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2026 Workforce Development Summit
April 21 @ 7:30 am - 1:00 pm
Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 | 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
8221 Minnesota Ave, St. Louis, MO 63111
The manufacturing industry’s workforce challenges aren’t getting easier. An aging workforce. Difficulty attracting younger talent. Increasing competition for skilled workers.
But the solutions might be closer than you think — and they’re sitting in a room together on April 21st.
This event is exclusively open to professionals in industrial companies, educational institutions, public service organizations, and students.
**If you are a service provider, please email info@confluxcolearning.org for more information about Sponsorship opportunities.
The Workforce Challenge Is Real
Manufacturing is facing one of the most significant workforce challenges in generations — an aging labor force, difficulty attracting younger talent, increased competition for skilled workers, and a rapidly shifting regulatory environment.
This summit is built to deliver practical, real-world solutions you can take back to your organization.
Keynote: Understanding the New Labor Landscape
We’re honored to welcome Corey Franklin, Office Managing Partner at FordHarrison in St. Louis, as our keynote speaker.
Corey advises employers across the country on labor relations, union matters, workplace policies, and employment law. He was recently named to Best Lawyers in America (2026) for his work in employment law.
In his keynote, Corey will break down how new federal labor policies are expected to impact manufacturers — from hiring and HR to compliance, benefits, and union activity — and what leaders should be thinking about now.
Real Conversations. Real Solutions.
In addition to the keynote, the summit features:
Gen Z Workforce Panel
Hear directly from the next generation of talent. This panel is made up entirely of Gen Z professionals sharing — in their own words — what they’re looking for in manufacturing careers, leadership, culture, and opportunity.
Industry & Education Leaders
Manufacturers, HR professionals, educators, and workforce development leaders will share what’s actually working when it comes to building talent pipelines and strengthening workplace culture.
Intentional Networking
Connect with shop owners, operators, HR leaders, educators, policymakers — and students preparing to enter the workforce — all shaping the future of manufacturing in our region.
Breakfast + Lunch Included
Agenda
7:30 – 8:30 AM: Continental Breakfast & Networking
8:30 – 8:45 AM: Why we’re here and what’s ahead
8:45 – 9:45 AM: Panel #1 | Bank of America | The Middle Matters: Retaining and Empowering Frontline Leaders
9:40 – 10:00 AM: Connection Break
10:00 – 10:40 AM: Panel #2 | Missouri Works Initiative | Skilled By Design: Apprenticeship Ready Manufacturing Program Manager
10:40 – 11:00 AM: Connection Break
11:00 – 11:40 AM: Panel #3 | St. Louis CAPS + St. Louis Community College | The Workforce Shifts: What Gen Z Expects from Employers Today
11:40 – 11:50 AM: Connection Break
11:50 – 12:50 AM: Lunch + Keynote Address from Corey Franklin | Policy Meets Production: How Labor Laws Affect Your Hiring Pipeline
12:50 – 1:00 PM: Closing Remarks & Call to Action
