The Forum 2025 will take place at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC. For the latest information on speakers and event activities, visit The Forum 2025 Agenda tab. You can also check out our FAQs below or download the Whova app for more updates and news.

About The Forum
As workforce leaders, we can articulate the value and importance of upskilling our community’s workforce all day long. But what about us? What improves and ignites us?
The answer: The Forum. It’s the nation’s largest annual workforce development conference.
Advance your skills, so you can advance theirs.
Learn From the Experts
Learn directly from the nation’s most informed experts about workforce policy, initiatives, and trends.
Be inspired by our speakers and the brightest workforce development experts from around the nation.

The Forum 2025 Agenda
Full programming for The Forum programming begins Sunday morning. Saturday arrivals are recommended — you don’t want to miss the Welcome Reception!
A full agenda will be posted here when available.
The Forum 2025 FAQs - General Questions
We convene the Forum to learn from one another as we work to build a flourishing, resilient economy that provides for workers and families. The Forum 2025 will unite thought leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders at a moment of transformational potential.
We’ve answered a few of the most common Forum-related questions for your convenience:
Where is The Forum 2025?
The Forum 2025 will be held at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.
Is there a schedule of events?
Please click on the agenda tab for the most up-to-date schedule in early December.
Who should attend The Forum?
The Forum is open to anyone with an interest in workforce development.
Our typical attendee list includes workforce development board members, job center staff, employers/business, HR professionals, economists, and educators.
What is the process and criteria for selecting proposals?
Proposals: Proposals for sessions opened in June and will close Sept. 26. Presenters should be notified of the review committee’s decision before Thanksgiving.
Review Process: A team of NAWB Board members will review and rank all proposals. If your proposal is not selected for a session, you may be selected for a webina or other NAWB event.
Reviewers will score each proposal based on the following:
- Identifies ideas that are relevant to the success of workforce development effort.
- Relevancy to the event theme and related tracks.
- Provides tangible takeaways.
- Provides useful and practical information focusing on solutions not problems.
- Interactivity and creativity.
- Presents new and innovative practices and ideas.
- Includes the participation of more than one workforce board partner across a geographic span.
- Shares varied perspectives of multiple presenters.
- Includes information on how the information/program/strategy can be replicated through lessons learned, obstacles overcome, key drivers, and tools.
Sessions are limited to no more than 4 presenters.
Is there a room block with discounted rooms for The Forum 2025?
Yes. You can reserve a room at the Washington Hilton for $351/night or The Churchill, located right across the street from the venue for $263/night.
I am interested in sponsoring The Forum. What options are available?
Please contact gentryj@nawb.org to discuss how we can customize a package that meets your needs or visit the Sponsorship Opportunities tab.
Health and Safety
The safety and well-being of the NAWB community is our top priority. Our safety protocols are informed by the guidance of multiple sources, including D.C. government and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We will be following their guidance before and during the conference.
What is the dress code?
The dress code is business casual. Comfortable shoes are encouraged.
When should I arrive?
The formal program begins on Sunday morning. It is recommended you arrive on Saturday — you won’t want to miss the welcome reception that evening!
I'm having difficulty registering for The Forum.
Here is an event registration how-to guide for non-members and a helpful video showing you how to register.
If you have further questions, please contact nawbregistrar@nawb.org.
When do Sneak Peek & Early Bird registration rates end?
Sneak Peek registration opened on Oct. 17 and is valid through Oct. 27. Early Bird registration is valid Oct. 28 through Nov. 7.
What if I can no longer attend. Can I get a refund?
If you need to cancel your registration you may choose to transfer it to another individual or to receive a refund for a limited time.
Transfers and requests for refunds must be made in writing to nawbregistrar@nawb.org by 11:59 pm ET on March 7, 2025. Refunds will be processed within 30 days of receipt.
An administrative fee of $75 will be charged for all cancellations and transfers. Cancellations made after March 7 will not receive a refund, and transfers received after March 7 will not be accommodated.
I need to defer my payment. How does that work?
We understand that your organization may have a complicated or lengthy process for approving conference attendance, travel, etc. and we want to give you time to lock in current rates.
We require invoices be paid in 30 days. If you registered during the Early Bird rate offer but NAWB hasn’t received payment within 30 days, your regstration will be cancelled and you will have to begin the process again at the current rate (same applies for subsequent rates/discounts).
We encourage all attendees to pay in advance. We do not accept checks onsite. If you plan to pay the onsite registration rate of $2500, please ensure you have a valid credit card.
Is there anything else I should know?
Thanks for asking! Yes!
- The Forum is a paperless event. Please consult the event app for the full event agenda and to choose which sessions you will be attending.
- We recommend you bring a reusable water bottle to ensure you stay hydrated throughout the event. Water coolers will be available throughout the event for refilling.
