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As manufacturers continue to grapple with skilled labor shortages, career and technical education (CTE) remains one of the industry's most important workforce development pipelines.
Educators, administrators and industry leaders will gather in New Orleans as the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) celebrates its 100th anniversary during CareerTech VISION 2026, highlighting the future of workforce training and technical education.
The annual conference will focus on the future of career and technical education while recognizing a century of innovation in workforce preparation. Programming will include educational sessions, networking opportunities, an industry expo and special events commemorating ACTE's centennial.
Among the featured centennial activities are a curated historical showcase highlighting the evolution of career and technical education, interactive storytelling exhibits, VISIONTalks focused on the future of workforce education, live podcast recordings, musical performances and the premiere of ACTE's centennial documentary.
For manufacturers in the surface and panel industry, the event offers insight into evolving workforce initiatives that continue to shape talent pipelines for woodworking, advanced manufacturing, cabinetry, furniture production and related skilled trades.
Additional professional development events planned
Leading up to CareerTech VISION, ACTE will host two additional national conferences focused on leadership and workforce development.
The Postsecondary CTE Summit, scheduled for Sept. 16-18 in Arlington, Virginia, will explore emerging workforce trends, research and innovative practices in postsecondary career education. Sessions will examine strategies for strengthening workforce programs and improving student success through partnerships among community colleges, universities and industry.
ACTE will also host its Best Practices for CTE Administrators Conference Oct. 6-8 in Denver, bringing together current and aspiring education leaders to discuss program development, leadership strategies and workforce initiatives designed to support students and educators. The conference will feature more than 50 educational sessions and keynote speaker Ryan Lavarnway, former Major League Baseball catcher and World Series champion.
Early registration discounts are available for all three events.
Celebrating a century of workforce development
In conjunction with its centennial, ACTE has launched an online initiative highlighting milestone moments in career and technical education over the past 100 years. The microsite includes historical resources, interactive features, educational content and opportunities for educators and industry professionals to share their own CTE stories.
