Registration is now open for the first Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Conference: Building Partnerships to Address the Future of Workforce.
The conference is scheduled for Oct. 8-9 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 400 W. Waterman in Wichita. It is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce, KansasWorks, Kansas Department for Children and Families and the Kansas Board of Regents.
Organizers said the conference will give employers, educators, economic development professionals and community leaders an opportunity to meet with state and local officials to discuss the challenges of meeting the workforce needs of the state.
The conference will be organized into four tracks:
- Developing the Future Workforce
- Developing a Talent Pipeline
- Engaging Business Resources
- Enhancing Career Pathways
Session topics including recruiting and retaining talent, future workforce skills, the gig economy and generations in the workplace. The scheduled keynote speaker will be Michael Wooten, acting assistant secretary and deputy assistant secretary for community colleges with the U.S. Department of Education – Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education.
“Our Kansas economy is very diverse and ever-evolving, requiring our state and education leaders to consider how best to develop a workforce with the skills required by employers,” said Mike Beene, director of employment services at the Kansas Department of Commerce. “The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Conference will not only be a great opportunity to hear from national and state thought leaders on how workforce needs are being addressed across the country and state, but also participate in a constructive dialogue among Kansans on how to successfully overcome talent recruitment and development challenges.”
Registration is now open until Sept. 21. The cost is $100 for both days. Organizers also are accepting presentation proposals and sponsorship requests. The deadline for proposal submissions is July 27.
Register here. For more information, visit KansasCommerce.gov.
