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    • Youth Symposium

    San Antonio, TX
    November 16-18, 2026

    This year’s theme, Mission: Possible, is about what happens when the workforce development field comes together.

    When workforce professionals convene, new partnerships form and proven strategies spread faster. A session you attend could reshape a program back home. A conversation in the hallway could turn into your next referral partner. A new tool you pick up could be the difference for a young person who’s been struggling to find their path. That’s the possibility the NAWDP Youth Symposium creates.

    Each year, more than 900 workforce development professionals serving youth gather from across the country, making NAWDP’s Youth Symposium one of the largest events of its kind. Join us at this impactful event to:

    • Network with workforce professionals who serve youth across the country
    • Share your best practices or learn from others who are solving similar challenges
    • Create partnerships with other organizations doing this work
    • Discover innovative programs and potential solutions to the issues you’re facing in your area

    Important Deadlines:

    Workshop Session RFP: July 19, 2026

    Youth Award Nominations: August 6, 2026

    SUBMIT NOMINATION

    Early bird registration: September 9, 2026

    Standard registration: November 4, 2026

    Tentative Schedule at a Glance

    November 15
    12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    Conference Registration Open
    1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
    First Time Attendees Orientation
    2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Pre-Conference Session (No additional registration required)
    5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
    Welcome Reception
    November 16
    8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Conference Registration Open
    9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Exhibit Hall Open
    9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
    Breakfast with Exhibitors
    10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
    General Session Kickoff & Awards
    11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    Round 1 Workshops
    12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
    Lunch on Your Own – Network and Explore
    1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
    Round 2 Workshops
    2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
    3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Round 3 Workshops
    November 17
    8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    Conference Registration Open
    8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    Exhibit Hall Open
    8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
    Breakfast with Exhibitors
    9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
    General Session
    10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
    Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
    10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
    Round 4 Workshops
    11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    Networking Luncheon
    1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
    Round 5 Workshops
    2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
    Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
    2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
    Round 6 Workshops
    4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    Round 7 Workshops
    November 18
    7:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
    Conference Registration Open
    7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
    Exhibit Hall Open
    7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
    Breakfast with Exhibitors
    8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
    Round 8 Workshops
    9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
    Round 9 Workshops
    11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
    Closing Session
    full TENTATIVE schedule

    Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor

    Showcase your brand, build meaningful relationships, and position your organization as a leader in workforce development. Become a sponsor or exhibitor at NAWDP’s Youth Symposium to engage directly with professionals shaping the future of work.

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    Our Sponsors

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