Press Kit

Empower. Engage. Excel.

Join us at the Illinois Workforce Summit 2026 where workforce development professionals, local core partner staff, and board members come together to share their expertise with the workforce system. Learn from passionate peers and experts about practical guidance on service and system integration.

ICSPS is providing you with a press kit (below) containing:

About the Summit

This year’s theme, Empower. Engage. Excel reflects our commitment to supporting workforce professionals and partners at every level. Through empowering individuals, engaging communities and employers, and striving for excellence in service delivery, we aim to create a stronger, more inclusive workforce system across Illinois.

The Illinois Workforce Summit brings together a diverse group of stakeholders—employers, workforce professionals, educators, and providers from key state programs. Together, we aim to build and strengthen partnerships that advance workforce development across the state.

This year’s Summit continues our commitment to creating a space where all voices are heard, diverse perspectives are valued, and actionable solutions are shared. By fostering meaningful connections and offering practical tools and insights, we hope to equip attendees to meet the evolving challenges of today’s workforce landscape.

The Illinois Workforce Summit is grounded in the collaborative spirit of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). It is intentionally designed to support local core partner staff and board members through practical guidance on service delivery and system integration.

The WIOA Professional Development Committee represents the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Department of Employment Securities, the Illinois Community College Board, and the Illinois Department of Human Services.

2026 WIOA Summit: Empower. Engage. Excel.

When:

May 7, 2026
May 8, 2026

Where:

Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center
100 Conference Center Dr, East Peoria, IL 61611

Keynote Speaker

Nick Beadle is one of America’s top experts on public policy and workforce, with an encyclopedic knowledge of federal funding programs, workforce strategies, and policy-building techniques. Nick spent 11 years at the U.S. Department of Labor, finishing his time as Chief of Staff for Workforce and Communications for DOL’s Good Jobs Initiative, where tracked and oversaw the Department’s full grants portfolio and developed new strategies for improving investment outcomes and making grantees’ work easier and better. He also authored the Skills-First Starter Kit, a best-in-class guide for employers. This guide drew on the expertise and input of a bipartisan group of expert organizations, including employer groups and labor unions. Earlier in his time at DOL, Nick developed a first-of-its-kind grant model using workforce dollars to battle the opioid crisis, later adapted by Congress in the bipartisan SUPPORT Act relief package to address the substance-use disorder epidemic. A former attorney and investigative reporter, Nick provides expert client management and creative problem-solving in clear, direct ways that don’t waste your time and make you feel better able to handle what’s next.

Plenary Speaker

Michael Karl is a keynote speaker and mentalist who transforms the way people communicate, connect, and influence. Drawing on over two decades as a professional mentalist, Michael reveals the hidden psychology behind influence, persuasion, and human behavior, then turns it into practical tools audiences can use immediately. His clients include NBCUniversal, PayPal, Indeed, and Toyota.

From coaching Miss America contestants on interviewing skills to fooling a Secret Service polygraph test, Michael doesn’t just teach influence, he demonstrates it. His work has also been featured on Penn & Teller: Fool Us.

Through a one-of-a-kind blend of mind-reading, audience interaction, and actionable insights, Michael creates high-energy experiences that leave audiences amazed and better equipped to build trust, strengthen relationships, and communicate at a higher level.

Suggested Facebook/Linkedin Presenter Posts

LinkedIn Handle: @icsps-isu Facebook: @ISUICSPS

Hashtag(s):ILworkforcesummit2026 #workforcedevelopment careertechnicaleducation adulteducation

Excited to be presenting at the Illinois Workforce Summit 2026 this May in East Peoria! I’m looking forward to joining workforce leaders, educators, employers, and partners from across the state to share ideas, build connections, and explore innovative solutions that strengthen Illinois’ workforce system. Honored to be part of this year’s event and can’t wait to connect with fellow attendees.

Honored to be selected as a presenter for the Illinois Workforce Summit 2026! This summit brings together professionals from across Illinois who are committed to empowering individuals, engaging communities, and helping our workforce excel. Looking forward to sharing insights, learning from others, and contributing to important conversations shaping the future of work.

Proud to be a presenter at the Illinois Workforce Summit 2026. Events like this highlight the power of partnership, innovation, and shared purpose in building a stronger workforce for Illinois. Excited to share ideas, gain new perspectives, and be part of such an impactful event.

Thrilled to be presenting at the Illinois Workforce Summit 2026! I’m excited to join colleagues and partners from across the state for meaningful conversations around workforce development, collaboration, and opportunity. Looking forward to sharing best practices and learning from so many talented professionals.

Suggested Facebook/LinkedIn Attendee Posts

LinkedIn Handle: @icsps-isu Facebook Handle: @ISUICSPS

Hashtag(s):ILworkforcesummit2026 #workforcedevelopment careertechnicaleducation adulteducation

Excited to be attending the Illinois Workforce Summit 2026 this May in East Peoria! I’m looking forward to connecting with workforce leaders, educators, employers, and partners from across the state to share ideas, build relationships, and explore innovative solutions that strengthen Illinois’ workforce system. Can’t wait for a great event.

Looking forward to attending the Illinois Workforce Summit 2026! This summit brings together professionals from across Illinois who are committed to empowering individuals, engaging communities, and helping our workforce excel. Excited to learn, network, and be part of important conversations shaping the future of work.

Looking forward to being at the Illinois Workforce Summit 2026 in East Peoria! This event is a great opportunity to connect with leaders across workforce, education, and business sectors who are working together to create stronger pathways to success. Hope to see many familiar and new faces there.

Thrilled to be attending the Illinois Workforce Summit 2026! I’m excited to join colleagues and partners from across the state for meaningful conversations around workforce development, collaboration, and opportunity. Looking forward to learning from so many talented professionals and bringing back new ideas.