The Virginia Chamber Foundation, Virginia Business Higher Education Council, VCF Workforce and Education Center, and Virginia Talent and Opportunity thank you for attending the 2025 Virginia Education and Workforce Conference presented by Atlantic Union Bank.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
The Honorable Winsome Earle-Sears Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Republican Candidate for Governor |
The Honorable Abigail Spanberger Former U.S. Representative for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District Democratic Candidate for Governor |
AGENDA
Please find the official event agenda by clicking HERE.
View the official digital program by clicking HERE.
View the official bio book by clicking HERE.
NEWS COVERAGE
RICHMOND TIMES DISPATCH: Earle-Sears, Spanberger Share Views on Business Issues
By David Ress | October 14, 2025
The candidates detailed her priorities to boost Virginia’s economy in a speech to a conference sponsored by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and other business groups at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The conference comes three weeks before the Nov. 4 election.
VIRGINIA BUSINESS: Spanberger, Earle-Sears Speak on Right-To-Work, Talent Pipelines |
By Katherine Schulte | October 14, 2025
Following a fiery debate last week, Virginia’s gubernatorial candidates discussed business and how to strengthen the state’s workforce pipeline at a Richmond conference hosted by the Virginia Chamber Foundation on Tuesday.
VIRGINIA MERCURY: Va. Gubernatorial Candidates Make Case to Build Workforce at Chamber Conference
By Nathaniel Cline | October 15, 2025
The two candidates spoke to more than 400 attendees from business, education and policy backgrounds about the challenges and their respective plans during Tuesday’s conference at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, which focused on building a more skilled and competitive workforce. The event was co-hosted by the Virginia Chamber Foundation, Virginia Business Higher Education Council, VCF Workforce and Education Center and Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership.
By Cameron Thompson | October 14, 2025
While they were separated by several hours, the candidates for Governor of Virginia shared the same stage Tuesday for the first time since their debate last week as they both addressed the Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Education and Workforce Conference and laid out their visions for improving those sectors.
WUSA 9: Virginia Gubernatorial Candidates Address Commonwealth’s Chamber of Commerce
By Matthew Torres | October 14, 2025
[Video]
WUSA 9: FULL SPEECH: Winsome Earle-Sears Speaks at Virginia’s Education and Workforce Conference
By Matthew Torres | October 14, 2025
[Video]
TOPICS
Internships and Talent Pathways: Leveling Up the Top State for Talent
As competition for skilled workers intensifies, internships and talent development pathways are more critical than ever. This panel will consider how strategic internship programs, public-private partnerships, and innovative talent pipelines are helping Virginia remain one of the nation’s top states for talent. Hear from educators and employers on best practices for connecting students to high-impact career opportunities and strengthening the workforce of tomorrow.
The Future of Higher Education: Partnering with Business to Maximize Value
As the workforce evolves toward a skills-based economy, competencies are frequently valued over traditional degrees. This session explores how higher education can adapt to meet the needs of modern employers and a dynamic job market. Panelists will examine emerging workforce trends and offer practical strategies for aligning academic programs with industry demands.
Education and Workforce in the Age of AI
Virginia’s leaders in industry and education come together to explore how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping both how we learn and how we work. While AI advancements create efficiencies and new opportunities, they also raise concerns about job displacement and workforce readiness. This discussion will examine how to best align academic curricula with employer needs. Panelists will explore how educators, businesses, and policymakers can proactively address AI-related challenges through reskilling initiatives, adaptive workforce strategies, and AI-driven job creation.
