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Our Speaking Team
ITR Economics provides the most interesting, informative, and enthusiastic speakers in the economics field. Our presentations include audience-specific strategies, insightful suggestions, and practical solutions that can change the trajectory of a business. Attendees receive take-home value they can apply to their companies for concrete results.
Our presenters always include on-topic and audience-specific forecasts with clear action items, to the direct benefit of attendees’ current and future business planning. Insights from our team of experts have regularly been featured in major media outlets, such as Bloomberg, Reuters, Schwab Network, NYSE, Yahoo! Finance, CNBC, and many more.
Get to know our expert team below.
Tara Bayke
Economist & Sr. Consulting Speaker
Michael Feuz
Economist & Sr. Consulting Speaker
Connor Lokar
Sr. Forecaster & Keynote Manager
Taylor St. Germain
Economist & Sr. Consulting Speaker
Lauren Saidel-Baker
Economist & Consulting Manager
Tara Bayke
Economist & Senior Consulting Speaker
ITR Economist and Senior Consulting Speaker Tara Bayke joined the ITR Economics team in 2025, bringing with her a wealth of experience working on both state- and federal-level projects related to health care and workforce development.
Tara also has experience in commercial finance, having previously worked in the housing, automotive, and marine sectors.
Tara earned both her bachelor’s degree in economics and her master’s degree from Georgia State University. She continues to teach economics at her alma mater while providing her economic expertise to our clients.
"Exceptional job at the TXBizCon-Houston event. You are an incredible speaker—very knowledgeable and engaging—and you did an excellent job. I was especially impressed by your professionalism and ability to handle challenging questions with confidence and facts. Several attendees shared how much they appreciated the thoughtful and composed way you navigated the discussion. Truly a great job."
Crowe TXBizCon-Houston Event Attendee
"In addition to a profound understanding of economics, Tara brings a wealth of real-world business experience that will help business leaders navigate the complex economic landscape. We are thrilled to have her strong analytical abilities and comprehensive business acumen here at ITR Economics."
Lauren Saidel-Baker
ITR Economist and Senior Consulting Speaker
Michael Feuz
Economist & Senior Consulting Speaker
Michael Feuz is a key member of ITR Economics’ team of expert economists and consultants. Backed by a decade of experience working for technology start-ups, he contributes to the production of client reports, forecast reviews, economic research, and regular client-facing communications.
Michael majored in business administration at Franciscan University of Steubenville and earned his master’s degree in economics from George Mason University. His accomplishments include building, implementing, and executing multiple go-to-market plans for technology start-ups, advancing as a national finalist in a public speaking competition, and publishing multiple op-eds in major media outlets while working in public relations.
Prior to joining ITR Economics, Michael worked as a technology consultant. He helped manufacturers, construction companies, oil and gas firms, financial institutions, and small businesses enhance their operational efficiencies. He worked with C-suite executives across a wide range of industries to improve intra-company communications, data capture and analysis, sales numbers, and profitability.
“Mr. Fuez was the keynote presenter at the National Pest Management Associations’ 2025 Executive Leadership Forum. While economics is not always the most uplifting or desired topic, Michael’s presentation was the perfect mix of pertinent financial market information, real world implications and humor. Michael was down to earth and even engaged with attendees at the networking reception following his session. We’d certainly have Michael back at future events and highly recommend him to those looking for a timely subject and appealing speaker.”
Dominique Stumpf
CEO, Pestworld"ITR Economics has been part of our Vistage Florida 2046 Family since September 2001 when Brian Beaulieu first spoke to us. With 22 years of experience, I can attest to the value ITR has provided to my members. For example, years in advance ITR forecast the Great Recession of 2008 among other major economic events. They were a valued resource for our group especially in this 2008 - 2010 period. As a result, our group was prepared. Now, with the 2030s depression ahead of us, there will be many opportunities and challenges. In January 2024, we were fortunate to have ITR speaker Michael Feuz join us as we begin to plan for this event. Michael was excellent and continued the ITR tradition of providing the Vistage members with information to help them make profitable business decisions now and through the 2030s."
Barbara Monti
Chair, Vistage Florida“Michael Feuz did a bang-up job for us at our recent Industry Executive Conference. He was well prepared and had a great delivery style. Our members are DEMANDING that we bring back Michael and ITR Economics to our conference next year! Thank you for the great economics session and we look forward to seeing you in 2026!”
