Reflecting on a Successful Michigan Works! Annual Conference
By Ryan Hundt
As we wrap up an incredible week at the Michigan Works! Annual Conference in Traverse City, I want to take a moment to reflect on the success of this event and express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made it possible.
This year’s conference brought together workforce development professionals, policymakers, community leaders, and partners from across the state to collaborate, learn, and share best practices. It was truly inspiring to see so many dedicated individuals working together toward the common goal of empowering Michigan's workforce and creating opportunities for all.
From the insightful keynote speakers to the engaging breakout sessions, each element of the conference was designed to spark innovation and foster collaboration. I’m proud of how our network continues to lead the charge in responding to workforce challenges, whether it’s navigating the evolving job market, addressing skills gaps, or expanding access to training and education.
I want to extend a special thank you to our incredible sponsors, without whom this conference would not be possible. Your support allows us to provide valuable resources and experiences for attendees year after year. To our presenters, your expertise and passion for workforce development shone through in every session, and I know that many of the lessons shared will continue to impact our work long after the conference ends.
And of course, I want to thank all the attendees. Your enthusiasm and commitment to workforce development are what make this event such a success. It was a pleasure connecting with so many of you, hearing your ideas, and seeing the collaborations that will shape the future of Michigan's workforce.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible efforts of our amazing Michigan Works! Association team. Putting on a conference of 830+ people with only six staff members is a powerful achievement, and I am grateful to each of them for their hard work, focus and dedication.
As we look ahead, I’m energized by the possibilities on the horizon. The work we do is more important than ever, and together, we are building a brighter future for Michigan’s workers, businesses, and communities.
Thank you again for making this year’s conference one to remember. I can’t wait to see how we take what we’ve learned here and apply it in our communities. See you next year in Kalamazoo!