BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Oct. 8, 2026)— The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, of the Alabama Department of Workforce, alongside the Alabama Community College System, the Alabama Department of Education and FuelAL, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), announced they are partnering to host the fifth annual Alabama Summit on Talent Retention & Work-Based Learning, set for Feb. 10-12, 2027, at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center.
The three-day summit will bring together employers, educators, economic developers and workforce professionals from across Alabama to share best practices in talent retention and workforce development. Sessions will cover apprenticeship, the FAME program, career pathways and other work-based learning resources, with keynote speakers and panelists representing multiple sectors of the state’s economy.
Registration is open now on Eventbrite. Early Bird pricing of $300 runs through Nov. 15, 2026, followed by regular pricing of $350 through Jan. 10, 2027, and late registration of $400 through Feb. 1, 2027.
“Alabama’s continued economic success depends on our ability to build strong talent pipelines and create opportunities for individuals to earn while they learn,” said Meredith Smith, Director of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship. “This summit brings together the employers, educators and workforce leaders who are driving innovative solutions across our state. By sharing best practices and strengthening partnerships, we can continue expanding work-based learning opportunities that meet the needs of Alabama’s industries and help individuals build meaningful careers.”
Event Details
- Dates: Wednesday, Feb. 10 – Friday, Feb. 12, 2027
- Location: Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
- Registration: Opens 2 p.m. Wednesday; event adjourns 12 p.m. Friday
- Hotel: A discounted room block is available at $199/night at the Renaissance Montgomery; availability is limited
Agenda at a Glance
- Wednesday, Feb. 10: Registration, welcome reception and optional evening activities
- Thursday, Feb. 11: Breakfast and leadership welcome, plenary and breakout sessions, lunch, reception
- Friday, Feb. 12: Breakfast and networking, keynote speaker, awards, closing plenary sessions
More information, including the full agenda and speaker lineup, will be posted on the registration page here as details are confirmed.
About Alabama Office of Apprenticeship
The mission of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship is to expand the use of registered apprenticeships and other forms of work-based learning. Working with employers and training providers across Alabama, AOA develops high-quality career training that enables workers and employers to prosper while supporting the continued economic development of the state.
About Alabama Department of Education
Every child. Every chance. Every day. is not only our department’s motto, but a guiding philosophy that drives our department’s initiatives and strategies to ensure that Alabama achieves our goals and that the 714,000 children who cross the thresholds into our public schools every day are prepared to become more productive, responsible citizens when they graduate and enter the workforce. From the first day of kindergarten until graduation day, every child should be afforded every chance to succeed in school. Our aspiration is that with our support, all children will seize the opportunities, rise to the challenges, and overcome any barriers in their way.
About EDPA
The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic growth in Alabama. With support from more than 60 corporate partners, EDPA focuses on economic development research, workforce development, talent retention, innovation and entrepreneurship. EDPA’s initiatives include Alabama Launchpad, Alabama Talent Solutions (ATS), FuelAL, Investor Connector and PilotAL.
Media Contact
Audrey Hodges
Director of Communications
812-760-1343 | ahodges@edpa.org
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