Conflux Workforce Development Summit

St. Louis manufacturing leaders discussing workforce development challenges and solutions. April 21, 2025. Full details coming soo

2026 Workforce Development Summit

Presented by Conflux, Bank of America & FordHarrison

Sponsored By: NTMA St. Louis | St. Louis Community College | Missouri Works Iniative | Big Rocks Engineering | STL CAPS

April 21st 2026 | 7:30AM - 1:00PM | 8221 Minnesota STL MO, 63111

The Workforce Challenge Is Real

The manufacturing sector is facing its biggest talent crisis in generations. An aging workforce. Difficulty attracting younger talent. Competition for skilled workers. Sound familiar?

Last September, over 100 industry leaders gathered for our workforce summit focused on preparing for change. The feedback was clear: you wanted practical, real-world solutions you could take back to your organizations. This year’s summit is built to deliver exactly that.

One of the highlights of the day will be a panel made up entirely of Gen Z professionals—the very people manufacturers are trying to attract, retain, and engage. You won’t hear filtered talking points or theoretical advice. You’ll hear directly from the next generation, in their own words, about what they’re looking for in manufacturing careers and workplaces.

That’s just one part of the conversation.

Throughout the morning, you’ll also hear from manufacturing leaders, educators, and workforce development professionals who are actively building talent pipelines, strengthening workplace culture, and adapting to today’s labor market realities.

What Attendees Said About Our Last Summit:

"The networking opportunities were invaluable - I made professional contacts in a friendly and inviting environment that I'm still collaborating with today."
— 2025 Summit Attendee

"The quality and insight of the speakers was outstanding. I walked away with information I could immediately apply to internal decisions and future strategies."
— Manufacturing Leader, 2025 Summit

"Getting everyone in the same room for candid conversations about the challenges we're all facing - that's what made this worthwhile."
— HR Professional, 2025 Summit

What You'll Experience

Candid Panel Discussions
Honest conversations with peers about what's actually working (and what isn't) when it comes to workforce development.
Industry-Leading InsightsPractical Strategies grounded in real industrial environments, not theory.
Intentional Networking
Meaningful connections with students, manufacturers, HR leaders, educators, and workforce professional across the regions.
Breakfast & Lunch Included

Join The Conversation

Service provider tickets are limited. Don't wait. Block April 21st and join the conversation that's shaping the future of manufacturing talent in our region.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Want your organization to be part of the solution? We're offering breakfast sponsorships, lunch sponsorships, panel hosting opportunities, and community supporter packages.

Contact: Courtney Herzingcherzing@confluxcolearning.org