A collaborative 3-part series exploring Washington’s evolving talent landscape.  

The Talent Exchange is a new series uniting HR leaders, early talent recruiters, and postsecondary partners to explore the breadth of talent pathways across Washington. Through lunch sessions and a culminating summit, the series surfaces data, insights, and perspectives to help employers connect more effectively, and engage with students and graduates statewide.

Each session will offer a different lens — from workforce trends to cross-sector dialogue — creating space for shared learning and relationship-building that may lead to more inclusive and connected hiring practices across the state. 

The Talent Exchange: What the Numbers Say 

Date: September 9, 2025 Location: McKinsey & Co Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM 

The first event in The Talent Exchange series sets the stage with a clear-eyed look at Washington’s talent pipeline. This session brings HR leaders, recruiters, educators, and policymakers together to explore statewide data on skills, strengths, and gaps. 

Through a featured data presentation and interactive discussion, participants will gain a grounded understanding of where Washington’s workforce stands today—and what those trends mean for employers, postsecondary institutions, and the state’s economic future. 

 

Agenda

11:30am to 11:55am – Lunch and Networking 

11:55am to 12:30 pm – Presentation

12:30 pm to 1 pm - Audience Q&A 

Speakers

Jake Bryant, McKinsey

Save your spot on Luma

The Talent Exchange: The Future of the First Hire

October 31st 2025 | Rainier Tower | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM 

 
Save Your Spot on Luma

Building on insights from the first Talent Exchange session “What the Numbers Say”, this event shifts the focus to the starting point of the workforce pipeline: early-career roles. Economic shifts, recent layoffs, and the rise of generative AI have reshaped how employers think about entry-level hiring—and what it takes to prepare the next generation of talent. 

Through a panel discussion and interactive dialogue, participants will explore how companies are adapting, what barriers prevent more inclusive early-career hiring, and how education and training systems can better align with employer needs. Together, we’ll examine what “entry-level” really means today—and what it will mean in the years ahead. 

Agenda

11:30am to 11:55am – Lunch and Networking 

11:55am to 12:30 pm – Panel

12:30 pm to 1 pm - Audience Q&A


The Talent Exchange Summit: From Insight to Impact  

February 3rd 2026 | Northeastern University | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 

 

The culminating summit brings together employers, educators, and policymakers to turn insights into action. This full-day program focuses on translating lessons from the series into concrete strategies.

Participants will leave with clear calls to action to build inclusive, connected, and future-ready talent pathways across Washington.

Registration Opening This Fall