The National Reentry Workforce Collaborative (NRWC) invites session proposals for the2026 NRWC Annual Conferenceto be heldOctober 20-23, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
The conference will include both submitted and invited presentations. Conference participants include a variety of stakeholders in the reentry workforce field including community-based organizations, business owners, government representatives (including corrections), reentry coalitions and councils, advocacy groups, non-profits, intermediaries, and workforce development boards.
2026 CONFERENCE THEME
The 2026 NRWC Conference will be organized around the theme“The Future of Work & the Justice-Impacted Job Seeker”. While proposals related to all aspects of the reentry workforce field are welcome and will be considered, special consideration will be given to proposals that address the question “How does the reentry workforce adapt to the future of work – without leaving justice- impacted people behind?”
Successful proposals that were accepted for the conference program in recent years have:
Highlighted best and promising practices in reentry workforce.
Provided opportunities for attendees to discuss issues with their peers.
Provided tangible takeaways and best practices specific to the reentry workforce field.
A foundation in original research and data, demonstrate innovative strategies or programs, and/or highlight unique partnerships or collaborations that advance the reentry workforce field.
Arenotfocused on individual self-promotion or the sale of products or services.
Included presenters/panelists that represent multiple stakeholders/segments of the reentry work- force field
Continue reading to learn more about the conference tracks, requested presentation topics, and view the proposal submission form.
Presentations are generally 60 minutes in length and may take the form of speaker-led presentation, moderated panel, facilitated discussions, or workshops. Accepted sessions will be scheduled along three programming tracks:
This track explores how reentry workforce programs can move beyond job access to prepare justice-impacted job seekers to create value, contribute productively, and advance over time. Session topics may include:
Foundational practices and innovations in case and care management
Training models aligned with labor productivity
Digital and workplace skills for the future of work
Educational models, technical training, and the role of higher ed
Skill-building for adaptability and continuous learning
Supporting workers through transitions and disruptions
Responsible and practical uses of AI in workforce development
Measuring success beyond placement and short-term retention
This track aligns reentry workforce strategies with industries that offer not just jobs today, but durable career pathways, advancement, and value in the economy of tomorrow. Session topics may include:
Identifying high-potential industries and occupations
Building talent pipelines with employers to meet current and emerging workforce demand
Industry partnerships that support advancement
Avoiding overconcentration in low-wage, low-mobility sectors
Using labor market data to guide program design
Career durability as a workforce outcome
Reducing displacement risk for justice-impacted workers
This track addresses the broader systems that shape reentry workforce outcomes and explores what must change to support proactive adaptation to the future of work. Session topics may include:
Workforce funding aligned with future labor market realities
Policy barriers and opportunities in a changing economy
Cross-sector collaboration and system coordination
The role of institution of higher education
Data, accountability, and shared outcomes across systems
Technological changes that are transforming systems
We invite you to share this call for proposals with your colleagues and in your networks. A downloadable one-page info sheet is available here.
All proposals must be submitted via the proposal submission portal via the link at the bottom of this page. Submissions are saved in the portal and can be updated until the submission deadline.
Presenters are responsible for all registration fees and associated conference costs.NRWC is exploring opportunities to offer need-based and justice-impacted speaker funding. Availability will depend on funding secured. If offered, the application process will open in Spring 2026.
Proposals must be submitted online via the 2026 Call for Proposals Portal (link below). Questions may be directed to Virginia Smith, at virginia@thenrwc.org.
