Advancing a Regional Talent Development Strategy
The Regional Workforce Summit gathers workforce partners, educators, and leaders from public and private sectors to create a cohesive, data-driven regional talent strategy.
Attendees will leave with:
- A unified narrative of their roles in workforce development
- Insights into changing labor market demands
- Better alignment between employer needs and a prepared workforce
Participants will acknowledge their shared responsibility to adapt to evolving demands.
Keynote Speaker: Mark Perna
Every one of Mark’s keynotes, professional development sessions, and workshops is individually crafted for the unique audience and context. The goal? To deliver a dynamic, inspiring, and actionable experience that culminates in an extraordinary outcome.
In a keynote, Mark’s efforts to get people to their feet are not to stroke his ego, but rather because taking part in a standing ovation is more impactful for audience members themselves. They’re more likely to take action on the strategies and insights gained when they stand in solidarity with others who have been moved by the same message.
8:30 a.m. - Welcome & Kickoff
The main program will kick off at 8:30 am with a welcome from Tracy Hartzler, President of Centeral New Mexico Community College.
8:45 a.m. - Keynote Speaker
Mark Perna will be our keynote speaker – touching on the importance of talent development and attraction as well the role that economic development plays in that.
9:45 a.m. - K-12 Panel
Rodney Prunty, President and CEO of United Way of Central New Mexico will moderate a panel of leading educational partners in the greater Albuquerque region. Panelists include; APS, R4 Creating, RioTech and Los Lunas Schools.
10:45 a.m. - Economic Research Strategy
Partners from the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance, Central New Mexico Community College and United Way of Central New Mexico will explore what a regional economic research strategy could look like.
11:15 a.m. - Break for Lunch
Lunch will be served – boxed lunches and refreshments.
12:30 p.m. - Breakout Sessions
There will be six optional breakout sessions offered from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. guests are encourage to choose ONE of these sessions to participate in. Session descriptions are listed below and you can sign up for one during registration.
Program Features
Tracy Hartzler
President
CNM
Mark Perna
Keynote Speaker
markcperna.com
Rodney Prunty
President & CEO
United Way of Central NM
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
After the Groundbreaking
Lessons from recent company locate announcements: Where we shine & what was learned.
Wed, July 23, 2026
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Career Ladders for Livable Wages
Aligning Workforce Advancement with Housing and Quality of Life. Making the connection on adult career advancement pathways that lead to higher wages, increased housing stability, and improved overall quality of life.
Wed, July 23, 2026
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
The Forever Demand for Skilled Trades
How skilled trades and apprenticeship programs strengthen talent pipelines. Creating respected pathways to high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage careers for generations of talent.
Wed, July 23, 2026
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
The New-Collar Workforce
Marketing High-Skill Careers for the Modern Economy. How employers, educators, and community leaders can build public confidence in high-skill technical careers— of today and tomorrow.
Wed, July 23, 2026
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Registration
Registration to open on Monday May 4th, 2026.
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2026 Regional Workforce Summit
The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) is excited for you to join us for the 2026 Regional Workforce Summit, a premier regional gathering where cross-sector leaders come together to shape a unified, data-driven regional talent strategy.
Contact
(505) 705-3777
info@abq.org
201 Third St. NW Suite #1900 Albuquerque, NM 87102