Our 2nd Ideas + Action Summit showcases how innovation, opportunity, and people can flourish together when we DARE TO BE BOLD.
Top industry and state voices will explore the ideas + innovations shaping the future and unlocking transformative opportunity for the people of the Central Coast.
Join us for a day of connecting, championing courageous ideas, inspiring brave leadership, and forging new paths that REDEFINE WHAT’S POSSIBLE.
Jan. 30 | 10:45 am – 6 pm
10:45 am | REGISTRATION + NETWORKING
Get checked in, connect and catch up over coffee
11:45 am | LUNCH + PROGRAM
Enjoy a seated lunch as the program kicks off
4:45 pm | RECEPTION + NETWORKING
Mingle and share takeaways over drinks and small bites
Ritz Carlton Bacara – Santa Barbara
8301 Hollister Ave., Goleta
State View on Jobs + the Economy
Dee Dee Myers, Gov. Newsom’s Chief Economic Advisor and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), will provide insight on a new framework to create more jobs faster and how the Central Coast figures into the big picture.
Jobs + Innovation
Exploring the region’s role in leading the industries forging the future and creating pathways to opportunity
Tory Bruno
United Launch Alliance CEO on his leadership journey from Cal Poly to industry giant and leading teams to drive innovative growth in our nation’s critical space launch market
Kate Gordon
California Forward CEO and former national energy advisor on the shifting energy landscape and how the region can shape and lead the way forward
Marek Gootman
Brookings Institution senior fellow, with a pragmatic, data-driven view of opportunities to grow quality jobs and solve economic challenges on the Central Coast
Innovation in Action
Panel exploring how ideas are playing out on the ground across the Central Coast
Blue Laser Fusion
Paul Rudy on developing laser-powered fusion energy
Google Quantum AI
Monica Hansen on ushering in the Quantum Era
SpaceX
Blake Bradley on the Central Coast’s rapidly expanding space launch ecosystem
Moderator
Matthew Woods, Apartment List CEO and REACH board member
HOUSING + WORKFORCE
Examining critical complements to job creation in increasing economic and community resilience and ensuring people can build secure futures
MATT BEANE, UCSB professor and Stanford/MIT fellow
on how AI and robotics are transforming industries, redefining skills and expanding access to jobs
ANYELEY HALLOVÁ, Founder/CEO of Adre
an equity-centered real estate development company, on building people-centered projects and places where everyone can prosper
YOUR PART IN THE STORY
Interactive session on harnessing storytelling as a powerful tool to inspire belief, build influence, and ultimately drive shared purpose
CHRISTINA HARBRIDGE, misChief Executive Officer of Allegory Inc.
and behaviorist specializing in leveraging physiology for effective communication and impact
Regional Spotlights
Highlighting innovation in action on the Central Coast
PG&E
Maureen Zawalick on pioneering the state’s clean energy future at Diablo Canyon
Atomic Canyon
Trey Lauderdale on harnessing AI for safer, more efficient nuclear power
ACI Jet/Cuesta College
Collaboration to open doors to good-paying jobs while developing an in-demand workforce
Uplift Central Coast
Expansive partnership driving inclusive economic resilience and investment across six states
What to expect
Engaging segments
Get informed and inspired on the issues shaping our region’s future.
Inspiring discussion
Hear from visionary voices on where the region is headed.
Networking opportunities
Connect and collaborate with leaders from across the region.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
“As the Presenting Sponsor of the 2025 REACH Ideas Summit, Coastal Community Builders is thrilled to support the bold discussions that drive the future of the Central Coast. Last year’s event was an inspiring example of how collaboration and innovation can shape a more prosperous region. We’re excited to join visionary leaders, industry experts, and our local community to explore groundbreaking ideas and take action toward building a vibrant, sustainable future. The opportunities ahead are limitless, and we’re proud to be a part of this incredible journey.”
– Cam Boyd, CEO, Coastal Community Builders
SUSTAINING SPONSOR
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
BUSINESS SPONSORS
