Description: The modern workforce is evolving, demanding leaders who can navigate change with empathy, adaptability, and resilience. This interactive pre-conference session, "New Dynamics: The Emotionally Intelligent Leader," is designed for workforce development professionals to strengthen their leadership effectiveness in an ever-changing environment. Participants will explore core emotional intelligence (EI) principles and how they align with effective leadership practices as well as explore strategies for leaders to foster resilience, collaboration, and innovation within their teams. Participants will explore the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership and discover how self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management drive team engagement and success. Additionally, the session will provide insights into transformational leadership principles, emphasizing strategies for leading through change, fostering a growth mindset, and building resilience in a leadership role. CWDP Competency: 4
Location: Short Creek 2

Description: The language we use—both internally and externally—directly impacts career success. In this high-energy workshop, combat veteran and entrepreneur Andy Weins reveals how our 70,000 daily thoughts and 7,000 spoken words either accelerate or derail professional growth. Drawing from nearly two decades of military leadership experience and his work with veteran career transitions, Andy provides battle-tested strategies for transforming self-limiting language patterns into powerful professional communication. Through interactive exercises and real-world scenarios, participants will learn to identify and eliminate common language barriers that hold career growth back, master a proven 3-step technique for communicating value to potential employers, and develop a personal action plan for professional communication success. Whether you're working with job seekers, career changers, or professionals seeking advancement, you'll gain practical tools for helping clients reshape their professional narrative and build lasting career success. Walk away with concrete strategies for transforming how your clients think, speak, and present themselves in the professional world.
Location: Taneycomo Ballroom A

Description: The Missouri Works Initiative (MWI) was formed to eliminate barriers to economic opportunities by connecting Missourians to the necessary resources to build life-sustaining careers through a key workforce program: apprentice ready (AKA pre-apprenticeship). MWI offers two apprentice ready programs across the state in the construction and advanced manufacturing industries. Years of success with the construction readiness program reflects a retention rate of 95%. In this session you will learn more details of their two apprentice ready programs, what is offered, and how these programs connect individuals to quality career pathways.
Location: Short Creek 2

Description: In today's fast-paced and crowded marketplace, effectively marketing your job center, programs, and events is essential for success. This workshop, "Building Connections in a Crowded World," is designed to equip staff with the knowledge and tools to enhance their marketing efforts, build meaningful connections, and attract a wider audience to the job center and event(s). CWDP Competency: 1 & 4
Location: Short Creek 3

Description: In this session, we will look at how assistive technology (AT) can be incorporated into job seeking, placement, and retention. Join us for this interactive session where we will share some successes and some failures of AT in the workplace as well as having some hands-on time with AT devices. “Innovation is the powerful force for change in the world” – Bill Gates. If this is true, why aren’t we all innovators and change makers? Why haven’t we made all the strides needed to get individuals with disabilities fully integrated into the workplace? Simple, change is hard. Fear of failure is real. Let’s discuss small changes we can each make to expand our capacity for helping participants in work and life. This session will include an overview of AT consideration and routes to a variety of device demonstration options and successful implementation. From low tech to high tech, we will look across the lifespan and disability which can lead to an expansion of knowledge by exploring assistive technology. CWDP Competency: 2 & 4
Location: Cooper Creek 1

Description: The Missouri Department of Corrections, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department works to achieve the department’s Mission Statement: “Improving Lives for Safer Communities.” Eighteen different CTE programs are available in both men and women’s facilities. These include 31 teachers across the state, with 17 state and federal certificates or apprenticeships that can be earned before being released from our facilities that give the students an advantage when they are released. These programs are designed to improve their lives before release so that they can support themselves and their families without turning back to their old ways that got them in trouble to begin with. Offenders can discover what programs are available while they are incarcerated and how completing these programs will impact their families and communities. Each of the programs/classes available will be discussed, including what they have to offer, the total number of students per class that graduate each year, as well as the success stories of some offenders after their release. CWDP Competency: 2 & 4
Location: Cooper Creek 2

Description: This workshop will remind workforce professionals that workforce is a profession, and that professional development and credentialing are important. We want all jobseekers to earn credentials to validate their skills, so why shouldn't we do that for ourselves? NAWDP developed the Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) certification using research based on the job requirements of a wide range of workforce development roles. Professionals across the nation validated the competencies in a variety of settings as representative of the skills and competencies required for success in the industry. This workshop will cover the eligibility requirements to become a CWDP; explore the 5 CWDP competencies; explain how you prove competency knowledge; and walk you through the application process. We will also talk about how long the certification is for and how to recertify.
Location: Cooper Creek 3

