2026 SKILLS SUMMIT SCHEDULE

Friday, February 6

7:30 am

Breakfast
Capital Terrace

8:30 am

Opening Mainstage: Powering Shared Prosperity

Presidential Ballroom

Founders Circle Award

Award Recipient:

Abby Snay

Alma Salazar Bridge Builder Award

Award Recipient:

Jamal Jessie

Working People and Our Nation's Future

Amid shifting political landscapes and a pivotal election year, what will it take for leaders to truly deliver for working people? This dynamic panel brings together experts to unpack the realignment that's shaping both parties, what it means for workers, and why this moment demands bold advocacy.

Speakers:

Taylor Jo Isenberg

Michael Strain

Melissa Johnson

(Moderator)

9:45 am

Networking Break

10:15 am

Interactive Sessions:
Building Bold Workforce Policy, Together

Session A: Federal A and B
Session B: South American A and B

These interactive sessions introduce a new national initiative and invite participants to share early reactions to its core principles. Through facilitated small-group discussions, attendees will reflect on how the principles resonate with their experiences and identify themes, tensions, and implementation challenges. Designed as a signal-gathering conversation—not a solutioning space—the sessions surface insights that will inform ongoing work led by National Skills Coalition.

11:30 am

Lunch Service

A National Commitment Rooted in Community

How can communities actively shape a bold national vision for workforce development? This closing mainstage discussion will equip participants with concrete strategies to bring local insights to national conversations and advance collective organizing in 2026.

Speakers:

Caitlyn Brazill

Mauricio Garcia

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Jacob I. Hannah

Gwyneth Gaul (Moderator)

Closing Remarks

Closing Mainstage: Real People, Real Progress

Presidential Ballroom

Different Voices, Shared Vision

What do business leaders and workers really think about skills, training, and credentials—and where do their priorities overlap? Hear from members of Business Leaders United and Voices for Skills as they share their perspectives from both sides of the table and explore how common goals can shape stronger, more inclusive workforce solutions.

Speakers:

Jamal Jessie

Lynne Hamblin

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Jeff Connor-Naylor

(Moderator)

Thursday, February 5

8:00 am

Breakfast

Capital Terrace

9:00 am

Opening Mainstage: Focused, Fearless, and Forward

Presidential Ballroom

Welcome and Opening Remarks from NSC's CEO

Call to Action

Kick off the 2026 Skills Summit with a conversation between NSC’s leadership and Sarah Saadian, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Campaigns at National Council of Nonprofits. At a moment when nonprofits are on the front lines of strengthening communities and supporting workers, hear how national leaders are fighting for the resources, partnerships, and policies needed to keep that work strong—and what it means for advocates like you.

Speakers:

Sarah Saadian

Brooke DeRenzis

(Moderator)

10:00 am

Get Ready!
State Delegations Prep for the Hill

Presidential Ballroom

Before you head to the Hill, join NSC experts for a hands-on prep session. We’ll share guidance, talking points, and practical tips to help you make the most of your meetings with policymakers—and ensure your state delegation’s voice makes a lasting impact.

Resources:

2026 Congressional Agenda

Hill Day Worksheet

11:00 am

Grab and Go Lunch

Capital Terrace

11:30 am

Hill Visits

Capitol Hill

5:00 pm

Reception

North Gate (Lobby Level)

Federal Workforce Policy Landscape: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Road Ahead

Get key insights from workforce experts on the current workforce policy landscape. Hear about the opportunities and challenges for advancing key proposals in Congress and the Administration as well as the importance of advocacy from NSC's network.

Speakers:

Pronita Gupta

Dr. Steve Taylor

Katie Spiker

(Moderator)