Pre-Convention Workshops

January 28 

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Early Exposure to Long Term Success: K12 to CTE Models

Collaborate to build early college and career exposure programs. This workshop equips community college and higher education professionals with strategies to partner with K-12 systems and industry, ensuring students receive foundational skills and exposure to high-demand careers. Attract and cultivate a diverse talent pool from an early age.

Please note: This session is a part of a three-part series.

• The first will be held in person at WDI 2026 and is meant for any attendee who registers.
• The second and third dates will allow registrants and their college peers an opportunity to participate by providing the registrant with a link which they are welcome to make live at their home institutions in one large group setting.
  • The date of the second session will be: March 19, 2026
  • The date of the third session will be: May 14, 2026

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Develop Your Future-Ready Leadership Pipeline for Advanced Manufacturing

This preconference session will address the critical talent shortage and skills gap in the modern manufacturing sector. It outlines a roadmap for educational institutions partnering with industry and relevant stakeholders to co-design curricula, recruit new talent, and place and retain skilled employees. The workshop is designed to help manufacturing-focused leaders adapt to industry shifts, integrate new technologies, and secure a resilient, competitive workforce for the future. Key themes include building strong, collaborative partnerships, creating structured recruitment pipelines, and establishing a culture of continuous learning and growth to foster employee retention.

Please note: This session is a part of a three-part series.

• The first will be held in person at WDI 2026 and is meant for any attendee who registers. 
• The second date will allow their college peers an opportunity to participate by providing the registrant with a link which they would be welcome to make live at their home institutions in one large group setting.
  • The date of the second session will be: March 19, 2026 •
  • The third session will be an optional site visit to a location showcasing exemplary practice between a college and an industry partner. Costs to travel to this third meeting will be the responsibility of the college. The date of the optional site visit will be determined and disseminated no later than March 2026.

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Upskilling Construction Professionals

Create a sustainable construction talent pipeline by connecting with community and higher education partners. This workshop helps companies define needs, develop partnerships, and implement strategies for recruitment and retention. Learn to build a strong, future-ready workforce through collaboration and training.

This session will include an off-site visit to an area construction site. Preparation and safety details will follow for registrants.

Please note: This session is a part of a two-part series.

• The first will be held in person at WDI 2026 and is meant for any attendee who registers.
• The second date will allow registrants and their college peers an opportunity to participate by providing the registrant with a link which they are welcome to make live at their home institutions in one large group setting.
  • The date of the second session will be: March 19, 2026

12:00 PM– 4:00 PM
Microsoft Learn for Educators Bootcamp

By leveraging Microsoft technologies, educators gain the tools and confidence to integrate industry-recognized AI concepts into their curriculum - empowering students for success in an AI-driven workforce. This session will provide educators with hands-on experiences using MSLE resources and will prepare users for the AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals certification.

Please note: This session is a part of a three-part series. Participants who attend all three sessions will receive a free AI-900 certification exam voucher.

• The first will be held in person at WDI 2026 and is meant for any attendee who registers.
• The second date will be a virtual training focused on Microsoft AI courses and enhancing related classroom programs. (Date TBD)
• The third date will be a virtual training focused on the AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals Certification Exam (Date TBD)

Cost: $250.00