Description: Networking is essential in today’s evolving workforce landscape. In this engaging workshop, participants will learn how to effectively establish, nurture, and leverage connections for success. Through interactive activities, attendees will explore the principles of intentional networking, discover opportunities to collaborate across sectors, and examine real-world success stories, including those from the Fostering Our Future program. The session will offer a mix of practical tips and reflective exercises, empowering participants to expand their influence and strengthen their community impact. CWDP Competency: 4
Location: Short Creek 2

Description: In this workshop, we will look at some of the issues that customers view as a barrier to customer services (e.g., body language, mannerism, etc.) As a group, we will look at scenarios that job centers (JC) have provided of interactions with customers and learn ways to handle interactions, in order to serve the customer better. Attendees will be provided a scenario and given time to discuss and create a positive outcome for the situation, then hear what action that the JC staff took. The goal is to provide information on how to work with a customer in a positive, respectful manner, no matter the situation. CWDP Competency: 1 & 4
Location: Short Creek 3

Description: In this workshop, participants will explore five essential components for successfully aligning and integrating Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs into local workforce systems, utilizing a tool developed by Safal Partners. The tool, titled Key Components of Workforce System Alignment with Registered Apprenticeship, offers a strategic roadmap for local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) to effectively establish or enhance their alignment with RA programs. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the five components and how to apply them to integrate RA into their respective local workforce systems. The session will highlight the many benefits that local WDBs can achieve by implementing these five components, leading to stronger alignment with RA programs and improved outcomes for both job seekers and business. The session will encourage peer-to-peer sharing and include a brief action-planning segment. In small groups, participants will focus on one of the five key components, working together to develop a practical plan for its implementation. CWDP Competency: 3 & 5
Location: Cooper Creek 1

Description: Did you know that the unemployment rate among those who are blind or visually impaired currently hovers around a staggering 70%? There are many reasons for this jaw-dropping statistic with one in particular revolving around the overall lack of knowledge by employers regarding the assistive technology (AT) that those who are blind or visually impaired utilize every day. In this interactive breakout, you will learn about, and get your hands on, various high and low tech AT such as screen readers, screen magnifiers, smartphone apps, optical character recognition (OCR) devices, talking clocks, bump dots, electronic and hand-held magnifiers, and more! You will also learn the basics of how to create accessible documents and websites for those who use screen readers. By assisting our partner agencies/organizations and employers alike in developing a better understanding of available AT, including how to harness it, we can create a more diverse workforce together! CWDP Competency: 1 & 2
Location: Cooper Creek 2

Description: In today's rapidly evolving job market, supporting job seekers is about more than helping them find a job - it's about empowering them to thrive. This workshop explores how Talify Missouri, an innovative talent-matching platform, equips job seekers with personalized tools to identify their strengths, build confidence, and navigate career pathways. By combining behavioral assessments with industry-specific insights and tailored support for veterans, youth, and justice-involved, Talify ensures individuals are not just prepared for employment but positioned for long-term success. Join us to discover actionable strategies that elevate job seeker services, foster inclusion, and create pathways to self-sufficient and meaningful careers. CWDP Competency: 1 & 3
Location: Cooper Creek 3

Description: Virtual career services have become pivotal in the post-pandemic workforce landscape, with in-person center traffic still lagging. This session will focus on equipping attendees with actionable strategies to modernize services and expand accessibility. We’ll cover virtual/hybrid solutions like hybrid career fairs, mobile American Job Centers (mobile AJCs), and pop-up resource labs in AJCs that effectively connect job seekers, employers, and community resources. We’ll also explore how virtual tracking of outreach, engagement, and group services, in addition to program enrollment, can not only improve data accuracy but also craft a more comprehensive funding narrative that can help agencies show their full impact and access increased funding. CWDP Competency: 1 & 4
Location: Short Creek 2

Description: Join us for this important presentation that will delve into how to assist in removing the stigma in working with felons. In the State of Missouri 97% of incarcerated individuals will be returning to the community and most likely become job seekers. Learn of our internal survey with job center staff of their feedback and how we addressed their concerns. Also, how to address the felony question on an application and in an interview, careers felons can pursue, and how to include incarceration work history. Whether you work at a Job Center, with partner agencies, or with employers, come learn how we are working with you and individuals releasing back to our community. CWDP Competency: 2 & 4
Location: Short Creek 3

