Wednesday Aug 19, 2026
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Registration and Networking
12:00 p.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Welcome, Introduction, Lunch served
12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Guest Panel
Meridian Event Center
$35 | Member Pricing | $40 after Friday, August 14th
$45 | Non-Member Pricing | $50 after Friday, August 14th
Cancellations are accepted for a refund until Wednesday, August 12th at Noon. Once we provide the venue with our final count for food, cancellation refunds can no longer be provided.
Kelly Troxel
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Future of Workforce: Insights for Metro Employers
The workforce of tomorrow is being shaped today—and local businesses need to understand the trends, challenges, and opportunities that come with it.
Join us for an engaging panel featuring school-to-work coordinators from local high schools, leaders from local colleges, and workforce development programs. Learn how you can attract, retain, and develop talent in the Des Moines metro, explore innovative work-based learning programs, and discover actionable strategies to ensure your business thrives in 2026 and beyond.
Meet our Panelists (moderated by Sandee Cook with Career Search Associates):
Darlene Wagner, Career Connected Learning Facilitator - Urbandale Community School District
Darlene Wagner has over 20 years of experience as a school counselor and currently serves as the Career Connected Learning Facilitator for the Urbandale Community School District. In this role, she helps students explore careers and engage in experiences that support the development of their individual career and academic plans. She collaborates with schools, local businesses, and community organizations to create meaningful career exploration and work-based learning opportunities that connect classroom learning to real-world experiences. Deeply committed to the Urbandale community, Darlene is passionate about helping students discover their strengths, set goals, and consider ways to stay and contribute locally, strengthening both the workforce and the community.
