NABE CHICAGO Event

“Beat the Pros” Economic Forecast

Annually since 1986, FMI has hosted 15 economists each time in a private meeting where:

  • they each give their “no holds barred,” “swing for the fences,” economic forecast for the following year.

  • the person with the most accurate forecast from the previous year receives a round of applause, a certificate, and bragging rights.

This year’s contest features someone who has had the most accurate economic forecast 4 times before, followed by a relative newcomer in second place, and two long-time economists battling for recognition as the 3rd most accurate prior year forecast…AND:

  • the winner of FMI’s 2025 forecast will be presenting their 2026 key economic thoughts at NABE CHICAGO’s “Beat the Pros” Economic Forecast Event.

  • YOU will be able to contribute your own “swing for the fences” 2026 forecast via a phone app, which will be entered into NABE CHICAGO’s “Beat the Pros” January 2027 lunch contest. If you are the NABE CHICAGO audience forecast winner:

    • you will receive 2 free tickets to a NABE CHICAGO event of your choice.

    • you will present your 2027 key economic thoughts at NABE CHICAGO’s 2027 “Beat the Pros” Economic Forecast lunch.

Please also bring driver’s license or other picture ID.

Ticket price: $100 Members; $120 Non-Members

REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT.

February 4, 2026, 11:30am – 1:30pm

Location: Union League Club, 65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL

About FMI and Mike Lewis

Michael T. Lewis is the Founder and President of FMI, a full-service economic consulting firm, providing insights and in-depth data analysis primarily for institutional money managers and corporate planning directors. Known for digging deeply into a wide range of data and reports AND for not hesitating to deviate from the consensus view when appropriate, FMI has a solid record of delivering timely, independent, and accurate economic forecasts. Mike was the Chief Economist at Stein Roe before founding FMI.  

  • NABE CHICAGO will be presenting Lewis with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his numerous private economic contributions that those who know him well have greatly benefited from his shared wisdom, efforts, and insights.

Mike Lewis

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