Designed for Employers and Workforce Professionals
The Global Talent Summit is built for organizations actively navigating workforce challenges - and the partners who support them.
Are you an international worker or newcomer looking for resources? This is a professional workforce event - sessions and content are designed for employers and organizational partners, and a registration fee applies
For resources tailored to international workers and families in North Dakota, visit the Global Talent Office's worker and family resources page .
This event is NOT intended for Job Seekers. This event is intended for employers, industry associations and community-based organizations.
Invest a Day - Leave with a Plan
A full day of expert sessions, panels and networking with North Dakota's workforce community.
Early Bird Registration – Register early and save! Take advantage of the discounted $40 early bird rate through August 3.
Standard Registration – Standard pricing begins August 4. Registration closes August 21 at 5:00 p.m.
By registering for this event, you agree to be photographed and recorded. Media may be used for future marketing and promotional materials.
2026 Global Talent Summit – Attendee Cancellation Policy
We understand that schedules can change. To support attendees while ensuring effective event planning, the following cancellation policy applies to all attendee registrations for the 2026 Global Talent Summit.
Cancellation Deadlines and Refunds
• Cancellations received 14 days or more before the event date will receive a full refund of all registration fees.
• Cancellations received fewer than 14 days before the event date are non‑refundable.
No‑Show Policy
Attendees who do not attend the event and do not provide written notice are considered no‑shows and are not eligible for a refund.
Transfer of Registration
If an attendee can no longer participate:
• Registrations may be transferred to another individual from the same organization at no cost, up to the start of the event.
• Transfers to individuals outside the original organization may be approved by the Global Talent Office, depending on availability.
Cancellation Requests
All cancellation or transfer requests must be submitted in writing to the Global Talent Office.
Refunds (when applicable) will be processed within 10 business days.
Event Cancellation
If the event is canceled by the Global Talent Office for any reason, all attendee registration fees will be fully refunded.
Sessions Built Around North Dakota's Real Workforce Challenges
Vendor and Exhibits
Be sure to check out our featured exhibitors at the 2026 Summit! Visit with organizations, discover valuable resources, and connect with vendors showcasing products, services, and opportunities throughout the event.
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Global Talent Summit Agenda
| 8:00-8:45 | Registration and Pre-Show Check in, grab coffee, and explore vendor booths before the program begins. |
| 8:45-9:00 | Welcome and Global Talent Office Update Katie Ralston-Howe Kick off the Summit with Katie’s overview of global talent initiatives, this year’s achievements, and priorities for the year ahead. |
| 9:00-9:40 | Opening Remarks - Governor and First Lady Governor Armstrong and First Lady Kjersti Armstrong Hear directly from North Dakota’s First Lady and Governor as they share insights on the state’s workforce future, integration efforts, and the importance of global talent. |
| 9:40-9:45 | Transition Buffer |
| 9:45-10:30 | Plenary 1: Immigration - Fact vs Myth Jonathan Grode Gain clarity from immigration expert Jonathan Grode as he breaks down common myths, discusses current trends, and explains what today’s immigration landscape means. |
| 10:30-10:45 | Break Refreshments and booth browsing. |
| 10:45-11:30 | Plenary 2: The Economic Impact of Global Talent Misti Chally, Ricky Feir, Melissa Saucedo Herta - Moderated by Paige Kuntz This panel brings together national and local experts to explore how global talent strengthens the economy, fills workforce gaps, and helps employers stay competitive. |
| 11:30-12:15 | Plenary 3: Aligning Refugee Resettlement with North Dakota Labor Demands Holly Triska Dally, Phil Davis, Betsy Fisher - Moderated by Buba Kanagi Learn how ND is preparing to pilot a new resettlement model that matches refugee talent with local workforce needs, creating stronger communities and a more resilient labor force. |
| 12:15-1:15 | Lunch and Booths Enjoy lunch and connect with exhibitors and fellow attendees. |
| 1:15-2:15 | Breakout Sessions |
| Breakout A: English Language Best Practices Tadd Wamester, Ashley Coles, Monique Roy - Moderated by Buba Kanagi English is a critical work skill and investing in it pays off. Hear from providers about programs that improve communication, onboarding, safety, upskilling, and retention. This session highlights practical tools and real success stories employers can replicate right away. | |
| Breakout B: Nonprofit/Private Partnerships Driving Integration Matour Alier, Ritchell Aboah - Moderated by Derrick Gross Explore local models of collaboration that help newcomers thrive at work and in the community. | |
| Breakout C: A Practical Approach to Addressing ND’s Workforce Gaps Kerri Babin, Rosanna De La Cruz - Moderated by Paige Kuntz Learn how Marvin is effectively leveraging Cherokee Federal’s access to available talent already in the U.S. to support workforce needs and what this opportunity means for employers across the State. | |
| 2:15-2:30 | Break Refreshments and booth time. |
| 2:30-3:15 | Plenary 4: Onboarding & Integration — Tools for Employers Paige Kuntz, Mya Banas - Moderated by Paige Kuntz Take a guided tour of new employer resources and tools from the Global Talent Office, and hear Mya Banas share real-world examples of successful onboarding and integration strategies from the recruitment front lines. |
| 3:20-4:10 | Closing Plenary 5: The Future of Talent Pathways Betsy Fisher, Jonathan Grode - Moderated by Janna Pastir Look ahead with national experts as they discuss emerging trends, evolving immigration pathways, and how North Dakota can strengthen its long‑term talent strategy. |
| 4:10-4:20 | Closing Remarks Janna Pastir Reflect on key takeaways and learn about next steps and available resources. |
| 4:20-4:45 | Networking and Booths Final opportunity to connect with exhibitors and attendees. |
Free Immigration Consultations for Employers - September 4th
Jonathan Grode, immigration attorney and Summit speaker/vendor has offered to provide free legal consultations to North Dakota employers on September 4, the day after the Global Talent Summit. This is a valuable opportunity for employers who are exploring or actively navigating global talent, immigration processes, or workforce needs.
Register for a free consultation designed specifically for employers navigating global talent recruitment. These sessions provide expert guidance on employment‑based immigration processes, visa options for workforce needs, and strategies for building long‑term talent pipelines.
These appointments are reserved for employers, HR teams, and organizational representatives. Personal immigration questions or individual case reviews cannot be accommodated.
Schedule a 15 minute legal consultation with Jonathan Grode - Immigration Attorney and Summit speaker.