About The Forum

As workforce leaders, we can articulate the value and importance of upskilling our community’s workforce all day long. But what about us? What improves and ignites us?

The answer: The Forum. It’s the nation’s largest annual workforce development conference.

Advance your skills, so you can advance theirs.

Learn From the Experts

Learn directly from the nation’s most informed experts about workforce policy, initiatives, and trends.

Be inspired by our speakers and the brightest workforce development experts from around the nation.

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 Forum-related questions for your convenience:

The Forum 2026 will be held at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, NV.

An agenda will be posted in the fall.

The Forum is open to anyone with an interest in workforce development.

Our typical attendee list includes workforce development board members, local elected officials, job center staff, employers/business, HR professionals, economists, and educators.

Proposals: Proposals for sessions open in late summer. Presenters should be notified of the review committee’s decision before Thanksgiving.

Review Process: A team of NAWB Board members will review and rank all proposals. If your proposal is not selected for a session, you may be selected for a webinar or other NAWB event.

Reviewers will score each proposal based on the following:

  1. Identifies ideas that are relevant to the success of workforce development effort.
  2. Relevancy to the event theme and related tracks.
  3. Provides tangible takeaways.
  4. Provides useful and practical information focusing on solutions not problems.
  5. Interactivity and creativity.
  6. Presents new and innovative practices and ideas.
  7. Includes the participation of more than one workforce board partner across a geographic span.
  8. Shares varied perspectives of multiple presenters.
  9. Includes information on how the information/program/strategy can be replicated through lessons learned, obstacles overcome, key drivers, and tools.

Sessions are limited to no more than 4 presenters.

Visit visitlasvegas.com for the most up-to-date info on what’s happening.

Yes. Information will be posted soon!

Please contact gentryj@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.

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If you need to cancel your registration you may choose to transfer it to another individual or to receive a refund for a limited time.

Transfers and requests for refunds must be made in writing to nawbregistrar@nawb.org by 11:59 pm ET on March 1, 2026. Refunds will be processed within 30 days of receipt.

An administrative fee of $75 will be charged for all cancellations and transfers. Cancellations made after March 1 will not receive a refund, and transfers received after March 1 will not be accommodated.

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.

We require invoices be paid in 30 days. If you registered during the Advance Registration rate offer but NAWB hasn’t received payment within 30 days, your regstration will be cancelled and you will have to begin the process again at the current rate (same applies for subsequent rates/discounts).

We encourage all attendees to pay in advance. We do not accept checks onsite. If you plan to pay the onsite registration rate of $2900, please ensure you have a valid credit card.

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.
  • We recommend you bring a reusable water bottle to ensure you stay hydrated throughout the event. Water coolers will be available throughout the event for refilling.

Awards FAQs

Ready to become a Forum sponsor?

Contact Director, Business Development, Jay Gentry, or Vice President, Communications and Events, Stacy Heit.

Lodging for The Forum 2026

We have secured a special discounted room rate the Cosmopolitan, where The Forum is taking place, for $249/night. Click here to reserve a room before Feb. 19, 2026.

Who can I contact for more information?

Contact Us