35th Annual Economic Outlook Conference

What does the 2016 economy portend for South Carolina, a state recovering from historic flooding, preparing for first-in- the-south presidential primaries and grappling with a future where robots will impact manufacturing and other jobs? That's the focus of the Darla Moore School of Business, 35th Annual Economic Outlook Conference, the state's premier economic event, which will take place Thursday, Dec. 17 at the University of South Carolina. In addition to the 2016 economic forecast presented by Moore School research economist Joey Von Nessen, this year's conference will feature New York Times bestselling author Martin Ford, whose recently released book, "Rise of the Robots: Technology and the Threat of a Jobless Future," has ignited a national conversation about the impact that mechanized work across industries will have on future jobs. Ford, a Silicon Valley-based software executive, has worked in computer design and software development for more than 25 years. He earned computer engineering degrees from the University of Michigan and UCLA. His first book, titled "The Lights In the Tunnel: Automation, Accelerating Technology and the Economy of the Future," was released in 2009. He often is interviewed by national media about the future of technology. The EOC will take place noon - 4 p.m. in the Moore School's W.W. Hootie Johnson Performance Hall. Registration is online, and tickets cost $75 before Nov. 30 and $95 after.