If enough CEOs talk about their employee base or their ability to change lives in their community, people will listen.

Chicago, Illinois

May 4-5, 2026

"Stop Chasing Talent. Start Designing It."

Real workforce progress happens when employers move from participation to leadership. This panel highlights how business leaders can align existing workforce resources, build clear career pathways, and coordinate wraparound supports that help employees navigate barriers such as the benefits cliff. By launching employer-led pilots, companies can test practical solutions, learn quickly, and scale what works—strengthening employee trust while advancing a more connected regional talent ecosystem.

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"What Happens When the Right Leaders are in the Room" 

 What starts as a conversation can turn into real collaboration.

At last year’s summit, a simple question sparked something bigger: what would it take for employers to work together to move past the benefits cliff?

This fireside chat brings together a group of 2025 Summit attendees to share how those early conversations evolved into ongoing partnership and momentum. From initial dialogue to sustained collaboration, the discussion explores how ideas move beyond the room into real-world action.

A candid look at what happens when the right leaders are in the room, and what it takes to turn inspiration into impact.