Jerrod A. Weaver
Executive Director, NFFS“Michael’s presentation was very well received in Cancun and the time he spent with the attendees during our meeting interacting with our members was priceless.”
Roseanne Hoban
Executive Director, WFA
Connor Lokar
senior forecaster & keynote manager
Connor Lokar brings a strategist’s discipline to economic forecasting, helping executives turn business-cycle intelligence into clearer decisions about growth, profitability, investment, and risk. As Senior Forecaster & Keynote Manager at ITR Economics, Connor specializes in advising businesses across industries on how to grow revenue and remain profitable through changing economic conditions. Known for delivering “practical economic intelligence with charm and candor,” he helps leadership teams move beyond reacting to headlines and instead align strategy, resources, and timing with what the data is signaling.
Since joining ITR Economics in 2014, Connor has delivered economic keynotes, workshops, and webinars across North America, earning recognition for presenting with “authority, accuracy, and humor” in settings ranging from executive retreats to standing-room-only keynotes. His work focuses on the decisions that matter most to business leaders: pricing, capacity, capital investment, labor, construction demand, industrial activity, inflation, interest rates, and long-term planning. Whether guiding industry leaders through next year’s outlook, helping companies plan amid tariffs and sticky interest rates, or translating leading indicators into strategic action, Connor gives executives the clarity to act before the cycle changes around them. He has been featured in articles from AMT Online, NTD, The Epoch Times, and more.
"From a meeting planner standpoint, Connor was the ultimate professional. He arrived early, was easy to accommodate and navigated the stage and room with professionalism. He also peppered his presentation with humor and relatable insight that truly reached the audience. Our employee owners left the room with a better understanding of their state and national economy, and are now armed to make decisions with a clear understanding of how the big picture affects their individual operation."
Jeff Chastain
Public Relations Director, E.C. Barton & Company"Connor is an engaging speaker who is able to present a tremendous amount of economic data in a light-hearted and meaningful way. His mainstage event at ACCA’s Annual Conference provided HVAC contractors with a medium-term economic outlook, enabling them to prepare their businesses for the changes that are expected in the U.S. and world economies. I’ve had the pleasure to watch Connor speak at numerous HVAC industry events, and I always learn something new. ACCA looks forward to working with him and ITR at future events, and we always welcome his wit and wisdom!"
Paul T. Stalknecht
President & CEO, Air Conditioning Contractors of America"I was very impressed by Connor's presentation, especially his (relatively) easy to understand explanations of economic market forces. He is a very confident and engaging speaker who is able to keep his audience engaged and instill information that actually sticks with you well beyond the date of the event!!"
Nasrin Azari
President, Mobile Reach“He did a great job presenting to our international audience – they were blown away with the global stats he had…numbers that they don’t even have access to! Thanks again – Connor always does such a great job for us!”
Renee Merker
Communications and Event Planner, PMPA Taylor St. Germain
Economist & Senior Consulting Speaker
Taylor St. Germain brings a strategist’s precision to economic forecasting, helping business leaders connect market movements to the decisions that drive growth, profitability, and long-term competitive advantage. As an Economist and Senior Consulting Speaker at ITR Economics, he advises small businesses, trade associations, and Fortune 500 companies across a wide range of industries. His forecasts, at both the market and company level, give executives a clearer view of where demand, risk, and opportunity are likely to emerge.
Taylor is a key contributor to ITR Economics’ 94.7% forecast accuracy rating, a distinction that reinforces the analytical rigor behind the guidance he brings to clients.
Known for translating economic intelligence into practical business strategy, Taylor is recognized for his dynamic presentation style and deep understanding of economic trends and their business impact. He addresses critical topics such as inflation, interest rates, downside risks, and long-term outlooks through the 2030s. For executive teams making decisions about pricing, capacity, investment, labor, inventory, and market timing, Taylor turns forecast data into actionable strategy — helping leaders plan with greater confidence ahead of business-cycle shifts.
He has been featured in OEM Magazine, NALP, Lawn and Landscape, and on the Fab Lab and Wealth Formula podcasts.