Description: This session will be jointly presented by DHEWD, DOLIR, and Coursera. DHEWD launched a partnership with the online learning platform Coursera in July 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a way of helping displaced workers skill up and get back to work. OWD has partnered with Employment Security for years offering job center services and training opportunities to aid the claimant in getting back to work sooner and in a career that leads to sustainability. This free DHEWD-Coursera program continues to be offered statewide, with enrollments handled through OWD’s Virtual Learning Unit to provide customers with transformative learning experiences and career development. Through this partnership, customers can earn industry-recognized certificates from top universities and industry-leading companies like Meta and Google that are designed to prepare people for entry-level careers. Attendees will gain insights into new approaches and new resources available through a partnership with DHEWD to enhance job readiness, by learning from how DHEWD’s partnership with Coursera has expanded. Participants will learn about how state departments like DOLIR are offering new and different options to the Missouri communities they serve to support job readiness and career success. The session will detail how new innovations in learning technologies enable new ways for people to strengthen their job readiness, prepare for the job search process, interviews, and successful career transitions. CWDP Competency: 1 & 2
Location: Cooper Creek 1

Description: Missouri’s population is aging. By 2034, for the first time in history, there will be more people 60+ years or older than there are under 18. To prepare for the future and strengthen organizations, it is time to change our perceptions of older workers. Discover the value of older workers in the workforce, identify ways that organizations can keep retirement-aged employees working longer, learn about the Senior Community Service Employment Program, and how this program could be a link to quality trained employees for organizations. CWDP Competency: 1 & 2
Location: Cooper Creek 2

Description: Through this interactive presentation, attendees will develop an understanding of the behaviors, habits, and patterns of their low-wage or entry-level employees and explore how employees’ economic class affects the success of the business as a whole. Attendees will learn how to get off the “turnover treadmill”, improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, and achieve high employee morale in the workplace through the understanding of the resources and thought patterns of employees who are experiencing daily instability. This training will allow attendees to recognize the range of factors that create instability for employees; see how instability, employee performance, and profitability are related; and identify the most effective techniques and tactics for increasing workplace stability. Attendees will also learn about the impact Workplace Stability has had on the community of Mexico, MO and come away with inexpensive solutions and concrete action steps for implementing the Workplace Stability model in their own communities.” CWDP Competency: 1 & 3
Location: Cooper Creek 3

Description: Career exploration can be a brief yet impactful experience, offering participants insights into what it takes to pursue a specific career pathway. Through engaging and interactive simulations, individuals can understand the nature of various jobs, the skills required, and the next steps to enter those careers. This panel features workforce board representatives from across the United States who will share how they have utilized virtual reality (VR) to introduce their communities to diverse career opportunities and establish pathways to work-based learning and employment. As more young people bypass traditional college routes in favor of high-growth industries, effective career exploration is crucial. VR simulations provide an innovative and cost-effective solution to this need, enabling youth to make informed decisions while saving time and resources. VR environments offer significant benefits, including reduced training costs, accelerated skills development, and enhanced learner preparedness for modern workplaces. With trainees demonstrating 60% higher on-task focus and up to 2x greater recall, VR is proving to be a game-changer in workforce development. Panelists will discuss their experiences deploying immersive technology, detailing its use cases and measurable impacts within workforce programs across various regions, highlighting VR's potential to transform career readiness and workforce engagement whilst fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and collaboration. CWDP Competency: 2, 3, & 4
Location: Short Creek 2

Description: This workshop introduces the “Secure Your Financial Future: A Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities”, a comprehensive resource designed to empower job seekers with disabilities by promoting financial independence alongside employment success. Participants will gain actionable insights into integrating this toolkit into workforce development programs, enhancing service delivery at American Job Centers. The session will explore practical strategies, real-world examples, and success stories that highlight the toolkit's impact. Attendees will leave equipped with tools and knowledge to better support job seekers in achieving their financial and career goals.
Location: Short Creek 3

Description: Participants in this workshop can expect to have a better understanding of how and why data is collected for WIOA and how performance is measured for WIOA programs. They will understand why the accuracy of the data matters and how the data that is reported is used in predicting performance for statewide and local performance negotiations using historical data and predictive data generated from the Statistical Adjustment Model (SAM). The Workforce performance data team focuses on WIOA data collection and reporting for WIOA Title I and III. We hope this presentation will provide us with the opportunity to share basic foundational information regarding WIOA data and to connect with workforce staff to better understand the data that is needed to better prepare for the future and how we can help that data be collected. CWDP Competency: 4 & 5
Location: Cooper Creek 1

