Workforce Innovations 2008 Reaches Out to the International Community

What is Workforce Innovations?

Workforce Innovations 2008: Success Decoded is the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration's premier annual conference promoting collaboration among leaders from workforce development, business, economic development, education, community-based organizations and philanthropy. Thousands of these leaders, from both the U.S. and abroad, will gather in New Orleans, July 15 -17, to learn from each other's successes and to cultivate the talent development solutions needed in today's global economy. Come discover the U.S. Workforce System Decoded.

Why attend?

Growing global competition is forcing not only the U.S. but countries around the world to acknowledge the critical need for both talent development and innovation. Workforce Innovations promises the most concentrated and powerful array of promising practices, economic trends, and strategic thinking to be found throughout the U.S. This is your opportunity to share your experiences and challenges and engage with practitioners and thought leaders who are forging effective and innovative strategies to develop a strong and competitive workforce for the 21st century.

What specific features, themes and speakers will Workforce Innovations offer of particular interest to the international community?

While there are too many to mention them all on this page (explore the rest of our Web site for full program information), here are some of our top picks:

  • Models and sessions addressing the themes of leveraging funding; innovation in education and workforce partnerships; business engagement; and workforce development leadership.
  • Top speakers including:


    • Don Tapscott, best-selling author of Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything
    • Frank Glaviano, Sr., Vice President, Production Americas, Shell Exploration & Production, and recent New Orleanian of the Year
    • Jim "Mr. Energy" Smith, Jr., President and CEO of JIMPACT Enterprises, Inc.
    • Ed Morrison, Economic Policy Advisor, Purdue Center for Regional Development
    • Steve Uzzell, acclaimed speaker/photographer delving into The Nature of Transition
  • Fascinating Learning Labs focusing on topics such as:


    • Helping key segments of the population access and navigate the labor market including disadvantaged and disconnected youth; dislocated workers; people with disabilities and older workers
    • Engaging business in developing demand-driven labor market interventions
    • The Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) Initiative
    • U.S. apprenticeship programs and how they are being expanded to non-traditional sectors
    • The role of community colleges in improving the skills of workers in their regions through partnerships with local employers
    • Boosting the interest of students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
    • Exploring the role technology can play in designing successful labor market and training interventions
  • An exciting Success Decoded Exhibit Hall showcasing best practices and cutting-edge programs
  • Engaging off-site educational tours allowing you to see first-hand what's happening in New Orleans
  • Community-service opportunities to help rebuild New Orleans
  • And finally, invaluable networking opportunities

We look forward to seeing our international colleagues in New Orleans, July 15 -17. Register before May 30 at www.WorkforceInnovations.org in order to receive the discounted "early-bird" rate.