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About The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference

The State of Indiana, in partnership with the Japan-America Society of Indiana, is honored to host the 56th annual Joint Meeting of the Midwest U.S. - Japan Association (MWJA) and the Japan-U.S. Midwest Associations in September 2026 at Westin Hotel in downtown Indianapolis.

The Annual Conference serves as the principal forum on the growth of bilateral trade and investment between the Midwest and Japan, driving continued cooperation and bilateral partnerships to advance investment and innovation.

A crowd of people attending a conference

ProgramOverview

12:00 PM
Japanese Registration Opens
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
12:00 PM
U.S. Registration Opens
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
3:00 PM
Registration Closes
Westin Indianapolis Hotel

8:00 AM
U.S. Registration Opens
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
8:00 AM
Japanese Registration Opens
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
12:00 PM
MWJA Lunch Board Meeting
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
3:30 PM
Co-Chairs Meeting
3:45 PM
Joint Executives Meeting
5:00 PM
VIP Speedway Events
6:00 PM
Welcome Reception at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

7:00 AM
Japanese Registration Opens
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
7:00 AM
U.S. Registration Opens
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
7:30 AM
Breakfast
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
8:00 AM
MWJA Member Booth Space Opens
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
9:00 AM
2026 Conference Opening Ceremony
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
10:30 AM
Coffee Break
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
12:00 PM
Conference Luncheon and Keynote Remarks
Indiana Convention Center - 500 Ballroom
1:30 PM
Executive Panel Session: "Addressing Future Challenges: Advanced Manufacturing, Workforce and Infrastructure"
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
3:00 PM
Coffee Break
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
3:15 PM
Keynote Remarks: Eli Lilly & Company
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
3:30 PM
Executive Panel Session: “Global Partnerships & Innovation for a Healthy Future Society: Life Sciences and Biomedical"
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
4:30 PM
Coffee Break
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
6:00 PM
Gala Reception & Dinner
Indiana Roof Ballroom

7:30 AM
Breakfast
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
8:00 AM
MWJA Member Booth Space Opens
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
9:05 AM
Closing Keynote Remarks: Purdue University
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
9:20 AM
Executive Panel Session: “Innovation-Driven Future Industries: Semiconductors, AI and Critical Minerals”
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
10:30 AM
Coffee Break
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
10:50 AM
Closing Ceremony
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
12:00 PM
Farewell Buffet Lunch
Westin Indianapolis Hotel
12:00 PM
Post Conference – Ecosystem Tour
A crowd of people at a conference

SponsorThe Event

Sponsorship of this prestigious gathering presents a unique opportunity to reach a global audience and build longstanding business partnerships, and your financial support will help to fully showcase Indiana's dynamic and prosperous business ecosystem to a cadre of business and government leaders from the United States and Japan.

Request to Sponsor

Questions About Sponsorship

Contact the 2026 Conference Secretariat:

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Registration is now open

 

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