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The Workforce Leadership Forum

September 30, 2026 8:45 AM - October 1, 2026 4:00 PM (EDT)

Description


The Workforce Leadership Forum is a leadership convening designed for professionals who shape talent systems, workforce strategy, and policy across workforce development, education, and industry. As workforce, education, and employer priorities continue to converge, leaders are increasingly expected to influence outcomes beyond their own organizations. This Forum creates space for workforce practitioners, employers, HR and talent development leaders, education leaders, and system partners to come together around shared challenges, and ultimately, shared responsibility for solutions.

Over two days, participants will engage in leadership-focused learning, cross-sector dialogue, and applied advocacy that connects practice to policy. The Forum is designed to strengthen leadership voice, build alignment across systems, and demonstrate how workforce advocacy supports strong talent pipelines, economic competitiveness, and business outcomes. 

Day One centers on leadership, influence, and system alignment through keynote insights and breakout discussions. 

Day Two moves from learning to action, with advocacy training in the morning and coordinated visits to the Capitol in the afternoon to engage directly on workforce policy priorities. 

This Forum is for leaders ready to move beyond managing programs and into shaping systems. 

Registration Fee: Members - #325   | Non-Members - $365

KEYNOTE SPEAKER - DR. CHRISTOPHER LANEY


Dr. Christopher Laney is the Vice President of Public Sector Impact and a Labor Economist at Lightcast, where he specializes in education, workforce development, economic mobility, and using labor market data to create a more equitable workforce within communities. Laney leads initiatives within Lightcast’s Public Sector division, working alongside national nonprofits and foundations to develop strategies for workforce transformation and systemic change. His efforts focus on preparing communities for the future of work and building pathways that promote greater social and economic equity.

Throughout his career at Lightcast, Laney has collaborated with state governments on the development of policies related to education and labor markets. He has also partnered with a variety of stakeholders on key projects related to legislative priorities, including credentials of value, emerging industries, sector analysis, and the economic impact of workforce and career and technical education (CTE) programs. His work has spanned several states, including Indiana, Michigan, Florida, Maryland, and Mississippi.

Before joining Lightcast, Laney was a workforce development practitioner in Florida, where he led the nation’s largest high school student exploration conference. He also developed legislative priorities for the local workforce board and brought together community stakeholders statewide to address education and workforce challenges. Laney’s research, including his dissertation on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and its impact on the economic mobility of disenfranchised young adults, has influenced both policy and practice. He also served as the lead researcher for the State of Students report in Florida from 2015 to 2020.

CALL FOR WORKSHOPS

We’re looking for sessions that deliver practical insight and real-world impact. Proposals should align with one of three focus areas:

  • Leading Talent Systems
  • Leadership, Influence & Decision-Making
  • Advocacy That Drives Outcomes

Bring forward bold ideas, proven practices, and strategies that help move the workforce system forward.

Workshop Submission Form

Capitol Hill Day (Optional Add-On | $50)

Extend your impact beyond the Forum by participating in Capitol Hill Day at the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

This optional add-on offers a unique opportunity to put your leadership into action by engaging directly with state policymakers on the workforce issues that matter most to your region, your partners, and your participants.

Participants will:

  • Take part in coordinated legislative visits with members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly
  • Elevate real-world workforce challenges, opportunities, and solutions from the field
  • Reinforce the connection between workforce systems and Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness
  • Build confidence and skills in policy engagement and advocacy

Whether you are new to advocacy or experienced in policy conversations, Capitol Hill Day is designed to be accessible, impactful, and aligned with the priorities explored throughout the Forum.

This experience is ideal for leaders who are ready to:

  • Translate workforce practice into policy influence
  • Strengthen relationships with elected officials
  • Help shape the future of Pennsylvania’s workforce system

Registration for Capitol Hill Day is limited and available as a $50 add-on to Forum registration.

 

 Lodging Information 

Penn Harris Hotel and Conference Center
 1150 Camp Hill Bypass 
Camp Hill, PA 17011

PWDA has secured a room rate of $124.00 per night at the Penn Harris Hotel. You can call the hotel directly at 717-763-7117 or click the link below to secure your room. 

Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center - Booking Link

Reservation cut-off date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026


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Contact Information

Name: Becky Conte
Email: bconte@pawork.org
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