1. Purpose. To announce Workforce Innovations 2005: A Declaration of Innovation to be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 11 - 13,2005.



2. Background. Workforce Innovations 2005 is the nation's premier workforce investment conference. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor/Employrnent and Training Administration and co-sponsored by the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD), this annual conference will showcase Integration, Transformation, and Innovation within the world of workforce investment. Over 2,500 workforce investment professionals from the public and private sectors, educators and businessmen and women are expected to attend.
   
   The conference is designed to ensure that leaders and decision makers from workforce investment, education and business learn from informed and provocative speakers. Workforce Innovations will offer cutting-edge plenary sessions and engaging workshops providing the latest information on workforce initiatives, federal policy developments and innovative practices.
   
   In addition to the rich plenary and workshop offerings, key conference features include:
   
   • A comprehensive exhibit hall with over 100 exhibitors presenting the latest technologies, tools and systems for launching and enhancing workforce programs;
   • A new and exciting career voyage showcase; and
   • Interactive town hall meetings.



3. Registration. Visit www.workforceinnovations.org to register. An early-bird discounted registration fee is available for all who register before May 30, 2005. 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 earlybird registration fee. Registration instructions and the Registration Brochure are available on the conference Web site (www.workforceinnovations.org).
   
   
   
   • Visit the conference Web site to join the Workforce Innovations 2005 Conference 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") or by contacting conference staff at 202-693-3896.
   
   
   
   • Include a link to the Workforce Innovations 2005 Conference Web site on your Web site.



5. Conference Exhibitors. Consider exhibiting at the conference andlor 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, Kevin 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 the Workforce Innovations 2005 Conference are interested in giving a small amount of your time to serve with the volunteer Workforce Innovations "Founders," please contact Elaine Kolodny by phone (202- 693-3880) or e-mail (Kolodnv.Elaine@dol.gov).



7. Inquiries. Questions about Workforce Innovations 2005 should be directed to your ETA Regional Office or to conference staff by phone (202-693-3896) or by e-mail at info@workforceinnovations.org.

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