The Forum 2026: Ignite. Innovate. Impact.

After 40+ years in DC, NAWB’s The Forum is rolling the dice and taking this show on the road!
First stop: LAS VEGAS – March 23-26, 2026 at The Cosmopolitan!

This is more than a venue change—it’s the start of a nationwide tour of the boldest workforce innovations in the country

Watch the Las Vegas announcement video and get ready to pack your bags. What happens in Vegas could change the future of work.

About The Forum

Why Attend: 

The Forum is the premier annual event for workforce leaders, employers, educators, and partners working to build stronger communities and competitive economies. It’s the one place where policy, practice, and partnership come together, equipping you with the insights, resources, and connections to drive impact at home. 

Who You’ll Meet and What You’ll Gain: 

  • Workforce Development Board Executive Directors
    Shape national policy, strengthen your leadership, and connect with peers across the country. 
  • Workforce Development Board Chairs
    Gain tools for effective governance and new strategies to engage employers and community leaders. 
  • Workforce Development Board Staff
    Learn practical, hands-on approaches to program implementation, operations, and innovation. 
  • Employers and Business Leaders
    Discover proven talent solutions, influence policy discussions, and build partnerships to grow your workforce. 
  • Chambers of Commerce
    Position your Chamber as a driver of workforce solutions with fresh data, strategies, and connections. 
  • K–12 Education Leaders
    Explore employer-driven trends and build partnerships that expand career pathways for students. 
  • Higher Education Leaders 

Align programs with employer demand, strengthen partnerships with WDBs, and tap into resources that expand career pathways. 

  • Vendors and Consultants
    Showcase your solutions, connect with decision-makers, and expand your reach in the workforce system. 

The Bottom line: 

At The Forum, you’ll return to work with: 

  • Actionable strategies to strengthen your organization 
  • Partnerships that expand your impact 
  • Insights into the future of work, policy, and funding 
  • A stronger voice in shaping the national workforce agenda 

 Join us at The Forum 2026 to Ignite. Innovate. Impact.

Schedule Center

Full Schedule

With Pre and Post Conference Sessions

Nevada Day — March 24

Download the Official NAWB Forum App—WHOVA

Download the Official NAWB Forum App—WHOVA

Share Your Bold Ideas at The Forum 2026

The Forum 2026 is where workforce leaders ignite fresh thinking, inspire innovation, and collaborate on bold solutions for the future.

We’re seeking dynamic, interactive sessions that go beyond slide decks and Q&A—sessions that energize, engage, and equip attendees with practical tools they can use right away.

The submission deadline was Oct. 24. Decisions were announced on Dec. 22. 

Make the Case to Attend The Forum

In the letter below, we lay out the case for why The Forum is the must-attend event for anyone committed to building stronger workforce systems. From transformative learning opportunities to invaluable peer connections, this is where big ideas spark and bold strategies take root.

Read on to discover why you—and your team—can’t afford to miss The Forum 2026.

The Forum 2026 FAQs

We convene The Forum to learn from one another as we work to build a flourishing, resilient economy that provides for workers and families. The Forum 2026 will unite thought leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders at a moment of transformational potential.

We’ve answered a few of the most common The Forum-related questions for your convenience:

The Forum 2026 will be held at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada!

Yes! Click here to view.

Just click here. If you don’t already have an account, you will need to create one.

Click on the registration link. If you are in your individual profile (not your organization’s profile), you should have the option for Group registration where you can register more than one person at a time. 

Proposals for sessions opened in the fall.  Presenters were notified of the review committees decision on December 22, 2025. If the session was waitlisted, final decisions were made in January 2026 and all presenters were notified of the review committee’s decision.

The review committee is a team of NAWB Board members who reviewed and ranked all proposals.

The room block is now closed.

Please contact nicholsont@nawb.org to discuss how we can customize a package that meets your needs.

The safety and well-being of the NAWB community is our top priority. Our safety protocols are informed by the guidance of multiple sources, including Nevada and Las Vegas governments and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We will be following their guidance before and during the conference.

The dress code is business casual. Comfortable shoes are encouraged.

We officially kick off The Forum on Monday afternoon with the NAWB First Timer’s session but encourage you to come early to attend our pre-conference sessions on Monday morning.

If you need to cancel your registration, you may cancel or you may choose to transfer it to another individual.  We are no longer able to refund registration fees, but we will honor transfer requests on a case-by-case basis.  Please contact Connie Sharp at sharpc@nawb.org if you have questions.

We understand that your organization may have a complicated or lengthy process for approving conference attendance, travel, etc. and we want to give you time to lock in current rates.

Payment is due at time of purchase. If you need to make special arrangements, please email nawbregistrar@nawb.org describing your needs.

We do not accept checks onsite. If you plan to pay the onsite registration rate of $2000, please ensure you have a valid credit card as it will be charged before you are given a badge.

Thanks for asking! Yes!

  • The Forum is a paperless event. Please consult the event app for the full event agenda and to choose which sessions you will be attending.
  • Please note that no outside food or drinks are allowed into the event, including the exhibit hall, NAWBTown, and meeting rooms.
  • We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to ensure you stay hydrated throughout the event.

Please call the hotel directly at (702) 698-7000.

Interested in The Forum sponsorhip?

Contact us at mailto: nawbforum@nawb.org

Who can I contact for more information?

Contact Us