Talent turnover is accelerating, technology is reshaping roles, and the gap between what workers expect and what employers are offering is widening.
These challenges, and the opportunities they present, will take center stage at the 2026 Future of Work Summit, hosted by the Thurston County Chamber from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Saint Martin’s University.
This year’s theme, “Work, Redefined: Building a Workforce in a World That Keeps Changing,” recognizes that workforce development is no longer just about building talent pipelines. It’s about helping employers adapt to an economy where technology, demographics and employee expectations are evolving faster than traditional systems can keep pace, according to a news release from the Thurston County Chamber.
“The conversation has shifted,” David Schaffert, president and CEO of the Thurston County Chamber, said in the release. “Today’s employers aren’t just asking where they’ll find their next employee; they’re asking how work itself is changing and what that means for their organizations. This summit is designed to bring business, education, workforce and community leaders together to explore practical solutions that help our region stay competitive.”
The Summit will culminate with a keynote from Jasmine Donovan, president and CEO of Dick’s Drive-In. The company has built a reputation for investing in wages, healthcare, childcare support, scholarships and advancement opportunities, including a promotion-from-within model in which every store manager begins as a crew member.
Donovan’s keynote will explore what happens when employers stop viewing workforce challenges solely as a search for better employees and begin asking a different question: How can we become better employers?
Her perspective will challenge attendees to think differently about recruitment, retention, advancement, culture and long-term employee loyalty — and to consider what organizations of every size and industry can learn from employers that have successfully adapted to changing workforce expectations, according to the release.
The event will feature an interactive Workforce Expo, helping attendees move from conversation to action by connecting them with proven hiring practices, workforce development resources, community partners and opportunities to strengthen connections with education and talent pipelines.
The Future of Work Summit is designed for business owners, executives, human resource professionals, educators, workforce development organizations, nonprofit leaders, elected officials and anyone interested in strengthening Thurston County’s workforce and economy.
Organizations are invited to demonstrate their leadership and commitment to workforce development through event sponsorships. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels, providing visibility before, during and after the event, the release stated.
Registration is now open. Tickets are $85.
To register or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit https://tinyurl.com/b6a6z2rh.
