Join Us for the 2026 Annual Conference

SPONSOR / EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION
ATTENDEE REGISTRATION
SPEAKER REGISTRATION (COMING SOON!)

Building Michigan’s Workforce: 

Strengthening Talent. Securing Tomorrow.

  • September 14, 15 & 16, 2026

    Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort - 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858

  • WORKSHOP PROPOSALS HAVE CLOSED FOR THE CONFERENCE. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SUBMITTED!

    Stay tuned to learn in May if your workshop has been chosen for the conference!

    Workshop topics include…

    • Workforce Strategy and Labor Market Trends - Planning for Michigan’s Future Economy

      • Focus on emerging industries, labor market trends, sustainability, and economic shifts shaping workforce demand.

    • Skills Development and Career Pathways - Preparing Talent for Tomorrow's Jobs

      • Reskilling, upskilling, career coaching, credentialing pathways, and technology-driven training strategies.

    • Inclusive Workspaces and Community Impact - Building Belonging Across Michigan’s Workforce

      • Strategies that strengthen equity, belonging, access to opportunity, and culturally responsive workforce practices.

    • Employer Partnerships & Workforce Innovation - Meeting Employer Needs Through Creative Solutions

      • Sector partnerships, business engagement strategies, innovative workforce programs, and solutions to close the skills gap.

    • Global Competitiveness & Talent Mobility - Preparing Michigan for a Connected Workforce

      • Exploring global collaboration, supply chains, immigration considerations, and cross-border workforce opportunities.

  • Early bird pricing for the 2026 Michigan Works! Annual Conference is open through July 28, 2026!

    Register now at 2026 Michigan Works! Annual Conference Registration

    Full Conference Registration Rates

    Member Rate: $535 early bird / $615 regular
    Non-Member Rate: $615 early bird / $695 regular

    Single Day Registration (Member & Non-Member) Rates

    Monday Only: $285
    Tuesday Only: $285
    Wednesday Only: $285

This year’s theme highlights that investing in our workforce is Michigan’s strongest strategy for long-term growth and resilience. Each commitment to skill development, training, and career access is an investment in our state’s prosperity. As Michigan evolves, the talent and dedication of our people will drive transformation.

By investing in workforce development, we fuel economic vitality, reinforce communities, and expand opportunities for every Michigander. This conference recognizes that people are our greatest asset—and that building up Michigan’s workforce is the surest path to a thriving and secure future for all.

Schedule At A Glance

Monday, September 14

Exhibitor Set-Up
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Registration
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Exhibit Hall
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Inside Politics
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Workshops (Session 1)
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM

Exhibit Hall Break: Meet the Exhibitors
2:15 PM – 3:00 PM

Workshops (Session 2)
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Annual Meeting & Special Guest (TBD)
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM

VIP Reception
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Opening Reception
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Tuesday, September 15

Continental Breakfast
7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

Registration
7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Opening Session: Keynote Speaker: Jack Stahlmann
8:00 AM – 9:45 AM

Exhibit Hall
9:45 AM – 4:00 PM

Exhibit Hall Coffee Break
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM

Workshops (Session 3)
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM

Lunch Session: Keynote Speaker: Ken Gronbach & Awards Presentation
11:30 AM – 1:15 PM

Exhibit Hall Dessert Break & Headshot Lounge
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM

Workshops (Session 4)
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Exhibit Hall Salty Snack Break & Headshot Lounge
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

Workshops (Session 5)
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM

Wednesday, September 16

Registration
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Continental Breakfast
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM

Michigan Works! Executive Breakfast & Presentation (By Invitation Only)
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM

Workshops (Session 6)
8:45 AM – 9:45 AM

Closing Session: Keynote Speaker: Summer Owens, Awards & Prize Drawing
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM