PRESENT AT THE 2026 CAREER-CONNECTED L/EARNING CONFERENCE

The Attainment Network’s Career-Connected L/Earning Conference connects leaders in K-12, postsecondary education, industry, government, and philanthropy to share ideas, innovations, and best practices. Together, we aim to transform education-to-workforce systems - creating pathways to meaningful careers for learners while meeting critical workforce needs. The conference will take place October 29 - 30 at The Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs. 


Please note: Presenters are responsible for their own registration, travel, lodging, and related expenses. 


We encourage submissions that reflect employer-led solutions, cross-sector collaboration, data-informed decision-making, and scalable systems change. Strong Strategy Sessions will equip participants with concrete takeaways, practical frameworks, or clear next steps that help close gaps between learning and work—and move promising ideas from pilots to measurable impact. 


Deadline to submit a proposal: March 13, 2026. 

WHO SHOULD SUBMIT

We welcome proposals from state policy makers, employers, workforce leaders, K-12 and postsecondary educators, intermediaries, researchers, training providers, community partners, technology innovators, funders, and public-sector organizations.


All sessions must be educational, non-commercial, and aligned with our mission to transform education-to-career systems, erase persistent and pervasive equity gaps, expand opportunities for learners, and meet the economic demands for a highly skilled and educated workforce. If you are interested in a commercial opportunity, please review our sponsorship options.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR: HANDS-ON, ENGAGING SESSIONS

Selected speakers will lead a 50-minute session aligned to the conference’s focus on high-quality, career-connected pathways, evidence-building, advising and navigation, and cross-sector collaboration. We are seeking interactive, practice-oriented sessions that move beyond presentation and actively engage participants in learning, reflection, and problem-solving. 


Strong proposals will: 

  • Share actionable strategies, tools, frameworks, or lessons learned. 
  • Highlight cross-sector collaboration (K-12, higher education, industry, government, philanthropy). 
  • Elevate learner and/or earner voice where possible. 
  • Include tangible takeaways participants can apply in their own communities. 


Session formats may include (but are not limited to): 

  • Panel Discussion 
    Facilitated conversations featuring diverse perspectives across sectors, regions, or lived experiences, with intentional time for audience interaction and Q&A. 
  • Hands-On Workshop 
    Interactive sessions where participants work through a tool, case study, planning template, or real-world challenge together. 
  • Cross-Sector Case Study or Spotlight 
    Sessions that draw from multiple industries, partners, or stakeholders - demonstrating how collaboration drives measurable impact. Including learners and earners as presenters or co-designers is strongly encouraged. 


Above all, we are looking for sessions that are practical, collaborative, and forward-looking - helping attendees leave with clearer strategies, stronger partnerships, and renewed momentum for advancing career-connected systems across Colorado. 

Presenter expectations & benefits

Benefits 

  • Visibility among state leaders and practitioners working at the intersection of education, workforce, and economic mobility. 
  • Recognition and promotion through conference materials and digital channels. 
  • Opportunity to contribute to statewide dialogue and strengthen cross-sector partnerships. 


Expectations 

  • Presenters are responsible for their own registration, travel, lodging, and related expenses. 
  • Sessions must be noncommercial in nature. If your proposal includes a commercial component, please explore Sponsorship Opportunities. 
  • Presenters must meet all communication, planning, and materials submission deadlines. 
  • Presenters must be available to present on either October 29 or October 30, 2026. 
  • Presenters agree to promote their session through their own - and, where possible, their employer’s - digital channels to help broaden engagement. 


We value presenters as thought partners in advancing high-quality, career-connected systems across Colorado and appreciate your collaboration in making the conference a success. 

HOW TO SUBMIT

To be considered, speakers must submit their proposal using the online submission form by 10:00 PM MST on March 13, 2026. Incomplete submissions cannot be considered.



If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at admin@attainmentnetwork.org.

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