Join us at the Salem Convention Center
2025 WORKing Together Conference Countdown!
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*Check back soon to see even more media, news, recaps and photos from the conference*

WORKing Together Conference

in support of Oregon’s workforce!

Workforce is a major and complex topic. In order to ensure that Oregonians have the skills to meet the needs of Oregon business, we need to establish even more effective partnerships and reimagine our understanding of education and work. The Oregon Workforce Partnership provides leadership that promotes and advances Oregon’s workforce system.

The WORKing Together 2025 Conference will be held October 15-16, 2024 at the Salem Convention Center. The conference will bring together over 500 Oregon businesses, educators, public agency leaders, community-based organizations, elected officials, and workforce professionals to explore local, state, and national best practices, emerging workforce trends, and innovative solutions.

Stay tuned here to witness the conversations, updates, and big-picture thinking that will help shape workforce solutions in Oregon.

Recap of 2024 WORKing Together Conference

Thank you to Shari Dunn for an insightful session on understanding the impact of race-based blockages on minority workers!

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Worksystems Presents: The Good Jobs Institute and Quality Jobs Business Engagement Strategies

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From Past to Potential: Flipping the Popular Narrative

Emma Freivogal, founder of Radical Recruits, walked attendees through common employer objections to hiring people with criminal background. She highlighted the underlying bias in many of the arguments against giving a person a second chance. Through small group conversation and larger group role plays she highlighted ways to reframe common objections into strengths of the potential candidate.

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Future of Work: Technology & The Coming Paradigm Shift

 

Shifting Perceptions and Cultivating Talent in Tourism and Hospitality in Partnership with Travel Oregon

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CTEC’s Creation of Future Behavioral Health and Human Service Clinicians

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The Significance of Employment in Addictions Recovery and Ending Homelessness

 At the recent Working Together Conference, a session titled “The Significance of Employment in Addictions Recovery and Ending Homelessness,” led by Stephanie Wieber and Jonathon Wall, captivated an audience of 150, the largest of any breakout session. The compelling data and personal stories shared underscored a critical message: employment is not a luxury, but a fundamental necessity in addressing our nation’s growing homeless and addictions crisis.

The national homeless count in 2023 highlighted a stark 12% increase from 2022, with 653,100 individuals experiencing homelessness on a single night.

Success Stories Highlight the Impact

  1. Path Home, serving 380 families annually, has found that employment is a key pillar in their success, with 87% maintaining long-term housing
  2. New Narrative, with 2,200 individuals served each year in Addiction and Behavioral Health Services, offers volunteer opportunities as a first step toward employment, demonstrating the value of community engagement in recovery
  3. Street Roots has implemented an accelerated jobs placement program for their top performers, showing the potential of targeted employment initiatives
  4. Cultivate Initiatives and Lifeworks illustrate the demand for employment services, with the former enrolling 8-10 interns every two weeks and the latter facing a backlog of 97 individuals waiting for case workers

The session did not shy away from the reality of the challenges faced:

      • Insufficient funding
      • Workforce shortages and turnover
      • A lack of willing employers

Jonathon and Stephanie provided actionable steps for attendees:

  • Convene leaders in your sector to advocate for supportive employment.
  • Voice your opinion at local and state levels to push for employer incentives and support.
  • Advocate for funding at every opportunity, as current resources are strained.
  • If you are an employer, consider dedicating a percentage of your workforce to second-chance opportunities.

 Stephanie Wieber, with her background in start-ups, shared her vision: “Imagine if Oregon was known as the state that does the best job of employing people.” This vision aligns with the idea that employment isn’t just about income but about restoring dignity, purpose, and stability to individuals. The session concluded with a powerful message from Jonathon Wall: “My name is Jonathon Wall, and I have worked with Central City Concern for the past eight years. I bring a combination of lived experience and work history that helps give perspective on how the role of employment affects Addictions Recovery.” Their combined insights highlight that ending homelessness requires a multifaceted approach, with employment at its core.

By empowering individuals with job opportunities, we can not only address the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness but also work towards a future where everyone has a place to call home. This session has ignited a movement towards change, proving that employment is not just a ‘nice-to-have’ but a critical component in the battle against homelessness.

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Building a Transportation Workforce

Thank you Brad Turner-Little for an insightful session!

Thank you Josh Davies for an insightful session!

The Van-isher: Making Employment Barriers Disappear

This break out session highlighted the value proposition of reducing barriers to engagement through taking services to people. Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC), Central Community College (COCC) and Oregon Employment Department (OED) shared the rationale for mobile services and lessons learned thus far with deployment across Central Oregon. COIC manages a mobile WorkSource Oregon sprinter van outfitted with necessary technology to serve job seekers in rural parts of Central Oregon. OED is launching three similar vans in the coming months across the state. COCC has a mobile hands-on Training Lab that they deploy to deliver Construction Pre-apprenticeship training across rural Central Oregon and their plans to add more training options in the future.

Parents Can’t Work Without Child Care – Period

At the recent Working Together Conference, a session titled ” Parents Can’t Work Without Child Care – Period” ignited a passionate conversation about the urgent need for child care affordability and accessibility in Oregon. Hosted by Holly Mar-Conte and Bryan Steinhauser, this session didn’t just highlight the launch of the Oregon Employer’s Child Care Toolkit; it was a call to action, a beacon for change. This isn’t just about families; it’s about the very heartbeat of our economy. Child care is the cornerstone of economic vitality, and through public-private partnerships, we’re on the verge of a transformative breakthrough.

