Join us for the 2026 Governor’s Workforce Summit, where policymakers, employers, educators, and community leaders will come together to strengthen North Dakota’s talent pipeline and economic competitiveness.
Hear Governor Armstrong share his vision for a modernized workforce system during a special fireside chat, and be among the first to learn the Workforce Development Council’s new statewide recommendations.
This year’s Summit delivers fresh insights on AI, emerging technologies, and the future skills shaping North Dakota’s workforce.
“North Dakota’s future depends on our ability to adapt, collaborate and lead. This summit is about more than programs, it’s about people. We’re building a skilled workforce that fuels North Dakota’s economy and ensures every North Dakotan can thrive.” - Gov. Kelly Armstrong
A highlight of the event will be a fireside chat with Governor Armstrong, where he will share his vision for the state’s workforce system, including opportunities to modernize services, strengthen industry partnerships, and support long‑term economic growth.
The Summit will also feature the public announcement of the Workforce Development Council’s recommendations—a key milestone ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session. These recommendations will help advance a unified statewide strategy focused on aligning systems, improving outcomes for workers and employers, and driving coordinated action across the workforce ecosystem.
Attendees will explore some of the most pressing workforce issues of our time, including:
AI’s impact on North Dakota’s workforce, with insight into national trends and potential implications for state and local partners.
How emerging technologies are shaping future talent and skill needs, including opportunities to strengthen readiness across education, industry, and workforce systems.
Together, these conversations will equip leaders with forward‑looking perspectives and actionable insights to support a resilient, innovative, and people‑centered workforce system.
Registration is now open! Registrations ends September 18th at 5 p.m. CDT.
Detailed schedule and parking information will be shared with registered attendees.
2026 Governor's Workforce Summit Agenda
| 9:00 a.m. | Welcome & Opening Remarks Presenter: Katie Ralston Howe A kickoff to the day and an overview of what participants can expect. |
| 9:15 a.m. | Shaping Tomorrow: Governor Armstrong on Building a Future‑Ready Workforce Fireside Chat with Governor Armstrong A candid conversation on statewide priorities, workforce strategies, and the path forward. |
| 10:05 a.m. | Shifts in National Workforce Trends & Governance Models Presenter: Sophia Yager, National Governors Association |
| 10:35 a.m. | Break |
| 10:45 a.m. | State Workforce Systems That Work |
| 11:30 a.m. | ND’s Workforce Landscape Presenter: Phil Davis, Job Service ND A practical look at the state’s workforce profile, emerging trends, and demographic shifts shaping labor demand. |
| 12:00 - 1:15 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:15 p.m. | The Workforce Ecosystem in Action: Subcabinet Updates Panelists: Phil Davis, Kim Weis, Janna Pastir Topics include the statewide workforce website, dashboard, and ongoing agency alignment. |
| 1:45 p.m. | Innovation Spotlight: Workforce Solutions Shaping Tomorrow Topics may include stackable credentials, Registered Apprenticeships and other employer-led workforce training models. |
| 2:30 p.m. | AI at the State Level: What it means for our Workforce Presenter: Lauren Yayboke, McKinsey Global Institute |
| 3:15 p.m. | Announcement of Workforce Development Council Recommendations Key insights and action items for the next biennium and beyond. |
| 4:00 - 4:15 p.m. | Closing Comments Final reflections, acknowledgments, and next steps. |