NCWorks Partnership Conference

• Date: October 14 - 16, 2026
• Location: Sheraton Four Seasons - Greensboro, NC

The NCWorks Partnership Conference traditionally draws hundreds of Workforce Development Professionals from across the state. Attendees represent workforce development agencies, labor, state and federal government, education, community-based organizations, community colleges and the private sector. In its 39th year, the Conference continues to offer timely topics and networking opportunities. 

This year's conference theme is "Opportunity Is Built Here - Skills, Careers, Success."

Agenda and Events

This year's Conference Information and Schedule is now available online. We've built in helpful tools and resources for pre-planning and getting the most out of each day. A detailed Daily Agenda is also available to learn more about each of the 49 workshops and special events. Use the navigation block to the right for easy access!

Registration

• Read this year's conference overview and other information here.
• Register for the conference at TRAIN.NCWorks.gov.
• The "Early-Bird Registration" deadline is Friday, September 11, 2026.

Call for Proposals

This year’s Call for Proposals has officially closed.

Governor’s NCWorks Awards of Distinction

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Governor's NCWorks Awards of Distinction. This year’s award honorees are:

• Outstanding Employer: The Timken Company – Lincolnton Bearing Plant, Iron Station, NC - Centralina Workforce Development Board
• Outstanding Economic Impact: Gaston County Association of Manufacturers (GCAM), Gastonia, NC - Gaston Workforce Development Board
  • Gaston County Economic Development Commission, Gastonia, NC 
  • Gaston Workforce Development Board, Gastonia, NC
• Outstanding Private Sector Workforce Development Board Member - Bill Ragland Award: Josh McKinney, Hickory, NC - Western Piedmont Workforce Development Board
• Outstanding Innovative Partnership: South Piedmont Workforce Apprenticeship Partnership, Monroe, NC - Centralina Workforce Development Board
  • South Piedmont Community College, Monroe, NC
  • Union County Economic Development, Monroe, NC 
  • Union County Schools, Monroe, NC 
  • Wingate University, Wingate, NC
• Outstanding Teen: Sara Gomez, Spruce Pine, NC - High Country Workforce Development Board
• Outstanding Young Adult: Madeline Sink, Sylva, NC - Southwestern Workforce Development Board
• Outstanding Adult: Blayne Hemphill, Morganton, NC - Western Piedmont Workforce Development Board
• Outstanding Customer Service in Workforce Development - Wayne Daves Award: Veatrice Johnson, North Wilkesboro, NC - High Country Workforce Development Board

Congratulations to this year's recipients! Learn more by reading the full narratives which highlight their accomplishments. The awards will be presented as part of the 2026 NCWorks Partnership Conference in October.

Exhibitors

Join us for the 39th NCWorks Partnership Conference and connect with hundreds of workforce development professionals from across North Carolina! Interested exhibitors are asked to complete this exhibitor registration form. You will receive a confirmation email upon your submission within 48 hours. The deadline for exhibitors to register is 5:00 PM on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

As an exhibitor at North Carolina’s prestigious workforce event, you’ll have the opportunity to engage directly with attendees representing labor, state and federal agencies, education, community‑based organizations, community colleges, universities, and the private sector. Exhibitors are an integral part of this conference experience, and we hope you’ll secure your spot and join us in Greensboro this October! If you are interested in viewing an informational flyer before officially registering, please email ncwtc@commerce.nc.gov.

Please check back periodically for additional NCWorks Partnership Conference updates. For questions or more information, contact us at ncworksconference@commerce.nc.gov.