Talent Connect: Shaping the Future Together

November 18th, 1:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Delray 817, 817 R St, Lincoln, NE 68508

This half-day conference is hosted by the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (LPED) and sponsored by LincolnHR and the American Job Center. It’s designed for HR and talent recruiters as well as workforce developers, business leaders and other community partners who care about trends, challenges, and opportunities in talent development.

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 to cover the cost of event space and snacks ($35 for non-profits).

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.

Presented by: 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.

Presented by: 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.

Presented by: Amanda Woodward and Jason Thomsen, Lincoln Public Schools