Is there a privacy policy I should be aware of?
You can read all about our events and privacy policies here:
Awards FAQs
When are submissions due for awards nominations?
Coming soon.
Sponsorship Opportunities
For more than 45 years, NAWB has convened the leading voices in workforce development at its annual event, The Forum, to foster discussion, learning, and relationship-building among the largest gathering of workforce professionals in the country. Workforce development leaders, policymakers, business leaders, educators, and economists come together to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing their communities. At the center of it all is the workforce system and the millions of Americans who have found rewarding careers through your essential services.
Are you ready to impact the national conversation about workforce development? What better place than The Forum: the nation’s largest annual workforce development conference? This year, we are excited to share new opportunities to engage with our 1,400+ attendees, including:
- Premier gathering, learning, dining, and exploration space: NAWBTown
- Connection with national industry association leadership in the Career Zone
- Small group conversations on issues important to your organization
- Reserved office space for private meetings with attendees
- Networking receptions, meals, and breaks to engage with attendees and workforce leaders
- Marketing materials and giveaways to grow your brand and expand your reach with the workforce system
All sponsors will receive logo placement and recognition (based on sponsorship level) on all Forum materials, website, and signage; promotion before, during, and after The Forum; and pre- and post-Forum attendee lists.
The following sponsorship packages can be further customized to meet the needs of your organization.
Presenting Sponsor: $200,000
- Cobranding on signage, webpage, social media, etc., and recognition as “NAWB: The Forum, Presented by [Your Organization]”
- Keynote speaking opportunity (30 minutes) with introduction by NAWB leadership
- Ten (10) complimentary registrations and premium seating in all general sessions
- One breakout session on the day of your choice
- Dedicated Sponsor Zone in NAWBTown
- Recognition in general session welcome remarks
- One reception for 15 VIPs of your choice in the Presidential Suite
- Choice of one premium branded item to be included in Forum tote bag
- Opportunity to show one 90-second video in general session
- Exclusive media opportunities
- Pre- and post-Forum attendee lists
Premier Sponsor: $100,000
- Sponsorship of a General Session keynote speaker, including meet and greet
- Eight (8) complimentary registrations and premium seating in all general sessions
- Choice of one premium branded item to be included in Forum tote bag
- Dedicated Sponsor Zone in NAWBTown
- Reserved room to hold private meetings
- One evening reception (including food and beverage for up to 100 attendees)
- Opportunity to show one 90-second video in general session
- Recognition in remarks from NAWB leadership
- Pre- and post-Forum attendee lists
Platinum Sponsor: $50,000
- One breakout session, marked as sponsored, for topic/content of sponsor’s choice
- Six (6) complimentary registrations and premium reserved seating in all general sessions
- Five (5) time slots to reserve office space for private meetings with attendees
- Dedicated Sponsor Zone in NAWBTown
- Opportunity to show one 90-second video in general session
- Choice of one branded item to be included in Forum tote bag
- Pre- and post-Forum attendee lists
Gold Sponsor: $30,000
- Four (4) complimentary registrations and reserved seats in all general sessions
- Three (3) time slots to reserve office space private meetings with attendees
- Dedicated Sponsor Zone in NAWBTown
- Pre- and post-Forum attendee lists
Silver Sponsor: $15,000
- Two (2) complimentary registration and reserved seats at all general sessions
- One time slot to reserve office space private meetings with attendees
- Company branding in NAWBTown
- Pre- and post-Forum attendee lists
Local Business Sunday Sponsor: $35,000
- Exclusive logo sponsorship on umbrella in tote bag
- Logo placement on vouchers and all program signage at participating businesses
- Announcement of sponsorship during general session
- Recognition of sponsorship among Gold sponsors in Forum signage, materials, and web site
- Pre- and post-Forum attendee lists
A La Carte Sponsorship Offerings
Items below are available as standalone sponsorship opportunities or can be included with a package above for a reduced rate.
- Have your item included in the Forum tote bag: $2,000
- Co-branded Forum lanyard (one available): $3,000 SOLD!
- Co-branded Forum tote bags (one available): $5,000
- Small Office [three (3) chairs and table] for one day, available Sunday, March 30 or Monday March 31: $7,500
- Column-wrap with logo/messaging: starting at $10,000 (price based on location)
- Branded charging stations: $10,000 each [ten (10) available]
- Table Talk (on Forum schedule/advertised) meeting in dedicated room for 20-25 people (no AV): $10,000
- Exclusive sponsorship of networking coffee/snack break [five (5) available]: $25,000
- General Session sponsorship, including meet and greet with keynote speaker [three (3) available]: $40,000
- Welcome Reception: $75,000
Ready to become a Forum sponsor?
Contact Director, Business Development, Jay Gentry, or Vice President, Communications and Events, Stacy Heit.

Lodging for The Forum 2025 and Workforce Advocacy Day
We have secured a special discounted room rate the Washington Hilton, where The Forum and Workforce Advocacy Day meetings are taking place, for $351/night. Click here to reserve a room before March 7, 2025.
For those who prefer not stay at the venue, we have reserved a smaller block of rooms at The Churchill, located directly across the street from the Washington Hilton, for $263/night. Reservations are limited, so act fast! Note that the Hilton is downhill from The Churchill. Click here to reserve a room at The Churchill before March 7, 2025.