2026 Indiana Workforce Summit Brings Leaders Together to Advance Indiana’s Talent Agenda

Nearly 250 employers, educators, workforce practitioners, economic development leaders, government agency representatives, and community partners gathered in Indianapolis for the 2026 Indiana Workforce Summit, hosted by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Institute for Workforce Excellence, and Indiana Workforce Alliance.

This year’s summit explored some of the most pressing workforce topics, including artificial intelligence, work-based learning, workforce data and analytics, talent attraction, education-to-employment alignment, credential attainment, and workforce policy.

The opening keynote featured Josh Davies, an award-winning workforce futurist who challenged attendees to rethink how organizations navigate change, uncertainty, and disruption. Through his RESILity framework, Davies emphasized the importance of building adaptable individuals, resilient organizations, and workforce systems capable of responding to rapid shifts in technology, talent needs, and economic conditions. His keynote encouraged leaders to move beyond simply reacting to change and instead develop the skills, mindset, and organizational culture needed to thrive in an increasingly complex workforce landscape.

One of the summit’s highlights was a dynamic fireside conversation between Indiana Department of Workforce Development Commissioner Kate Shelby and Indianapolis Business Journal Editor Lesley Weidenbener. The discussion explored the evolving workforce landscape, Indiana’s talent priorities, labor force participation, and the critical role employers play in developing and retaining talent.

Another featured session brought together Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders and newly appointed Indiana Economic Development Corporation President Mitch Frazier. Their conversation addressed the close connection between workforce development and economic growth. Topics included elevating Indiana’s competitiveness as a place to live, work, and do business, attracting quality employers and new investment, removing barriers that limit workforce participation, and fostering the growth of high-quality jobs across the state.

Throughout the summit, speakers and panelists reinforced a common theme: collaboration is essential to Indiana’s future success. Sessions showcased innovative partnerships among employers, schools, workforce boards, higher education institutions, and community organizations that are creating stronger talent pipelines and helping more Hoosiers connect to meaningful career opportunities.

A special milestone during the event was the recognition of the inaugural recipients of the Workforce First Employer Designation. The program recognizes employers demonstrating excellence across six workforce pillars: Work-Based Learning; K-12, Postsecondary, and Adult Education Engagement; Upskilling and Reskilling the Workforce; Strategic Workforce Integration; Job and Wage Quality; and Workforce Partnerships & Collaboration. These employers are helping establish a new benchmark for workforce excellence in Indiana.