August 21, 2025
Building the workforce of tomorrow is crucial for sustained economic growth and innovation, ensuring that future generations possess the skills needed to navigate an ever-evolving job market driven by technological advancements. By investing in education, training, and adaptability, we empower individuals to thrive in emerging industries and contribute meaningfully to society. A future-ready workforce fosters resilience, drives progress, and secures a prosperous future for all.
Our 2025 Education & Workforce Conference will convene key stakeholders in education, business, government, and nonprofit sectors for an insightful keynote, conversations, and breakout sessions that will address growing and maintaining the workforce.
Event Features:
- Insightful keynote and breakout sessions addressing relevant topics with interactive Q&A.
- Expanded exhibitor hall spotlighting organizations dedicated to building a sustainable and diverse workforce. Interested in showcasing your solutions that help fill the workforce pipeline? Complete this form to receive more details on attending as an exhibitor and your benefits.
- Ample opportunities for networking, fostering critical connections, and extending your community reach.
Educators may be eligible to earn continuing education credits for attending. Please check with your LEA for approval.
Presented By
Agenda
Thursday, August 21
| 8:15 am | Registration & Networking |
| 9:00 am | Welcome Remarks
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| 9:10 am | Opening Keynote Presentation Stuart Andreason, Executive Director of Programs, Burning Glass Institute |
| 9:55 am | Networking in Exhibit Hall |
| 10:25 am | Breakout Sessions: How to Grow and Maintain the Workforce Business to Business: The business community plays a vital role in both growing and maintaining its workforce. By actively engaging with local educational institutions and workforce development programs, businesses can help shape training to meet their specific needs, ensuring a pipeline of skilled workers.
Higher Education: Many institutions are increasingly emphasizing experiential learning, such as internships and co-ops, to provide traditional and non-traditional students with practical skills and real-world experience, bridging the gap between academia and the professional world.
K-12: Early exposure can spark their interests, motivate them in their current studies by showing real-world relevance, and allow them to make more informed decisions about their education and future training. This early engagement helps students develop essential skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, ultimately leading to greater career readiness and a smoother transition into the professional world.
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| 11:25 am | Networking in Exhibit Hall |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 12:45 pm | Fireside Chat
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| 1:15 pm | NC Chamber Foundation Update |
| 1:45 pm | Closing Remarks Shannon Vickery, Director of Corporate Engagement, PBS North Carolina |