Each year, one of the N.C. Commerce team's biggest events is the NCWorks Partnership Conference, a gathering of workforce development professionals from across the state. The NCWorks Training Center, with help from a Conference Planning Committee, annually identifies and organizes a lineup of informative professional development workshops on a variety of timely topics, in addition to special guest speakers who are the highlights of general sessions for all attendees.
Recently, the Training Center announced that the 39th Annual NCWorks Partnership Conference will welcome Phaedra Boinodiris of IBM Consulting as the keynote speaker for the Opening Session (Oct. 14, 2026), and Tom Krieglstein, CEO of Swift Kick Leadership, as the featured speaker for the Closing Session (Oct. 16, 2026). Let's learn more about them!
Phaedra Boinodiris
A North Carolina native, Phaedra is a global leader in IBM Consulting’s Responsible AI Practice and a nationally recognized voice on the future of AI. She was appointed to the Governor of North Carolina’s AI Leadership Council in 2025 and has shared her expertise on AI governance with organizations including the United Nations and NATO.
Phaedra will kick off the conference on Wednesday, October 14, with her keynote, "AI for the Rest of Us: Turning Principle into Practice," followed by a special breakout session, "Opportunity Through AI: Building NC’s Future."
We’re looking forward to hearing Phaedra’s perspective on how AI can create new opportunities and help shape the future of North Carolina’s workforce. We hope you’ll join us for what’s sure to be a great conversation!
Tom Krieglstein
Since founding Swift Kick in 2004, Tom has trained more than half a million leaders around the world on how to build a Culture of Connection™ within their organizations. He’s worked with leaders from organizations including Coca-Cola, Pfizer, Disney, the U.S. Navy and Nike, and has earned an unprecedented seven national speaking titles.
Tom is also a TEDx speaker, executive accountability coach and co-author of two Amazon bestselling books. His work has reached audiences around the world, including through one of his YouTube videos, which has more than 18 million views.
He’ll close out the conference on Friday, October 16, with "The Value of Being Human in a Technological World," exploring the importance of human connection in an increasingly technological world.
We’re looking forward to hearing Tom’s perspective on leadership, connection and the future of the workforce!
Join us!
With the theme of "Opportunity Is Built Here - Skills, Careers, Success," the conference will be held Oct. 14-16, 2026, at the Sheraton Four Seasons in Greensboro, NC. You can find more information and the schedule on our website here, and register today on TRAIN. Attendees who register by Sept. 11, 2026 will receive the "Early Bird" discount!