Employers are grappling with recruitment and retention, losing valuable talent to child care-related absenteeism. But we’re not just talking about the problem here; we’re talking solutions that can turn the tide. The toolkit is our roadmap, a comprehensive guide to help businesses navigate the complexities of supporting their workforce. It’s not just about making life easier for employees; it’s about fostering a thriving, productive workforce.

Funded by The Ford Family Foundation and Oregon Community Foundation and created by Oregon Workforce Partnership Child Care workgroup, this digital toolkit is the result of collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for a better Oregon. It speaks to employers with data, ROI, and real-world success stories, showing that investing in child care isn’t just good for families – it’s smart business. From simple scheduling adjustments to the bold move of establishing on-site child care centers, the toolkit covers it all, connecting employers with the resources they need to make a difference.

The session was electric, with participants scanning QR codes, diving into the digital tool, and engaging in lively discussions. We’re not just sitting back; we’re building momentum, ensuring this toolkit reaches every corner of Oregon’s business community. Through these partnerships, we’re creating a movement for change, encouraging employers to take immediate action, share the toolkit, and champion the cause.

The stories we heard – of improved job satisfaction, retention, and company culture – are not just success stories; they’re a testament to what’s possible when we come together. This is our moment to act, to promote this toolkit with passion, and to ensure that child care becomes a priority, not an afterthought. Let’s make Oregon the state that leads the way in supporting working parents, strengthening our businesses, and building a thriving, inclusive workforce ecosystem. Together, we’re not just solving a problem; we’re shaping a future where every family has the support they need to thrive.

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Beyond Partnerships and Outputs: Collaboration for a Cause

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Booting Bias

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Empowering the Future: Removing Barriers, Creating Opportunities

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Bridging the Skills Gap: Empowering the Future Workforce of Labor

With session Moderator Ashley Espinoza and Panelists David Burger, Pat Daniels, Josh Hendrickson, Kelly Haines and Allison Callahan, we had an engaging panel of labor leaders who shared insights on their favorite success stories in workforce development, their biggest frustrations with the system, partners, or community, and their hopes for the future of the workforce and labor talent

The conversation touched on what makes programs successful, recent improvements, and how to maximize infrastructure dollars. We also debuted the new Team Oregon Build Video and got some great questions from the audience. It was an inspiring discussion packed with valuable takeaways!

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Unlocking Opportunities: The Impact and Future of Oregon’s Prosperity 10k Initiative

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2024 Conference made possible by

the agenda

Day 1 – Wednesday, October 15

7:00am – Registration & Breakfast

8:30am – Welcome

8:45am – Keynote

9:30am – Keynote

10:45am – Concurrent Sessions I

11:45am – Lunch

1:15pm – Concurrent Sessions II

2:45pm – General Session

3:00pm – Panel

4:00pm – Networking Reception

the agenda

Day 2 – Thursday, October 16

7:30am – Registration & Breakfast

8:30am – General Session

8:45am – Keynote

9:45am – Concurrent Sessions III

11:15am – Concurrent Sessions IV

2024 Exhibitors

frequently asked questions

Our conference is dedicated to strengthening Oregon’s workforce landscape! This conference is a crucial platform for fostering effective partnerships and reimagining the intersection of education and work to empower Oregonians with the skills needed to drive the state’s economic growth. Organized by the Oregon Workforce Partnerhip, this conference is set to make a lasting impact on the future of workforce development in the region.

Date: October 15-16, 2025

Location: Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial Street SE
Salem, Oregon 97301

Be prepared and download the event app ahead of time! Stay up to date, connect with other attendees and visit our exhibitors all from the app.

Google Play

Apple Store

More information will be released closer to the conference. We anticipate having a room block at The Holman Hotel in downtown Salem.

The conference aims to bring together an eclectic mix of participants, including:

  • Oregon business leaders
  • Educators and education administrators
  • Public agency executives
  • Community-based organizations
  • Elected officials
  • Workforce professionals

Plan to be comfortable and in business casual attire.

Exploring Best Practices: Delve into local, state, and national best practices that are shaping the landscape of workforce development. Engage in discussions that promote collaboration and innovation.

Emerging Workforce Trends: Gain insights into the latest trends and developments in the workforce sector. Stay ahead of the curve by understanding the evolving needs of Oregon’s workforce.

Innovative Solutions: Discover groundbreaking solutions that are revolutionizing the way we approach workforce challenges. Embrace innovative strategies that bridge the gap between education and industry.

 

For past conferences, early bird registration is $345 and regular registration is $445 per person. Official prices for 2025 will be confirmed closer to the conference.

All meals are complementary, including the reception on the evening of day 1. Breakfast and snacks will be provided on the final day of the conference.

Tickets are non-refundable, but can be transferred to another person attending in your place.

Yes! Please contact Georgia Conrad, at georgia@oregonworkforcepartnership.org for more information regarding sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities.

Yes! Just as your organization changes yearly, so does the WORKing Together Conference to meet ever-changing needs. This year’s conference is in-person and better than ever! We will showcase engaging workshops, dynamic exhibitors, networking opportunities, and statewide leaders in workforce. Come to learn and have fun too!

this year’s highlights

the venue

The Salem Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown Salem, Oregon, is a versatile and modern venue perfect for a wide range of events. Boasting over 30,000 square feet of flexible event space, it is surrounded by Salem’s vibrant dining, shopping, and cultural scene. The center’s commitment to sustainability and outstanding service makes it a premier choice for events in the Willamette Valley.

We’re on Your Side for a Better Future.