By Vicki Thompson, Senior Director, Workforce Growth Partnerships – vthompson@tpma-inc.com
This March, I was delighted to attend NAWB: The Forum 2026, in Las Vegas, where Kelly Friend and I presented on transforming “Veteran Friendly to Veteran Ready Communities.” Here are a few of my takeaways from a great NAWB Forum.
The forum delivered powerful conversations, practical insights, and a clear call to action for workforce leaders nationwide. From innovation and policy to partnerships and people, this event reinforced the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and readiness for what’s next.
A major highlight was the focus on ethical AI in workforce development, including NAWB’s announcement of a new partnership with Microsoft Elevate. Through this collaboration, workforce professionals will have access to free, LinkedIn Learning–based AI courses aligned with the U.S. Department of Labor’s AI Literacy Framework, supporting smarter, more modern service delivery.
Just as important were discussions around WIOA modernization, emphasizing local control, flexible funding, and improved data quality so boards can make better, faster, and more informed decisions.
Key Takeaways for Workforce Boards
Data Must Drive Strategy
Preconference training sponsored by the Lumina Foundation reinforced the importance of turning data into action. Workforce leaders were challenged to move beyond reporting requirements and use data as a strategic tool to improve outcomes.
Collaboration Strengthens the System
New policy guidance released by NAWB, NACo, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors highlighted the value of workforce system consolidation and crosssector collaboration. Stronger alignment across local and regional partners is essential to serving job seekers and employers more effectively.
Supportive Services Are Essential
Sessions consistently emphasized integrating supportive services, like childcare, directly into workforce strategies. Addressing barriers to participation is no longer optional; it’s central to improving retention and longterm success.
Workforce Ecosystems Matter
Leaders underscored the shift from transactional services toward fully connected workforce ecosystems by aligning education, industry, community organizations, and support services to meet people where they are and help them succeed.
Sessions That Stood Out
The forum featured impactful sessions on:
- Expanding apprenticeships, including pathways in clean technology
- Strengthening tribal workforce partnerships, highlighted in “Honoring Sovereignty, Expanding Opportunity”
- Leveraging techenabled partnerships to better engage job seekers
- “Nevada Day” insights from state and regional leaders on building integrated workforce systems
Our session focused on moving communities from Veteran Friendly to Veteran Ready. We were proud to lead a meaningful discussion that challenged leaders to translate intent into action by building systems, partnerships, and services that truly support veterans and their families throughout their workforce journeys.
Moving Forward Together
As NAWB Forum 2026 came to a close, one message was clear: workforce leaders must continue to be innovative, collaborative, and datadriven as they respond to the future of work. The ideas shared and connections made in Las Vegas will have lasting impact across communities nationwide.
The momentum is real, and the work continues.