Shaping the future workforce

October 13-14, 2026

Spartanburg Marriott

Spartanburg, South Carolina

Where Southeastern leaders solve challenges together.

A premier convening of CEOs, business leaders, and workforce innovators focused on building a stronger talent future for our region.

Hosted by:

CEO Insights

Executive perspectives on workforce strategy, leadership, and economic trends shaping the Southeast.
Read CEO Insight Blog

Industry Spotlight

Focused insights into key industries across the Southeast, highlighting workforce needs, trends, and opportunities.

Read Blog by Don Bent

Workforce Multiplier

Strategies and partnerships that strengthen talent pipelines and expand workforce impact across the region.

Read Report by Lightcast

Spartanburg South Carolina October 13-14, 2026

Who is in the room?

Register Today

World-Class Speakers

Hear from nationally recognized leaders shaping workforce strategy, economic development, and talent pipelines across the Southeast.

2026 Speakers

Past Speakers

Chad Cousins
CEO & Principal
MCMILLAN PAZDAN SMITH

Read Bio

Kara Bloomberg
President
Landrum
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Laura Demarse

Vice President

Koch Foundation
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Kevin Howell

President/CEO

GSP International Airport
Read Bio

Jeff Korzenik

Chief Economist

Fifth Third Bank

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Dr. Larry Miller
President
Greenville Technical College (GTC)
Read Bio

Matt Sigelman

President

Burning Glass Institute
Read Bio

Rebecca F. West

Chief Executive Officer
Renewable Water Resources (ReWa)
Read Bio

Katie Collins

President and CEO

Greer Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Bennie L. Harris

Chancellor

University of South Carolina Upstate

Carlos Phillips

President and CEO

Greenville Chamber of Commerce

Allen Smith

President and CEO

OneSpartanburg Inc.

Forum Schedule

Tuesday, Oct. 13

8:00am | Registration & Networking Breakfast

8:30am | Welcome Remarks

9:00am | Opening Keynote and Sessions

12:00pm | Lunch

1:30pm | Afternoon Sessions

4:30pm | Closing Remarks and Reception

Wednesday, Oct. 14

8:00am | Registration & Networking Breakfast

8:30am | Welcome Remarks

9:00am | Keynote and Morning Sessions

12:00pm | Lunch

1:30pm | Closing Remarks

Global Career Fair

Wednesday, Oct. 14

11:30am – 1:30pm | George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business & Economics

One of the Southeast’s Greatest Challenges Requires Collaboration

USC Upstate created the Upstate Talent Forum because the workforce challenges facing the Southeast cannot be solved by one company, one sector, or one leader alone.

Join executives, educators, and policymakers in conversations focused on talent pipeline issues, workforce trends, and collaborative solutions shaping the future of the Southeast workforce.
Dr. Bennie L. Harris, Chancellor, USC Upstate