economic, technological, demographic, and energy transitions affect regions differently and how economic analysis can inform public decision-making. João has published in economics, regional science, energy, and sustainability journals and regularly collaborates with researchers in the United States and Europe. He also teaches Regional Economic Analysis and Policy at the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy.

João regularly provides commentary on the Virginia economy, economic policy, and data centers to newspapers, radio, television, and other media, and via public appearances. His research and economic commentary have been featured in outlets including The Guardian, Virginia Business, WTOP, Virginia Mercury, 29News/WVIR, the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and Fox5DC.

João holds a Ph.D. in Sustainable Energy Systems and a Master’s in Local Economics from the University of Coimbra in Portugal. Before joining the Cooper Center in 2023, he held research and teaching positions at the University of Aveiro, Rutgers University, and the University of Florida. Outside the office, he enjoys food, traveling, and hiking with his dog Dexter.

Individual Registrations

Individual Registration for the VBA/VA Chamber Financial Forecast is $125.

Register Now!

Please note a seperate registration is needed for VBA Banker Day, happening the morning of January 14, 2027.

Interested in Sponsoring? Learn more below!

Cancellation Policy – Individual Registrations

Individual registrations may be transferred to another attendee at any time.  Cancellations, less a $25 cancellation fee, will be refunded through January 7, 2027.  After January 7, 2027 refunds will not be issued. 

MBA/VBA Policies

By registering for this event, you are agreeing to the MBA/VBA Event Policies and the Privacy Policy.

Special Needs & Americans with Disabilities Notice

Please share any specific needs that should be considered as we plan for the event (i.e. hearing impaired, sight impaired, etc.). Please contact Michele Dunn with any details.

Become a Sponsor for the 2027 Financial Forecast!

The 2027 Financial Forecast has several sponsor packages available to accommodate businesses of all sizes!  Check out the options below and contact Kristen Reid at the VBA with questions.

Ready to commit? Contact Michele Dunn to register as a sponsor. You will be contacted for your list of attendees per your sponsorship level after registration!

Platinum Sponsor – $7,500 (1 available!)

• Exclusive listing as a Platinum Sponsor on all promotional materials, event materials and on the event website.
• Four tables (40 seats) at the event
• Recognition and thanks at the podium
• Speaker Introduction at podium

Gold Sponsor – $5,000

• Exclusive listing as a Gold Sponsor on all promotional materials, event materials and on the event website.
• Three tables (30 seats) at the event
• Recognition and thanks at the podium

Silver Sponsor – $3,000

• Exclusive listing as a Silver Sponsor on all promotional materials, event materials and on the event website.
• Two tables (20 seats) at the event
• Recognition and thanks at the podium

Patron Sponsor – $1,000

• Exclusive listing as a Patron Sponsor on all promotional materials, event materials and on the event website.
• One table (10 seats) at the event
• Recognition and thanks at the podium

Co-Patron Sponsor – $750

• Exclusive listing as a Co-Patron Sponsor on all promotional materials, event materials and on the event website.
• Shared table (5 seats) at the event
• Recognition and thanks at the podium