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. 


Deadline to submit a proposal: April 24, 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, career 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 to 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 non-commercial in nature. If your proposal includes a commercial component, please reach out and 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 6:00 PM MST on April 24, 2026. Incomplete submissions cannot be considered.


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

SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL

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