The IAWP Washington Chapter Conference is fast approaching, bringing workforce professionals, industry leaders, and agency officials together to discuss key issues shaping the future of workforce development. This two-day event, held from October 1 to 3, 2024, at the Seattle Airport Marriott, is packed with insightful panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions, and invaluable networking opportunities. Here’s what you can expect from the event:
Tuesday, October 1
The conference kicks off with an executive board meeting from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a Welcome Reception from 5 to 7 p.m. in Room 530, providing early networking opportunities for attendees.
Wednesday, October 2
The day starts early with registration opening at 7 a.m., followed by a networking breakfast and vendor visits from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
At 8:30 a.m., Rafael Colon, Unemployment Navigator program manager, will open the first panel discussion: The Future of Work: Adapting to a Changing Landscape. Washington state agency leaders like Cami Feek, Joel Sacks, and Megan Matthews will discuss how their agencies are navigating the future of work and the challenges they foresee.
Following this, the Empowering the Workforce of Tomorrow panel takes place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., exploring trends and solutions to empower the future workforce. With insights from professionals like Kristen Harjehausen of Alaska Air and Zenovia Harris from the Kent Chamber of Commerce, attendees will gain valuable perspectives on addressing workforce challenges.
After a short break, the conference continues with a session focused on mental wellness: Strategies to Help with Stress and Burnout led by Nancy Fink, workforce consultant, from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. This session provides practical strategies for dealing with stress in today’s fast-paced environment.
During the Awards Luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m., the Washington Chapter will honor local workforce development leaders for their contributions, celebrating their dedication and impact.
In the afternoon, Darrow Brown, the state Department of Health’s chief inclusion, belonging, and well-being officer, will address the Epidemic of Loneliness and Considerations for the Workplace from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., a crucial topic that highlights the human side of workforce development.
Breakout sessions begin at 2:45 p.m., offering attendees two tracks:
- I am PROWD, focusing on workforce development for justice-involved individuals.
- The Art of Pecha Kucha, a unique storytelling method using PowerPoint, led by Nancy Fink.
The day wraps up with a cutting-edge session on Transforming Workforce Development with Artificial Intelligence (AI) from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m., showcasing how AI is revolutionizing workforce strategies.
Thursday, October 3
Thursday starts with another networking breakfast from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., followed by a panel discussion on Cultural Evolution: Building Inclusive Workspaces at 8:30 a.m. This session, led by Employment Security Department leaders, will explore diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the modern workforce.
At 9:30 a.m., keynote speaker Dr. Jessica Houston takes the stage with her presentation Unleashing Extraordinary: From Surviving to Thriving, equipping attendees with strategies for wellness, resilience, and personal growth.
The general session Now What? Meeting the New Workforce, presented by Rebecca Martin, follows at 10:45 a.m., focusing on innovation and partnerships to address workforce disruptions.
The conference concludes with a Luncheon and IAWP all-members meeting at noon, featuring updates from Steve Bent and Suzanne Nichols and an inspiring presentation by Ty Reed on Second Chances and Employer Engagement, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for overlooked job seekers.
By the time the event closes, workforce professionals will leave with fresh insights, practical tools, and a renewed commitment to the future of work. This conference is not only a hub of knowledge and innovation but also a place where critical connections are made to strengthen workforce systems across Washington and beyond.
Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned professional, the IAWP Washington Chapter Conference is a must-attend event for those looking to empower the workforce and drive meaningful change in the years to come.