HONOLULU, HI – What will Hawaii’s workforce look like five, 10 or even 20 years from now? And what can we do today to make sure local workers are prepared for the opportunities ahead?

Those questions will take center stage at Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and Workforce Development Council’s Future of Work 2027 Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 23, bringing together employers, educators, policymakers, workforce professionals and community leaders for a day focused on the people, partnerships and ideas that will shape Hawaii’s economic future.

Presented by Hawaiian Electric Company, this year’s conference will explore the theme “Rooted in Culture. Ready for the Future.” The program will look at how Hawaii can build a workforce that is prepared to adapt to changing industries and technologies while remaining grounded in the values and culture that make Hawaii unique. Additional partners include the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Hawaii P-20, and AE Consulting. Event sponsors, in addition to HECO, include Hawaii Pacific Health, Bishop & Co., and Pacific Business News as the media sponsor.

“Preparing for the future of work means understanding where our economy is headed and making sure our workforce has the skills and opportunities to move with it,” says Lord Ryan Lizardo, Vice President of Education and Workforce Development at the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. “Through the Chamber’s Sector Partnerships and Work-Based Learning initiatives, we are connecting employers, educators and students to better align education and career pathways with the needs of our industries. That work reflects a broader priority within the 2030 Blueprint for Hawaii, where workforce development is foundational to the strength and future of our economy. No matter the industry, our ability to grow and compete depends on having a strong pipeline of local talent prepared for what’s next.”

The conference comes as Hawaii’s employers continue to navigate a changing economy, evolving technology and shifting workforce needs. Across industries, businesses are looking for ways to attract and retain talent, develop the skills their employees need and create meaningful career opportunities for local workers.

Future of Work 2027 will bring those perspectives together through a mix of economic analysis, industry discussions and collaborative sessions.

The day will open with a keynote examining the intersection of Hawaii’s culture and its workforce future, followed by an economic outlook from Dr. Steven Bond-Smith, Associate Specialist with UHERO. He’ll discuss economic trends that are influencing Hawaii’s industries, workforce and broader economic outlook.

Leaders from several of Hawaii’s key industries will then offer a closer look at the workforce challenges and opportunities they are seeing on the ground, with perspectives from healthcare, construction, the public sector, defense, energy, information technology and tourism.

“As a company of and for Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric is committed to building a sustainable workforce that will support our communities and economy for generations to come,” says Kazu Hayashida, Manager of Workforce Planning with Hawaiian Electric. “The Future of Work Conference creates opportunities for employers, educators, and workforce leaders to align around a shared vision, strengthen talent pipelines, and prepare Hawaii’s workforce for the future, including for the many skilled positions we are hiring for today and in the future. I hope attendees leave with a renewed commitment to collaboration. Hawaii’s workforce challenges require shared solutions. By working together to expand career pathways, strengthen talent development, and invest in local people, we can create meaningful opportunities and build a stronger, more resilient Hawaii for future generations.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in interactive breakout sessions designed to move the conversation from identifying challenges to exploring solutions. Discussions will focus on strengthening connections across sectors, sharing ideas and identifying opportunities for greater collaboration.

The afternoon will turn toward the long-term work needed to build a resilient workforce. Matt Stevens, Executive Director of the Hawaii Workforce Funders Collaborative, will lead a conversation on the importance of sustained investment, cross-sector partnerships and shared leadership in creating workforce opportunities that can benefit generations of Hawaii residents.

The conference will also recognize the people and organizations already making a difference through the Workforce Heroes Celebration & Panel, highlighting examples of leadership, innovation and collaboration that demonstrate what is possible when Hawaii works together.

The conference will conclude with networking, giving attendees an opportunity to continue conversations and build relationships with others working to strengthen Hawaii’s workforce.

Tickets are $150 and include self-parking, light breakfast, buffet lunch, and all-day coffee and tea service. Register online at: cochawaii.org/events.