TO	:	ALL STATE WORKFORCE AGENCIES ALL STATE WORKFORCE LIAISONS
FROM	:	EMILY STOVER DeROCCO Assistant Secretary
SUBJECT	:	Workforce Innovations 2004 Conference

1. Purpose. To announce the Workforce Innovations 2004: Fueling America's Economic Engine conference to be held in San Antonio, Texas, July 19 - 21.

2. Background. Workforce Innovations 2004 is the nations' premier workforce investment conference. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and co-sponsored by the National Association of Workforce Boards, this annual conference showcases the latest initiatives, federal policy developments, and innovative practices from the world of workforce investment. Over 2,100 workforce investment professionals from the public and private sectors are expected to attend.

   The conference is designed to ensure that leaders and decision makers from workforce investment, education and economic development learn from informed and provocative speakers. Workforce Innovations will offer cutting-edge plenary sessions and engaging workshops on:

   • Building a Demand-Driven System
   • Workforce Development Policy, Budget and Legislation
   • One-Stop Expectations and Program Integration

   A comprehensive exhibit hall with over 100 exhibitors presenting the latest technologies, tools and systems for launching and enhancing workforce programs will be a conference highlight.

3. Registration. On-line registration is available on the conference Web site (www.workforceinnovations.org). The registration for is also available for downloading on this site. An early-bird discounted registration fee is available for all who register before May 30, 2004. A one-day only registration option is also available.

4. Getting the Word Out. Following are some suggestions for helping us publicize the conference:

   • Forward this information to appropriate staff and colleagues, including your Workforce Investment Act partners, Workforce Investment Board members, and interested employers. Encourage them to attend the conference and to take advantage of the early-bird registration fee. Registration instructions and the Registration Brochure are available on the conference Web site (www.workforceinnovations.org).

   • Via the conference Web site, join the WI2004 e-mail list so that you can receive conference updates as speakers and workshops are confirmed. Ask your colleagues to sign up as well.

   • Highlight Workforce Innovations in any speeches or presentations you give over the next few months.

   • Distribute Workforce Innovations materials at appropriate upcoming conferences or meetings. You may request Workforce Innovations registration brochures through the conference Web site (click on "Conference Materials").

   • Include a link to the Workforce Innovations 2004 Web site on your Web site.

5. Conference Exhibitors. Consider exhibiting at the conference and/or identify other potential exhibitors you would like to see in our exhibit hall. Workforce Innovations' exhibit hall provides a valuable opportunity to share your program's accomplishments with your peers. All exhibit inquiries and suggestions should be directed to the conference exhibit manager, Harve Horowitz, by phone at 410-997-0763 or e-mail at wi@epponline.com.

6. Conference Volunteers. If you or any of your colleagues planning to attend Workforce Innovations are interested in giving a small amount of your time to serve as a volunteer Workforce Innovations "Ranger", please contact Elaine Kolodny by phone (202-693-3880) or e-mail (Kolodny.Elaine@dol.gov) or complete and fax the volunteer "Ranger" form posted on the conference Web site.

7. Inquiries. Questions about Workforce Innovations 2004 should be directed to your ETA Regional Office or to conference staff by phone (202-693-3880) or by e-mail at info@workforceinnovations.org.

EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Washington, DC 20210