08/11/2026
� Join us for a FREE SETA Pre-Conference Lunch & Learn!
Before we gather in Louisville, Kentucky for the 2026 SETA Fall Conference, join me for an interactive webinar on one of the most valuable skills in workforce development:
Navigating Difficult Conversations with Customers, Clients & Co-workers
Whether you're working with job seekers, employers, community partners, or fellow staff, difficult conversations are part of the job. This practical session will provide strategies you can use immediately to communicate with empathy, build trust, and navigate conflict with confidence.
You'll Learn:
• Practical de-escalation techniques
• How to build trust during challenging conversations
• Communication strategies for difficult customers and clients
• Tools you can immediately apply in your workplace
� Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
� Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
� Birthday Giveaway!
To celebrate turning 42, I'll be giving away three $10 Amazon gift cards during the webinar!
To be eligible, you must be:
� A current SETA member OR
� Registered for the 2026 SETA Fall Conference
(Must be present to win.)
Not a SETA member or haven't registered for the conference yet? There's still time!
Learn more and register here:
https://seta.org/conferences
I look forward to seeing you online before we all head to Louisville!
Conference Information:
Every state has a voice. Every state has a role. We need yours in Louisville.
As we prepare for the 2026 SETA Fall Conference (August 30–September 2), we are encouraging strong participation from each of our eight SETA states. Whether you represent workforce development, education, economic development, business and industry, community-based organizations, corrections, human services, government, or a strategic partner organization, this conference was designed to help you lead with greater impact.
The 2026 SETA Fall Conference is more than a professional development event; it's a strategic planning and solutions forum where leaders come together to examine emerging challenges, share proven practices, and develop collaborative approaches that strengthen workforce systems throughout the Southeast.
Together, we will explore what is working, identify what must evolve, and equip attendees with practical strategies that can be adapted and implemented in communities across our region.
You'll Experience
High-impact general sessions examining national workforce trends, policy developments, employer engagement strategies, youth workforce innovation, technology, and emerging practices shaping the future of workforce development.
Exclusive Pre-Conference Sessions led by representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor, providing valuable technical assistance, federal updates, implementation guidance, and opportunities to engage directly with national leaders on current priorities and future direction.
Interactive breakout workshops featuring Department of Labor experts and respected practitioners delivering actionable tools, innovative models, operational improvements, and solutions that participants can immediately apply within their organizations and workforce systems.
Cross-agency collaboration with leaders from federal and state Departments of Labor and Education, workforce boards, community colleges, economic development organizations, community-based organizations, employers, and industry partners working together to improve alignment, strengthen partnerships, and expand opportunities for job seekers and employers.
Strategic peer-to-peer connection that encourages open dialogue around common challenges, successful innovations, funding opportunities, performance improvement, AI and technology integration, and scalable solutions that drive measurable results.
Meaningful networking and relationship-building that extends well beyond the conference, creating opportunities for collaboration, resource sharing, regional partnerships, and future initiatives.
Our Kentucky Derby-inspired theme celebrates preparation, strategy, and ex*****on because winning workforce systems are intentionally built. Success requires visionary leadership, strong partnerships, innovative thinking, and a shared commitment to preparing individuals, employers, and communities for long-term prosperity.
Conference Details
Dates: August 30–September 2, 2026
Location:Omni Louisville Hotel400 South 2nd StreetLouisville, Kentucky
Registration Deadline: August 14, 2026
SETA members receive discounted conference registration, and membership can be added during registration for just $40.
Don't let your state's voice be missing from this important conversation. Register today, invite your colleagues and partners, and help shape the future of workforce development across the Southeast. Together, we'll move from great ideas to meaningful action, and we'll see you in the Winner's Circle.
