TEDCO Announces Morning Keynote Fireside Chat on Maryland’s Global Edge at 2026 Entrepreneur Expo

Secretary of Commerce Harry Coker Jr. and Secretary of State Susan C. Lee join TEDCO CEO Troy LeMaile-Stovall to discuss foreign direct investment and the future of innovation

COLUMBIA, Md., (October 19, 2026) - TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announces that Maryland Secretary of Commerce Harry Coker Jr. and Maryland Secretary of State Susan C. Lee will join TEDCO CEO Troy LeMaile-Stovall for the morning keynote fireside chat, "Maryland's Global Edge: Foreign Direct Investment and the Future of Innovation," during the upcoming 2026 Entrepreneur Expo at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor on October 27, 2026.

Maryland is competing on a global stage for capital, companies and talent. Moderated by LeMaile-Stovall, the conversation will explore how international partnerships are fueling the state's innovation economy: how Maryland attracts foreign direct investment, how the state's international relationships open doors for the State's startups to scale abroad and how global companies can find a home in Maryland. The speakers will also discuss TEDCO's growing role in cross-border investment, including its collaboration with the Korea Venture Investment Corporation (KVIC), and what these efforts mean for founders, investors and the broader ecosystem.

Coker was appointed Maryland's secretary of commerce by Governor Wes Moore in February 2025 and is a member of TEDCO's board of directors. He previously served as national cyber director at the White House and held senior executive roles at the National Security Agency and the Central Intelligence Agency following a career as a naval officer.

Lee was appointed Maryland secretary of state in January 2023 after more than 20 years in the Maryland General Assembly, where she represented District 16 in the House of Delegates and the Senate and led efforts on cybersecurity, innovation, bioscience and emerging technologies.

"Maryland's innovation economy doesn't stop at the state line," said LeMaile-Stovall. "Our founders are building for global markets as worldwide companies and investors increasingly look to Maryland. Secretary Coker and Secretary Lee are opening those doors every day, and collaborations like ours with the Korean Venture Investment Corporation (KVIC) show what it looks like when Maryland competes for capital and talent on a world stage."

Global investment already plays a significant role in the state's economy. More than 700 foreign-based companies have a presence in Maryland, and foreign-owned firms employed 122,800 workers in 2022, about 4.6% of the state's private-sector employment, according to the Maryland Department of Commerce.

The fireside chat is part of the Expo's morning keynote program, which opens with remarks from TEDCO board chair David Tohn and University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay Perman. The morning keynote will continue after the "Maryland's Global Edge: Foreign Direct Investment and the Future of Innovation" discussion with another fireside chat between LeMaile-Stovall and Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson.

TEDCO's award-winning Entrepreneur Expo shines a spotlight on regional entrepreneurship. Last year's event attracted more than 1,170 attendees, 112 speakers and 108 exhibitors, bringing together some of the region's top entrepreneurs, business owners, innovators, venture capital investors, legislators and resources for a day of celebration, with 97% of attendees reporting that they accomplished their purpose for attending. This year, the event will take place in Baltimore, offering a full day of interactive workshops, insightful discussions and inspiring connections.

Don't miss the opportunity to learn from the region's top experts, including afternoon keynote guests Tamla Olivier, Tami Howie and TEDCO's very own LeMaile-Stovall. Secure your spot at this impactful event now at tedcomdexpo.com/event/2026/register.