PWDA Training & Events

PWDA hosts multiple trainings and events throughout the year that target workforce development professionals and stakeholders across Pennsylvania, including our Annual Conference and Symposium. All events are tailored to meet the professional development and capacity building priorities established by PWDA members and stakeholders as well as lifting up awareness on best practices, success stories and trends!

36th Annual Conference
Driving Workforce Connections

Partner. Broker. Intermediary. Navigator. Advocate. Policymaker. Elected Official. Business Owner. Jobseeker. Educator. Administrator. Funder. Provider. Parent. Student. Worker. Veteran. Do'er. To build a strong and competitive workforce requires connections. Siloed approaches do not work. Pennsylvania's workforce development system and staff sit at the intersection of education, training, social services, information, community & economic development, and more.

PWDA's 36th Annual Conference will highlight the value of connections, the importance of collaboration and improved coordination that ultimately better serve Pennsylvania business and workers.

Pennsylvania can build a strong workforce, together.

PWDA 36th Annual Conference to be Held Virtually
PWDA would like to thank its members and partners for their patience and continued support during this challenging time. We have been continuously monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and health situation in Pennsylvania. We continue to encourage everyone to practice safe wellness habits and social distancing as recommended by the CDC and PA Department of Health.

The health and safety of our staff, members, and partners is our highest priority. After careful consideration, in light of the current CDC guidelines limiting gatherings to less than 250, we have made the decision to change the in person conference to a virtual conference.

All current registrations will automatically be transferred to the virtual conference. Additional details will be posted in the coming weeks.

Additionally, the Hershey Lodge will be cancelling all hotel reservations - there is no need to contact the lodge regarding your reservations

Announcing Opening Keynote Speaker:
Rocky Bleier - Four-time Super Bowl Champion and Vietnam war hero

PWDA is excited to welcome legendary speaker Rocky Bleier to the 36th Annual Workforce Development Conference. Kicking off the conference on Wednesday May 13th, Rocky will reflect on the hard lessons learned early in life to overcome adversity and provide attendees with motivation and perspective to apply in their every-day professional and personal lives!

Conference Registration Details
The PA Workforce Development Association’s Annual Employment, Training and Education Conference features informative speakers, more than 50 workshops, and opportunities to network with professionals at all levels of the workforce development system. Conference speakers and training address emerging workforce challenges as workforce professionals chart a new course for employment and job-training to keep Pennsylvania competitive in a global economy. The conference offers great value with relevant staff training and updates on a wide variety of timely and important subjects at a single, central location.

Conference logo

Registration for the conference will reopen in July.

All registrations will be accepted online only.

State Agency Registration (Only for commonwealth agencies and employees who are registering for the Conference). This does not include state universities.

All registration will be accepted online only.

Do you need to register a group of individuals? Use this multi-registration template to efficiently gather the information you need prior to entering the information online. Please note: This is just a guide for your internal use, you will still need to complete the online registration form.

Conference Registration Fees
3‐day registration $425 ($495 after July 31, 2020)
2‐day registration $405 ($475 after July 31, 2020)
1‐day registration $350 ($420 after July 31, 2020)
Registration closes Monday, September 21, 20200

A refund, minus a $100 administrative fee, will be given only if a cancellation is submitted in writing to [email protected] by Tuesday, September 15, 2020. Refunds will not be given after this date. Any revisions made by PWDA staff (including name changes) after this date will incur a $100 administrative fee. Refunds will be processed after the conference, and will be made by check.

If you select to pay by check, to receive the early bird discount payment must be received by PWDA no later than Friday, July 31, 2020 or your fees will automatically increase for each registration to the regular rate. Payment must be received prior to attending the conference. By electing to pay by check, you commit to making payment for your registration. Cancellation without payment does not exonerate you from payment.

Exhibitor & Sponsors
Spotlight your services, expertise, projects and resources to Pennsylvania’s key workforce development experts, decision-makers, and professionals!