“Taylor gave a 90-minute economic forecast presentation via webinar for our recent annual Leadership Retreat. Taylor’s apolitical and objective point of view made for a very balanced and productive meeting. Taylor’s perspective was untainted by the trends and expectations specific to our industry, as he presented an overall market and economic outlook that could apply broadly to all industries and offered a well-researched and analyzed macro-level view of what to expect from our economy over both the short and long term. The data helped support our planning and strategy for the coming fiscal year”
Mike LaRosa
Chief Operating Officer at Florida Agency Network“Taylor did a great job providing the Bunzl Safety leadership team a snapshot of what to expect of the US and World economy in 2025 and beyond. His insights are helping us make real time business decisions and sparked future investment discussion.”
Elke Hirschman
General Manager, Kishigo“Taylor St. Germain provided a very insightful and engaging presentation for our legislative conference this past November. Our audience found his overview of current economic conditions along with his insights for what is ahead both relevant and thoughtful. Overall Taylor was well spoken and provided a nice balance of information, humor, and clear take-aways.”
Tyler Emerick
President of Celerity Staffing Solutions“Taylor did an outstanding job of taking what could be very confusing data and made it extremely clear. Taylor’s style made everyone in the room comfortable and engaged, I even saw people laugh while they were concerned, and as I talked with customers after his talk, they explained to me that Taylor confirmed their concerns and helped them understand what is happening now and what is expected for the future. The most important part of the conversations has been “Hope”, everyone left with a feeling that they can survive this and grow, and they felt excited. Taylor stayed for the reception and dinner and talked with our customers. I saw engaged conversations that Taylor was having and again, this is a game changer for our dealers as he helped them understand what is possible. Thank You for working with us for the 3rd time, each and every time has been fully worth it.”
Dave Chatmon
District Manager, Lennox
Lauren Saidel-Baker
economist & consulting manager
Lauren Saidel-Baker, CFA, brings the perspective of a seasoned economic advisor to ITR Economics’ Thought Leadership team, helping executives understand not only where the economy is headed, but what those shifts mean for their businesses. As an Economist & Consulting Manager, Lauren provides industry forecasts, presentations, webinars, and consulting services to organizations ranging from small businesses and trade associations to Fortune 500 companies. Known for making “complex topics accessible and engaging,” she combines rigorous economic analysis with a practical, executive-ready communication style that helps leaders navigate uncertainty with greater confidence.
Lauren’s advisory strength is rooted in her ability to connect economic signals to business strategy. Her work spans issues that are central to C-suite decision-making, including inflation, interest rates, labor conditions, consumer demand, monetary policy, and long-term planning. Through ITR’s Fed Watch series, national media appearances, and client-facing engagements, Lauren helps business leaders rely on “factual rather than emotional inputs” as they prepare for rate-driven risks, margin pressure, changing demand, and future economic cycles. Her experience in finance, combined with her command of ITR’s forecasting methodology, makes her a trusted guide for executives seeking clarity, context, and confidence in a changing market.
Lauren is frequently featured in the media, with appearances on CNBC, Reuters, Bloomberg, NPR, and many other outlets.
“We received a lot of positive feedback about Lauren and her presentation. The overall consensus was that she presented financial information in a way that was easily understandable and engaging. I appreciated her tailoring it to the industries that most affect our members as well.”
Liz McCabe
VP of Operations, AED"Lauren Saidel-Baker recently delivered a presentation to my Women Presidents' Organization at the Yale Club in Manhattan. Lauren was excellent in every respect. Her discussion of economic trends was comprehensive, easy to understand and impactful for the audience of women business owners. Lauren is extremely facile at reading her audience and responding to their needs. Her extensive knowledge and experience in economics was evident as she handled a variety of questions with ease. I highly recommend Lauren Saidel-Baker."
Diane McIlree
Chapter Chair, Women Presidents' Organization“She addressed all the key points from our initial call—delivering a globally-focused presentation that integrated relevant card industry insights and was tailored to our audience’s level of understanding. Attendees left with clear, actionable takeaways for navigating the path to 2030. Plus, her delivery was truly dynamic.”
Lynn McCullough
Events Manager and Association Director, CMA"Lauren, we would like to thank you sincerely for speaking at the Home Builders & Remodelers meeting at The Atlantic Design Center in York. The feedback has been wonderful. They all enjoyed learning about the vision of ITR’s economic trends and how accurate you have been during the years. You caught everybody’s attention with your great enthusiasm and knowledge. Thank you for a job well done and for keeping your information interesting and informative."