Rooted in Impact,
Rising in Opportunity

Celebrating 15 Years of Building Atlanta’s Workforce

September 30, 2026  |  10:00 AM – 2:00 PM  |  Zoo Atlanta  |  $25 per person

PURCHASE TICKETS  Become a Sponsor

ABOUT THE EVENT

Closing Out Workforce Development Month in Style

Join CareerRise on September 30, 2026, as we bring together employers, training providers, job seekers, community partners, and workforce champions to close out National Workforce Development Month with purpose and celebration.

The 5th Annual Workforce Excellence Summit is our signature day of recognition, connection, and momentum-building for metro Atlanta’s workforce ecosystem. This year carries special weight as we mark CareerRise’s 15th anniversary under the theme Rooted in Impact, Rising in Opportunity, reflecting on the strong foundation we have built and the path rising ahead for Atlanta workers and employers.

Gather with industry leaders and partners, celebrate the individuals and organizations driving real results, and build the connections that will carry our community forward. Space is limited and registration is required.

Questions? Contact Allison Carpenter at [email protected].

Event Details

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM 

Zoo Atlanta – 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

Space is limited — register early

WHAT TO EXPECT

A Day Built for Connection, Recognition & Impact

01
Awards Ceremony

Honoring individuals and organizations making a measurable difference across metro Atlanta’s workforce development ecosystem.

02
Keynote & Speakers

Thought-provoking perspectives from leaders on the front lines of workforce innovation, employer engagement, and career advancement.

03
Networking & Lunch

Build meaningful connections over a catered lunch with employers, training providers, community partners, and workforce professionals.

04
15th Anniversary Celebration

A look back at 15 years of building strong partnerships and advancing economic opportunity across the Atlanta region.

AWARDS & NOMINATIONS

Nominate an Organization Doing Exceptional Work

Each year, the Workforce Excellence Summit celebrates organizations and partnerships making a real difference for Atlanta workers and employers. Nominations are open to the public, self-nominations are welcome, and winners are selected by CareerRise’s External Affairs Committee. 

The Cinda Herndon-King Award for Excellence in Workforce Partnerships

Honors an organization that has demonstrated innovation in building collaborative, employer-driven career training programs in Metro Atlanta. The recipient creates career pathways leading to family-sustaining wages and stands as a model for how community partners and employers can work together. Think of a coalition, nonprofit, or workforce program that brought multiple stakeholders to the table and produced results.

 

Award to be presented at the Workforce Excellence Summit on September 30, 2026.

The Doug Hooker Award for Excellence in Workforce Impact

Recognizes businesses, organizations, and partnerships that bring together employers, education providers, workforce development organizations, and economic development entities as a key driver of regional growth. The recipient has demonstrated measurable impact through service delivery practices that connect people to good jobs and strengthen the regional economy.

 

 

Award to be presented at the Workforce Excellence Summit on September 30, 2026.

The Mike Kenig Corporate Workforce Trailblazer Award

Recognizes a company that has gone above and beyond to hire, train, and advance Atlanta workers. The recipient has invested meaningfully in workforce training, community partnerships, or hiring practices that open doors to family-sustaining employment. Think of an employer whose commitment to workforce development goes well beyond filling open positions.

 

 

Award to be presented at the Rising Together fundraiser on September 15, 2026.

AWARDS & NOMINATIONS

June 15 – August 15, 2026

Nominations are free, open to the public, and take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Strong nominations include specific examples, measurable outcomes, and context about why the organization’s work stands out in Metro Atlanta’s workforce landscape. 

Submit Your Nomination!

REGISTRATION

Secure Your Seat

This year, CareerRise is introducing a modest ticket price for the Summit. At $25 per person, your registration directly supports the program’s continued growth and helps us deliver an exceptional experience that honors the outstanding work happening across our region.

PURCHASE TICKETS

General Admission

$25

per person • all-inclusive

  • Full-day Summit access (10 AM – 2 PM)
  • Catered lunch included
  • Awards ceremony
  • Networking with 150+ workforce leaders
  • Keynote & featured speakers

SPONSORSHIP

Partner With Us to Elevate This Moment

Sponsoring the 5th Annual Workforce Excellence Summit puts your organization at the center of the conversation shaping metro Atlanta’s workforce future. Sponsors receive prominent recognition throughout the event and across our communications to over 150 attendees and our broader network.

To discuss sponsorship opportunities or customize a package for your organization, contact Allison Carpenter at [email protected].

Diamond

$10,000

Platinum

$7,500

Gold

$5,000

Silver

$2,500

Bronze

$1,000

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Organizations Leading the Way

DIAMOND

GOLD

       

SILVER

Sponsor logos will appear here as commitments are confirmed. Reach out today to Allison Carpenter at [email protected] to secure your place as a Summit partner.