UPCOMING EVENT
Shaping CT's Future: Rebuilding Connecticut’s Workforce
Workforce Velocity: Stabilizing the Talent Economy to Accelerate Growth
May 15, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: 501 Crescent St, New Haven, CT 06515 (Southern Connecticut State University)
Designing the Fastest-Moving Talent Economy in America
Connecticut does not lack talent, organizations, or opportunity
What it lacks is coordinated speed.
In a volatile labor market shaped by demographic shifts, policy changes, technological acceleration, and rising cost pressures,the greatest competitive advantage will not belong to the state with the most talent. It will belong to the sectors that move talent the fastest.
The Talent Economy is driven, in part, by Workforce Velocity, or the rate at which a person can stabilize, earn, advance, and sustain upward mobility.
Velocity determines how quickly:
- A parent can secure childcare after being hired
- A student can convert coursework into wages
- A manufacturer can shift demand into staffed shifts
- A displaced worker can re-enter the labor force
- An entry-level employee can become middle income
When velocity slows, employers feel scarcity. Families feel fragility. The state feels stagnation.
Conversely, when velocity increases, growth compounds.
Our Workforce Velocity event brings together leaders from business, education, policy, infrastructure, finance, and community organizations to examine one central question:
How do we design the fastest-moving talent economy in the country?
Reserve your spot
Check back here for registration details, speakers, and more.
Check back soon—new speakers, showcases, and sponsors will be revealed as we build toward May.
Welcome Speakers
We’re not just exploring today’s business landscape—we’re spotlighting the bold ideas shaping tomorrow. Step into the future. Make your mark.
BJ Kito
President of Rebellion Group
Jim Altman
Television Journalist, FOX61
Brent Montgomery
CEO & Founder, Wheelhouse
Sandra Bulmer
President, Southern Connecticut State University
Speakers
Kevin Barros
President, The Computer Company
Jon Winkel
President, My Launchpad
Steve Spiro
TEDx Speaker, TEDxThirdWard
Brent Montgomery
CEO & Founder, Wheelhouse
Jim Bzdyra
President, Community Economic Development Fund
Tom Cavaliere Jr.
Director of Community Engagement, Marketing & Communications, Tweed-New Haven Airport
Kimberly Awad
Strategic Partner Development Manager, Mailchimp
Sandra Bulmer
President, Southern Connecticut State University
Michael Jones
CEO, The New HVN LLC
Take a look at our sponsors
Our current sponsors have been instrumental in making our events possible, providing the support needed to bring together influential leaders, policymakers, and industry pioneers. Their commitment not only enhances our gatherings but also underscores their dedication to fostering progress and driving Connecticut forward.
Watch to see what is in store for Shaping CT’s Future 2025
Past events
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Shaping CT’s Future: Drive to ‘35
November 19, 2025 | 1:00 - 6:00 PMLocation: 375 Fairfield Ave, Stamford, CT 06902If you were to look 10 years into the future, what does the state of Connecticut look like? Are we leading in clean energy? Scaling biotech breakthroughs? Building AI-driven businesses?...
Shaping CT’s Future: Entrepreneurship & Leadership
August 20, 2025 | 2:00 - 6:00 PMLocation: Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103Entrepreneurship is more than building a business—it’s about forging a path, solving real problems, and leading others through uncertainty. This Shaping CT’s...