Talent Connect: Shaping the Future Together
Nov 18, 2026
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1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
This half-day conference is dedicated to exploring the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in talent development and workforce strategy. Designed for business leaders, HR and talent acquisition professionals, workforce developers, educators, and community stakeholders, the conference features three engaging sessions with local experts and employers, plus networking opportunities.
Great talent doesn't choose a job in isolation. It chooses a workplace and a community, and Talent Connect is about building both. Our three sessions look at how employer and community branding work together, what inclusive hiring, onboarding, and retention look like inside Lincoln companies, and how to inspire Gen Z and open career pathways with Lincoln Public Schools. You'll leave with fresh ideas, local examples, and new connections to help your organization attract and keep the people it needs.
Registration is $60 per person ($35 for individuals at non-profit organizations).
Event Agenda:
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Doors Open and Networking | 30 minutes
1:30 PM – 1:40 PM: Welcome | 10 minutes
1:40 PM – 2:25 PM: The Talent Equation: Creating Companies and Communities People Choose | 45 minutes
2:25 PM – 2:40 PM: Networking Break | 15 minutes
2:40 PM – 3:35 PM: Inclusive Hiring to Lasting Careers: Employers Share What Works | 60 minutes
3:35 PM – 3:50 PM: Networking Break | 15 minutes
3:50 PM – 4:35 PM: Career Takeoff: Inspiring Gen Z and Building Career Pathways | 45 minutes
4:35 PM – 5:00 PM: Closing Remarks and Continued Networking | 25 minutes
Event Sessions:
The Talent Equation: Creating Companies and Communities People Choose
Attracting and retaining great people takes more than a compelling job description. It requires creating both a workplace and a community people genuinely want to be part of. Christine Weeks will explore how authentic employer branding and community storytelling can work together to help organizations stand out, strengthen culture, and position Lincoln as a place where people want to build both a career and a life.
Christine Weeks, Eleanor Creative
Inclusive Hiring to Lasting Careers: Employers Share What Works
Finding great people is only the beginning. Hear from three Lincoln employers as they share best practices for the full employee journey: hiring, onboarding, and creating a workplace where people want to stay. Panelists will offer practical, real-world ideas you can take back to your own team.
Charlie Colōn, Chick-fil-A; Christie Stukenholtz, Senior Care Finder; and Taylor Barnes, Arbor Day Foundation
Career Takeoff: Inspiring Gen Z and Building Career Pathways
How do we get young adults excited about the full range of careers open to them, and how do we meet them where they are as they leave high school? Amanda Woodward will share what she's learned about building enthusiasm for careers, creating pathways for Gen Z, and launching and growing the aviation program at North Star High School. Jason Thomsen will then outline practical ways employers can partner with LPS to build a strong talent pipeline for your future workforce.
Amanda Woodward and Jason Thomsen, Lincoln Public Schools
Are you interested in sponsoring the event? Reach out to Allison Hatch at ahatch@selectlincoln.org to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
