The Workforce Development Council’s upcoming conference, the Future of Work 2026: County Voices, Statewide Vision, will delve into county and statewide insights on workforce trends.

Registration is open until Sept. 22 for the event that will take place on Sept. 24 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i in Honolulu. The event will feature county-level presentations, student perspectives, along with a celebration of those driving workforce innovation across Hawai‘i, according to a news release from the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i.

Click here to register.

“This conference will spotlight each island’s unique experience and take an in-depth examination of their issues and how counties are meeting these challenges,” said Bennette Misalucha, Workforce Development Council Executive Director. “Our past two conferences serve as the foundational work in exploring sector experiences and creating better pathways from education to workforce.”

Cost is $125 per person for the all-day conference and includes a light breakfast, buffet lunch and parking for the 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. event.

“As technology accelerates and industries evolve, many jobs are becoming obsolete faster than ever and critical jobs in key sectors are unfilled,” said Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i President & CEO Sherry Menor. “To keep pace, workforce development must focus not just on filling jobs today, but preparing for the needs of tomorrow.”

In addition, Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council will announce the 2025 Workforce Heroes for Oahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island and the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Workforce Development Hero Awards honors the excellence, dedication and innovation in workforce development to advance employment opportunities and skills development.

Since its launch, the Future of Work Conference has brought together more than 500 participants statewide, fostering collaboration across business, education, and government.

In 2023, the agenda spotlighted Hawaii’s top employment sectors—including tourism, defense, construction, healthcare, technology, energy, and the public sector—while in 2024 the focus shifted to sector partnerships and pathways, highlighting work-based learning and student, educator, and employer voices. These gatherings have not only elevated statewide workforce priorities but also led to new public-private partnerships, expanded internship and externship opportunities, and stronger alignment between education and industry to prepare residents for high-demand careers.

This year’s keynote addresses will feature Hawai‘i’s Chief Economist, Seth Colby and technology innovator from Oceanit, Patrick Sullivan.

“Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i, along with nonprofits, government agencies and educational institutions, are working collaboratively to build a future-ready workforce,” according to a news release from the Chamber of Commerce. “Together, they’re identifying critical and emerging career paths, while cultivating adaptive, solution-oriented and community-minded professionals who can thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.”

For more information on the conference, contact Vanessa Rogers, Vice President of Workforce Development, at vrogers@cochawaii.org.

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