Honoring 250 Years of Work. Building What Comes Next.

Join us for a one-day summit exploring the future of labor and the evolving workforce in Pennsylvania and across the nation. Held in 2026 during America’s 250th anniversary, this event brings together workers, policymakers, researchers, labor leaders, advocates, and industry experts to examine the challenges and opportunities shaping work in a rapidly changing economy. Through dynamic panels, keynote conversations, and collaborative dialogue, we’ll explore how to build a more equitable, resilient, and forward-thinking labor landscape for the next generation.

Conference Registration

Powered by Workers: A Pennsylvania Summit on the Future of Labor

September 25th-26th

Valley Forge, PA

Conference Pricing (Hotel Rooms Separate):

Early Bird (Until August 8th):

Friday Only- $60 (Promo Code: EARLYBIRDFRI)

Saturday Only- $150 (Promo Code: EARLYBIRDSAT)

Friday and Saturday-$200 (Promo Code: EARLYBIRDCOMBO)

Regular Registration:

Friday Only- $75

Saturday Only- $175

Friday and Saturday- $230

Be part of the conversation shaping the future of work—secure your spot today.

Register Now

Schedule and Sessions

(RFP Submission still open)

Friday September 25th

The conference will kick off Friday evening with a buffet dinner and a lively opportunity to connect with friends, colleagues, and partners from across the KRC community. Together, we will celebrate KRC’s 30th anniversary, honor Dr. Stephen Herzenberg’s extraordinary leadership as KRC’s founding Executive Director, and welcome Bernie Gallagher as KRC’s new Executive Director as the organization begins its next chapter.

Saturday September 26th

Spend a full day engaging with leaders, workers, and advocates from across Pennsylvania and beyond as we explore the future of labor. Saturday’s program features a mix of keynote conversations, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities designed to spark ideas and drive action. Participants will choose from multiple breakout sessions organized into themed tracks, allowing them to tailor their experience to their interests and goals. Whether you’re focused on organizing, career pathways, or the intersection of climate and jobs, there’s a place for you in the conversation.

Saturday Agenda

  • Breakfast & Registration

  • Opening Session
    Kick off the summit with keynote remarks and a look at the opportunities ahead for workers and the labor movement.

  • Content Session I (Track Breakouts)

  • Content Session II (Track Breakouts)

  • Lunch

  • Content Session III (Track Breakouts)

  • Closing Session
    Reflect on key takeaways and the path forward for Pennsylvania’s workforce.

Session Themes

🔹 Advancing Organizing & Policy
Organizing, bargaining, policy, and regulatory innovation (e.g., sectoral strategies and innovation in state/local/federal labor rights and standards). Mapping how we build organizing successes (in or beyond PA) into a union wave.

🔹 Navigating the Next Economy: Skills & Careers
The practical realities (challenges and models) of career entry, development, and mobility, plus how broad advocacy coalitions and state & local policy can scale solutions to PA’s low educational rankings (e.g., in CTE and higher ed).

🔹 ReImagining Pennsylvania: Climate & Opportunity
How can we address climate change and extreme weather in ways that promote unity and opportunity for all, not division and inequality?

Full session details will be released soon, following our call for proposals.

Continue to check back for more information as the conference date gets closer.

Speakers, session information, sponsors, detailed venue information etc. will be updated when available.