Description: Hear from three Missouri Chamber Employees about their different focuses related to workforce in Missouri. Each team member will shine a light on the projects they facilitate and offer advice from lessons learned and how we pivot to provide support to all employer members and stay current in the changing tides of workforce. Find out how you can get involved with your local Chambers. CWDP Competency: 3
Location: Cooper Creek 2

Description: Take a trip to the past to see what job postings looked like in the 19th and 20th centuries, evaluate what job postings look like now, and explore what they may look like in the future. Referencing legislation and history, this session will help you understand how and why certain words and phrases are discriminatory and how job postings can be modified to be more inclusive. CWDP Competency: 2, 3, & 4
Location: Cooper Creek 3

Description: Checking boxes, in the face of RADICAL barriers, is powerless. If you’ve found yourself asking “What is it going to take” to engage the individuals you serve in a way that will lead them AND your organization to successful outcomes, this is the topic for you. You will learn Five Trauma-Informed Approach Strategies and 10 Elements of Resilience to help you successfully engage the individuals you serve and get them bought in to their own success. You will also have the opportunity to register for one of my published books, at no charge, to support your work in the field. (Until books are gone).
Location: Taneycomo Ballroom

Description: This presentation will take a light-hearted and comedic approach to both educate and inform attendees on the topic of AI. Through my 3 favorite things, charts, memes, and pizza, I will explore what AI is, and what it is not. We will explore the history of AI and what has led to the absolute explosion of AI integrations. We will also take a larger look at the past 100 years of key technologies and address the negative sentiment these technologies generated at the time. “History may not repeat itself, but it does rhyme,” would be a great way to highlight what this process will reflect. Beyond the historical look, I will then explore the projected impact AI will have on the workforce to establish, and reinforce, the argument that AI will have significant impacts on the workforce, but that it will NOT replace human workers. We will discuss tasks AI is great for, but also highlight which human skills will remain critical. After it has been established that AI is going to be around of a while, I will guide staff through the development of foundational skills in AI, and will actively demonstrate the use of ChatGPT, and possibly other tools, to introduce newcomers to AI tools, as well as provide those that are familiar with AI tips, tricks, and give them access to tools to add to their toolbox. Expect laughter and a fresh perspective on how AI shapes our work and our daily lives. CWDP Competency: 1 & 4
Location: Short Creek 2

Description: The shift to remote work has transformed the modern workplace, offering flexibility and innovation but also presenting unique challenges for leaders. This session dives into the key strategies necessary to build, develop, and sustain productive remote teams that thrive in today’s dynamic environment. Participants will explore actionable approaches to establishing clear structures and processes that support team success. From setting clear goals and expectations to fostering seamless communication and collaboration, this presentation equips leaders with the tools to overcome the barriers of distance and create a cohesive, high-performing team. Special emphasis will be placed on cultivating trust, maintaining accountability, and promoting employee well-being. The session also addresses common pitfalls, such as isolation and disengagement, and offers solutions for creating an engaging remote culture. By leveraging insights, real-world examples, and proven techniques, attendees will leave with a practical playbook for effective remote leadership. Whether you’re managing a fully remote or hybrid team, this session empowers leaders to unlock the full potential of their teams, driving productivity and success in a digital-first world. CWDP Competency: 4
Location: Short Creek 3

Description: In today's demanding work environment, understanding the differences between workplace stress and burnout is crucial for maintaining employee well-being and productivity. This workshop is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of these two phenomena, focusing on the three levels of stress and the stages of burnout. By attending this workshop, participants will gain valuable insights and practical tools to identify, manage, and mitigate the effects of stress and burnout in life. Join us to learn how to effectively navigate the challenges of personal plus workplace stress and burnout, and foster a healthier, more resilient lifestyle. CWDP Competency: 1 & 4
Location: Cooper Creek 1

Description: Let's take the "hard-work" out of finding "hard-workers"! This workshop will share strategies for employers and workforce development professionals to that can streamline the second chance hiring process and ensure a pathway to success for justice involved individuals. CWDP Competency: 2, 3, & 4
Location: Cooper Creek 2

Description: Apprenticeship. You’ve heard the term enough over the last 5 years or so, but what do you really know about it? If you have been grappling with this question for a while, then this is the place to be. This session will provide an overview of both pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs, available resources, and most importantly, everything you need to know on using your WIOA programs to support apprentice seekers and employers. CWDP Competency: 2, 3, & 4
Location: Cooper Creek 3

