Forward Together Workforce Summit

September 25th, 2026

8:30 AM - 3 PM

CROWDER COLLEGE JOPLIN CAMPUS

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Beth Guyton

MAIOP, ACC, CPHQ

Beth is a leadership expert, executive coach, and dynamic speaker who blends research, theory, and real-world insight to inspire and equip audiences to lead with confidence and clarity in an age of constant change, ambiguity, and disruption.

For more than a decade Beth has helped leaders and organizations drive results and strengthen cultures. Through this work, endless curiosity, and a passion for continuous learning, she has developed THE MOMENTUM LEADER framework.

This human-centered approach to leading in an era of continuous change leverages Beth’s expertise in ethical leadership, accountability, performance management, change leadership, and resilience to define simple and effective leadership behaviors, mindsets, and practices that drive results and energize teams.

Beth brings decades of real-world business success, executive leadership experience, and academic insight to her work. She has served as a healthcare executive, business owner, and sales executive, and has partnered with healthcare systems, executive teams, and organizations navigating complex change.

She holds a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology and is a certified executive coach, speaker, change master, novice mountain biker, chess student, aspiring artist, and forever curious about what’s possible.

MORNING SESSIONS

8:30 – 9:00 am

Registration / Networking – Conference Center (C200)

9:00 – 9:10 am

Forward Together Opening Session – Conference Center (C200)

9:10 – 9:45 am

Keynote: Have Fun & Don’t Die! How to Find the Momentum Hidden in Change
Speaker: Beth Guyton, The Momentum Leader
 

9:45 – 10:00 am

Break & Resource Booth Visits

10:00 – 10:45 am

Breakout Sessions
A:  Intersection Challenges: Childcare, Housing & Transportation – Room #B201
 
B:  Mental Health First Aid – Room #B203
 
C: Workforce Adoption & AI – Room #B204
 

10:45 – 11:00 am

Break & Resource Booth Visits

11:00 – 11:45 am

Breakout Sessions
D:  Apprenticeships – Room #B201
 
E:  3-Dimensional Workforce Coaching – Room #B203
 
F: CEDS – State Initiatives – Room #B204
 

11:45 – Noon

Break & Resource Booth Visits

 

AFTERNOON SESSIONS

Noon – 1:00 pm

Lunch & Keynote: Hold Strong & Gain Momentum: The Formula for Leading Through Complex Change. Speaker: Beth Guyton, The Momentum Leader – Conference Center (C200)

1:00 – 1:15 pm

Break & Resource Booth Visits

1:15 – 2:00 pm

Breakout Sessions
G:  Literacy/Math/Reading/Total Rewards – Room #B201
 
H:  Occupational Mobility Explorer – Room #B203
 
I: Employment Engagement Beyond $$$$ – Room #B204
 
J: Generational Leadership – Conference Center (C200)
 

2:00 – 2:15 pm

Closing Remarks & Door Prizes – Conference Center (C200)

2:15 – 3:00 pm

Crowder Campus Tours

Sip Happens: Workforce Edition (aka Dirty Sodas Social Hour + Door Prize Drawings) – First Floor Main Lobby

Online Registration Fee: $25

Host Organizations

Food Sponsors