The Workforce Leadership Forum

PWDA invites proposals for The Workforce Leadership Forum, a leadership-focused convening that brings together workforce development professionals, employers, HR and talent leaders, education leaders, and system partners.

We are seeking speakers who can offer practical insights, real-world examples, and applied perspectives at the intersection of leadership, talent development, workforce systems, and advocacy.

Forum Tracks - Proposals should align with one of the following focus areas:

1. Leading Talent Systems
Sessions in this track explore how workforce development, education, and employers align talent strategies across systems.

Example topics:
  • Bridging workforce development and talent management
  • Aligning education and training systems with employer needs
  • Designing talent pipelines that work for businesses and communities
  • Shared accountability for workforce outcomes
2. Leadership, Influence & Decision-Making
This track focuses on leadership in complex environments where influence matters more than authority.

Example topics:
  • Leading across partners and systems
  • Decision-making during policy and funding uncertainty
  • Influence without formal authority
  • Managing competing priorities across organizations
3. Advocacy That Drives Outcomes
Sessions in this track connect workforce advocacy to real-world impact and business outcomes.

Example topics:
  • Workforce policy and its impact on talent pipelines and employer bottom lines
  • Translating practice into policy recommendations
  • Engaging in advocacy as a leadership responsibility
  • Communicating workforce impact to policymakers and stakeholders

Session Format & Expectations
  • Interactive and discussion-based formats are strongly encouraged
  • Case studies and applied examples are preferred
  • Sessions should leave participants with clear, actionable takeaways

Who Should Submit
  • Workforce development leaders and practitioners
  • Employers and industry representatives
  • HR professionals and talent development leaders
  • Education leaders engaged in workforce alignment
  • Policy and advocacy professionals connected to workforce systems
Proposal Submission Guidance
Proposals should clearly describe:

  • The leadership challenge or opportunity being addressed
  • How the topic connects workforce development, talent strategy, and/or policy
  • Key takeaways participants will gain
PWDA values proposals that are grounded in practice, foster meaningful dialogue, and reflect the real leadership challenges facing today’s workforce and talent systems.
Primary Presenter: (note - this presenter will be the primary point of contact for all PWDA communications; if selected to present, we will need names/contact information for additional presenters)

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* 1. Name

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* 2. Company / Organization

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* 3. Address

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* 4. Organization Type

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* 5. Workshop Theme (select one)

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* 6. Description: Please describe your workshop in 75 words or less, as you wish it to appear in the program and other marketing materials. Please ensure information is complete, accurate and grammatically correct, and be as specific as possible about content so an attendee can determine the relevance of your section. PWDA reserves the right to edit descriptions for length and clarity.

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* 7. * Presentation Take-Aways: Briefly describe in what ways the workshop will allow attendees to apply the content to their professional responsibilities and daily activities.

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* 8. Format

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* 9. Have you presented this content before

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* 10. If selected, are you aware of and willing to abide by PWDA’s paid registration requirements?

If you have any questions regarding a workshop proposal, please contact info@pawork.org



Notification of selection will be given after June 1, 2026

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