2025 Workforce Innovation Conference |
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Please join us in Salina, Kansas for the annual Workforce Innovation Conference, hosted by the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Board of Regents. For just $100, you will gain access to a series of presentations and workshops to enhance and improve workforce solutions in Kansas. Plus, Tuesday's schedule features Local Area discussion groups that provide an opportunity for each local area to discuss takeaways from the conference and share ideas that can be implemented in their area. |
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| An innovative conference for those who engage in workforce solutions. September 30 - October 1, 2025 Hosted by the Kansas Department of Commerce and Kansas Board of Regents
Location Tony’s Pizza Event Center (map)
WORKFORCE INNOVATION CONFERENCE Dates: Sept 30 - Oct 1, 2025 Conference Address: 800 The Midway, Salina, KS 67401 Phone Number: (785) 826-7200 |
Registration $100 includes conference and meals (Registration closes 9/12) |
| Tuesday, September 30
- 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Conference Sessions (Lunch Included)
- 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Networking Vendor Reception (Heavy Appetizers Provided)
Wednesday, October 1
- 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Conference Sessions (Light Breakfast & Lunch Included)
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Barb Allen received her bachelor’s degree in construction management, then began her journey as a carpenter wearing her tool bags learning to physically build buildings, relationships, and a successful career as a woman in construction. She climbed ladder rungs that included Foreman, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, Pre-Construction Manager, Project Executive, and Operations Director. She now utilizes those experiences to educate and motivate audiences to better recognize, understand, and eliminate gender specific challenges to increase recruiting, advancement, and retention within the industry. |
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Kendall Gammon, a native of Rose Hill, Kansas, and graduate of Pittsburg State University, enjoyed a distinguished 15-year NFL career after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1992. A key player on Pitt State's 1991 NCAA Division II National Championship team, he later played for the Steelers, New Orleans Saints, and Kansas City Chiefs, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2005 and appearing in Super Bowl XXX. After retiring in 2006, he served 12 seasons as a color commentator for the Kansas City Chiefs Radio Network and now hosts a pregame show on 101 The Fox. Beyond football, Kendall has made an impact as an author, motivational speaker, and advocate for veterans through his work with War Horses for Veterans. He speaks nationwide on emotional communication, gratitude, and mindset, drawing from both personal and professional experience. Kendall is the father of two sons, Blaise and Drake, and in 2023, he married Paige, Vice President of Corporate Engagement at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. They reside in Weatherby Lake, Missouri. |
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Ted Abernathy - Managing Partner, Economic Leadership Economic Leadership LLC, based in Shallotte North Carolina, is a small group of data, strategy and policy experts working with private and public clients to analyze competitiveness, develop strategy, identify best practices, and reimagine the future. Over the past ten years the team has worked on over 140 projects in more than twenty states and internationally. Ted is the principal author of dozens of reports on future trends, workforce, and technology and speaks on the economy almost every week. He currently serves as the economic advisor to the National Association of State Chambers. Born in Dallas, NC, Ted received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; his master’s from Johns Hopkins University, is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute and is an Eisenhower Fellow for global economics. He and his wife live in a small town on the North Carolina coast and share their backyard with hundreds of sea birds and quite a few alligators. |
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Patrick Henry - Nashville-Based Songwriter and a Featured Performer For a decade, Patrick Henry thrived as a Nashville-based songwriter and a featured performer on SiriusXM Radio's comedy channels. He masterfully blends music, humor, and actionable business strategies to help companies and organizations enhance their customer, client, and coworker experiences. For twenty years, as an in-demand, full-time professional speaker, Patrick captivated audiences at 50-60 events annually. However, in 2020, his career took an exciting turn. The pandemic opened the door for Patrick to join forces with his college roommate in founding Monarchchem, an eco-friendly herbicide company dedicated to those who care about the environment. Their product, Lonarch, can now be found on Amazon.com. Spend less. Smile more. , Home Depot, Tractor Supply, Ace Hardware, Siteone, and hundreds of independent stores nationwide. While Patrick continues to speak to corporations, associations, franchises, and education groups, he now enriches his presentations with real-world business experience, delighting audiences nationwide with his unique style. |
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| Fairfield Inn 2455 Virginia Drive, Salina
Rate $119 per night, includes Free Breakfast |
Block is good until August 29th |
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| Homewood Suites Downtown Salina 115 E Mulberry, Salina KS Room Rate $159-$179 |
Hotel Block Drops 8/31/2025 |
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Sponsorship Opportunities At the Workforce Innovation Conference, sponsors have opportunities to interface with attendees at vendor booths, social events and meals, in addition to branding opportunities on conference materials of all types. |
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| Questions about the conference? Contact Jamie Buster, Talent and Professional Services Manager Public Policy & Management Center at Wichita State University jamie.buster@wichita.edu or 316-978-6678. |
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