The Northern Colorado Workforce Symposium
Join Industry Leaders at the Northern Colorado Workforce Symposium
Get ready for the ultimate gathering of professionals - where networking and learning collide!
The 2026 Workforce Symposium, an annual event designed for industry leaders, professionals, and stakeholders to discuss the future of the workforce, returns on Sept. 9, at Aims Community College Welcome Center in Greeley.
Join workforce professionals, educators, employers, and industry leaders from across Northern Colorado for the 2026 Workforce Symposium - a dynamic day of learning, collaboration, and networking focused on today's workforce challenges and tomorrow's opportunities.
Explore timely topics including hiring and retention strategies, leadership development, workforce innovation, talent pipelines, and emerging trends shaping the future of work. You'll leave with practical ideas, valuable connections, and actionable strategies to strengthen your organization and community.
Whether you're an employer, HR professional, educator, workforce partner, or community leader, you'll gain valuable insights while connecting with others who are committed to building a stronger workforce across Northern Colorado.
Meet our Keynote Speaker: Edgar Papke
Culture by Design: Leading with Intention and Alignment in an Era of Shifting Expectations
Edgar is an award-winning speaker, bestselling author, leadership coach, and management consultant who has worked with leaders and organizations around the world.
He has delivered more than 3,500 keynote presentations and has worked with more than 45,000 CEOs, executives, and leaders through his workshops and programs. He has been recognized as Vistage Worldwide Impact Speaker of the Year and International Speaker of the Year, and is the bestselling author of "True Alignment" and "The Elephant in the Boardroom."
His keynote presentation will cover practical approaches for designing and living an intentional culture, built to deliver the trust, engagement, retention, and performance organizations are after.
We are thrilled to welcome Edgar to the 2026 Workforce Symposium and look forward to bringing together workforce professionals, employers, educators, and industry leaders from across Northern Colorado.
More Great Speakers
Hope Hartman, Colorado SBDC serving Larimer County
“Beyond AI Literacy: How to Identify Real AI Capability”
Employers will learn how to identify genuine AI skills and separate meaningful capabilities from resume buzzwords.
Stu Crair, Digital Workshop Center
“The Pocket: Why the Best Teams Sound Like a Great Band”
An interactive session demonstrating how alignment and communication shape effective teams through a rhythmic, music‑based approach
Nick Armstrong, WTF Coaching
“The Coach Approach to Leadership (aka what Ted Lasso can teach you about keeping your best people)”
A coaching‑centered leadership framework focused on curiosity, meaningful conversations, and effective strategies for retaining top talent.
More speakers announcements to come!
Event Information
Date: September 9, 2026
Time: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Venue: Aims Community College Welcome Center (5401 W. 20th St., Greeley, 80634)
Cost: $55
All tickets include refreshments and lunch.
The Symposium is presented by the Weld County Workforce Center and Larimer County Economic & Workforce Development.
Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities
Show your organization’s support for regional workforce development by becoming a sponsor or exhibitor at this year’s event. Both options offer valuable visibility and engagement with key community and industry stakeholders.
Sponsorship opportunities are selling out quickly. Explore available options and secure your sponsorship today!
Exhibitor registration is available for organizations looking to showcase products, services, programs, and resources that support workforce development, talent acquisition, employee engagement, and economic growth. Complete the Exhibitor Application Form to inquire.
For questions, contact Andrew Chadwick, Weld County Business Services Manager, at
ahchadwick@weld.gov.