Tickets on sale now!

January 7, 2026
9 A.M – 4 P.M.

Delaware State University
Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center
1200 North DuPont Highway
Dover, DE 19901

Don’t miss Delaware’s most dynamic day of political discussions at the 2026 Spotlight Delaware Legislative Summit, set to kick off days before lawmakers return to Dover in January.

Join us at the beautiful Delaware State University Student Center for a variety of panel discussions about pressing issues facing the 153rd General Assembly and intimate chats with leadership about their priorities going into the new legislative year. 

Hear from elected officials about the challenges and opportunities in the upcoming session, and share your ideas and vision in a room of engaged citizens.

Mark your calendars for what is sure to be a memorable day of lively discussion, civic engagement, and thought leadership.

Tentative Agenda

Check In & Breakfast
9 – 9:30 AM

Welcome Comments
9:30 – 10 A.M.

First Panels
10 – 11 A.M.

Assessments + Referendums + Funding Formula = An Uncertain Future for Public Education
Emily Falcon, Chief Financial Officer, Colonial School District
Sen. Laura Sturgeon
Rep. Mike Smith

Fueling the First State: How Delaware Will Meet the Energy Needs of the 21st Century
Marcus Beal, VP of Governmental and External Affairs, Delmarva Power
Sen. Stephanie Hansen
Sen. Brian Pettyjohn

Immigration Enforcement in the Trump Era: How Will the General Assembly Respond?
Carlos de los Ramos, Delaware Hispanic Commission
Bryant Garcia, Executive Director, La Esperanza
Rep. Mara Gorman

Break
11 – 11:20 A.M.

Second Panels
11:20 – 12:20 PM

The Big, Beautiful Budget Conversation: How Federal Action Will Shape 2026 Debate
Secretary Cynthia Marten, Department of Education
Secretary Christen Linke Young, Department of Health and Social Services
Additional panelist TBA

Southern Exposure: Confronting the Most Pressing Issues of Kent & Sussex Counties
Rep. Rich Collins
Donyale Hall, Dover City Council
Mayor Bill West, Georgetown

Delaware’s Innovation Economy: How Gov. Meyer’s Small Business Focus Seeks to Transform Economic Development
Rob Herrera, Co-Chair, Delaware Prosperity Partnership
Ayanna Khan, Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce
Rep. Bryan Shupe

Lunch
12:20 – 1:20 P.M.

Legislative Leadership Panel
1:20 – 2:20 P.M.
Sen. David Sokola, Senate President Pro Tempore
Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, Speaker of the House
Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, Senate Minority Whip
Rep. Jeff Spiegelman, House Minority Whip

Break
2:20 – 2:40 P.M.

Fireside Chat
2:40 – 3:40 P.M.

Closing Remarks
3:40 – 4 P.M.

Agenda and panelists subject to change.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor

Host and Venue Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Sponsorship

The 2026 Spotlight Delaware Legislative Summit builds on the success of last year’s sold-out event, with more panels, more policy discussions, and more space to accommodate up to 400 attendees from around the state. Sponsoring Legislative Summit positions your organization as a leader amongst Delaware’s decision-makers and in front of hundreds of engaged attendees.

Download our sponsorship flyer for more detailed information.

For sponsorship inquiries, contact Strategic Partnerships and Growth Consultant Avie Silver at asilver@spotlightdelaware.org.