Description: This workshop will equip workforce development professionals and employers with actionable strategies to recruit and retain women in apprenticeship and nontraditional occupations. Tailored for Missouri’s workforce ecosystem, the session provides a versatile "menu of options" that participants can adapt to meet their community’s unique needs—whether launching new initiatives or strengthening existing programs. Attendees will also gain insights into state-level data and services from Missouri’s Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, alongside tools and resources from the Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau. Join us to explore innovative approaches, fill program gaps, and foster inclusive pathways that empower women to thrive in high-demand fields. CWDP Competency: 1, 2, & 3
Location: Short Creek 3

Description: As we look toward "Forging the Future" in workforce development, creating a balance between work and life is essential for building a resilient, adaptable, and purpose-driven workforce. This interactive workshop invites participants to reimagine their to-do lists as tools for community impact and personal growth. Whether it’s attending a child’s recital, volunteering for a school fundraiser, or contributing to a neighborhood cleanup, these everyday acts of service not only build stronger communities but also foster a sense of fulfillment and balance. Together, we’ll explore how personal and professional service prepares us to face future challenges with adaptability and purpose. Participants will hear inspiring examples, brainstorm actionable ideas, and leave empowered to integrate service into their daily lives and workplaces. By embracing service, we can create workplaces and communities that are diverse, supportive, and ready to tackle the future. Join us to discover how your personal and professional actions today are shaping the workforce of tomorrow. Future Focused Checklist CWDP Competency: 1 & 4
Location: Short Creek 2

Description: When an individual is seeking employment after experiencing a life altering event it can be one of the hardest tasks to do because of the history and perceived stigma that may accompany them. But when an employer is willing to provide an opportunity and take a risk on a person, it can be one of the most uplifting and rewarding experiences. The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) offers incentive programs to employers to provide such an opportunity. The Federal Bonding Program is “The Great Giveaway” that Missouri can offer employers for providing a chance for job seekers.
Location: Short Creek 3

Description: Registered Apprenticeships in the education sector are leveling the playing field for underrepresented populations. Learn how supportive services and paid employment are embedded in a Teacher Apprenticeship model serving the Kansas City region. This programming came from partnerships with Kansas City Regional Professional Development Committee and Metropolitan Community College (MCC). Programs such as these are truly forging the future of the teaching workforce, which in turn becomes the key to forging the future for all! Our presentation will take participants through the steps of building a Registered Teacher’s Aide Apprenticeship program for our region and include interactive elements to understand implementation for their own region. Statistics will be shared regarding diversity of the current teaching workforce, diversity within teaching apprenticeship occupations and diversity of enrolled participants. MCC will share their breakdown of roles and responsibilities while acting as the sponsor for participating school districts. There will be a focus on the apprenticeship model components that provide underrepresented populations upward mobility as well as why apprenticeship works well for Gen Z. CWDP Competency: 2, 3, & 4
Location: Cooper Creek 1

Description: Today many marginalized youth are misunderstood, criticized, and even feared. The media often portrays them negatively and as a menace to society. This workshop will challenge you to change your perception and to look deep into their creativity to tap into their future potential. You will learn how to navigate the levels of dysfunction and create ways to make positive deposits that motivate and inspire self-worth. CWDP Competency: 2
Location: Cooper Creek 2

Description: The Credential Training Program provides an exciting resource opportunity to assist Missouri companies of all sizes and in any industry, to upskill their employees or prospective employees. As technology continues to advance and industries adjust, it's essential for companies to invest in their workforce. Making an investment in Missouri's workforce means growth in the economy and the expansion of our talent pipeline. CWDP Competency: 2
Location: Cooper Creek 3

Description: Are you ready to revolutionize workforce development? This year's conference theme empowers professionals to develop cutting-edge skills, adapt to change, and embrace the rich diversity of our multi-generational workforce. We are tasked with transforming lives using proven success principles while maintaining an open, inclusive approach to service delivery. Join me as we explore the power of saying "yes" to innovation and inclusivity. This keynote address will awaken your creative potential, issue a powerful call to action, and remind us of our vital role in driving talent development, retention, and economic resilience at every level. Let’s forge a future filled with endless possibilities of prosperity for every life we are gifted to “touch” whether on a national, regional, or local level.
Location: Taneycomo Ballroom