The Thurston County Chamber invites business leaders, educators, workforce partners, and students to the 2026 Future of Work Summit, a half-day event exploring how employers, educators, and community partners are responding to a workforce environment that continues to evolve.

Hiring challenges, retiring workers, shifting employee expectations, and emerging technologies are reshaping how organizations attract, develop, and retain talent. As workforce realities continue to change, collaboration among employers, educators, and workforce partners has never been more important.

The Future of Work Summit is the region's convening to examine how work is evolving, challenge assumptions, and surface practical solutions that help employers respond to workforce realities in real time. Attendees will also have opportunities for streamlined connection to education, workforce, and community partners through an integrated Workforce Solutions Expo.

For Businesses

Attendees will have opportunities to:

• See how other employers are solving the same talent challenges they are navigating.
• Gain insight into what may be driving potential candidates away.
• Learn practical approaches for attracting, developing, and retaining talent.
• Build relationships with educators and workforce leaders positioned to help fill open roles from across the region.

For Students and Educators

Attendees will have opportunities to:

• Better understand how work is changing and what employers are looking for today.
• Gain insight into evolving career pathways and workforce opportunities.
• Learn how training providers and employers are working together to address talent challenges.
• Build relationships that support internships, mentorships, work-based learning, and future employment opportunities.
• Position programs, partnerships, and ideas where workforce conversations are happening.