October 7–8, 2026 · The Nave, 3502 Spenard Road, Anchorage

2026 Alaska Workforce Convening

Join ASA/AWA members and partners for two days of workforce development sessions, employer panels, and networking with peers from across the state at The Nave, 3502 Spenard Road, Anchorage. The Annual Membership Meeting & Breakfast — where members hear the year in review and vote on this year’s Board of Directors candidates — opens Day Two on the morning of October 8.

Can only make one thing? Start here:

ASA/AWA Annual Membership Meeting & Breakfast

Thursday, October 8, 8:15 a.m. — “Building on Progress: Our Path Forward.” Board members reflect on 2026 and share what’s ahead for 2027, followed by introductions of this year’s Board of Directors candidates. Voting is open to ASA/AWA members through noon that day.

Schedule

Day One — Wednesday, October 7

8:00 a.m.Registration and Breakfast
8:30 a.m.Welcome and Opening Address
Commissioner Cathy Muñoz — Alaska DOLWD; Randy Sulte, COO — Kakivik/CCI Industrial and ASA Board Chair Elect
9:00 a.m.Wicked Problem Session 1: Career Pathway Mentorship
Panel with Zach Stenson (Pathfinder Solutions) and Demetria Veasy (AKDOLWD), followed by small-group discussion on building systems and mentorship that bridge gaps along career pathways.
11:30 a.m.Lunch
12:00 p.m.Lunch Presentation: Alaska’s Workforce Future Topics
Workforce Pell — Jeff Steeprow, Alaska Workforce Investment Board Assistant Director
Untapped Immigrant Workforce Panel — Amy Facklam, Alaska Literacy Program, and Nicole Pennie, Office of Citizenship Assistance
1:00 p.m.Regional Workforce Highlights
Panel discussion featuring regional economic development organizations, training centers, and education partners.
2:15 p.m.Break
2:30 p.m.Regional Workforce Breakout Sessions
Facilitated discussions on regional workforce needs, promising practices, and opportunities for greater coordination.
3:30 p.m.Small-Group Reports and Day One Closing
4:00 p.m.Adjourn for the Day

Day Two — Thursday, October 8

8:15 a.m.ASA/AWA Annual Membership Meeting & Breakfast
Building on Progress: Our Path Forward — ASA/AWA Board members reflect on the organization’s work and growth over the past year and share what’s ahead for 2027.
ASA/AWA Board Elections — Introduction of this year’s Board of Directors candidates. Voting is open through noon for ASA/AWA members.
9:15 a.m.Break and Networking
9:45 a.m.Featured Statewide Workforce Session
2026 AKLNG Workforce Trends & Opportunities Report — Dirk Craft, AWIB Director
Alaska Critical Minerals Accelerator Engine: A New Initiative for Alaska — Lee Ann Munk, Ph.D., CEO, NSF Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine in Alaska
10:45 a.m.Industry Breakout Sessions
Healthcare · Skilled Trades · Natural Resources
12:15 p.m.Networking Lunch and Breakout Reports
Healthcare · Skilled Trades · Natural Resources
1:30 p.m.Wicked Problem Session 2: CTE Faculty Recruitment
Panel presentation followed by facilitated small-group discussions examining Alaska’s CTE faculty recruitment challenges, promising approaches, and strategies for strengthening the pipeline of qualified CTE instructors.
3:30 p.m.Small-Group Reports, Final Comments and Convening Wrap-Up
4:00 p.m.Convening Adjourns

Register

Seats are limited. Choose your ticket type — full Convening or Breakfast only — during registration.

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The Alaska Workforce Convening is presented by ASA/AWA in cooperation with the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, with support from The CIRI Foundation, Miles Baker Alaska, and the Denali Commission.