Oregon's Workforce and Talent Development Board (WTDB) and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) will be hosting the 2026 Oregon Talent Summit on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
in person at the Salem Convention Center.
Since 2018, the Oregon Talent Summit has convened leaders to explore implications and consider actions on critical trends, challenges, and solutions in workforce and talent development. Summit attendees include leaders from business, the Oregon Legislature, workforce development, community-based organizations, postsecondary education, local workforce boards, economic development, and state agencies.
The 2026 Summit theme is Bridging Vision and Action: Forging Oregon's Path Forward. Registration is free and now open. This year's in-person Summit focuses on turning strategy into action through collaboration, data, and practical solutions. A core focus of the Summit is presenting the findings of the
2026 Oregon Talent Assessment - the biannual analysis of Oregon's workforce that identifies in-demand industries and occupations evaluates supply-demand alignment, assesses job quality, and provides regional and equity insights.
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May 19, 2026 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Salem Convention Center
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The day features keynotes from inspiring leaders, networking opportunities, and four breakout tracks:
Business Leadership & Economic Development: Aligning Employers, Talent & Growth
Data to Action: Driving Policy & Outcomes
Work-Based Learning: Connecting Education & Work Experience
Youth Workforce Development: Pathways to Opportunity & Career Success
Confirmed speakers include:
Adrien Bennings, Portland Community College, President
Andrew Dyke, ECOnorthwest, Senior Economist and Partner
Sarah Means, Office of Governor Kotek, Workforce, Higher Education, and Economic Development Advisor
Skip Newberry, Technology Association of Oregon, President & CEO
Parina Parikh, Jobs for the Future (JFF), Associate Vice President - Workforce & Regional Economies
Representative Hai Pham, Oregon House of Representatives
KS Venkatraman, Nvidia (ret), Chair, Workforce and Talent Development Board
John Tapogna, Oregon Business Council, President
Since 2018, the Oregon Talent Summit has brought together leaders from business, the Legislature, workforce development, postsecondary education, community-based organizations, economic development, and state agencies. We hope to see you in Salem.
Questions? Email oregontalentsummit@confluencec.com
Forward this invitation to colleagues and partners across Oregon - and join the Talent Summit mailing list to stay informed.
Need to book a hotel? Take advantage of our discounted room rate here.
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