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Wisconsin Watch × Open Campus

The New Pathways Shaping Wisconsin's Workforce

A Wisconsin Watch and Open Campus public conversation exploring the future of education, workforce development and economic mobility in Wisconsin.

Oct. 6, 2026 | TruStage | Madison, WI

Event Overview

About This Conversation

An important part of Wisconsin Watch's mission is using journalism to make Wisconsin communities stronger, more informed and more connected. We believe one of the most effective ways to accomplish that mission is by convening public conversations that bring together community leaders, policymakers, employers, educators and residents around the issues shaping Wisconsin's future.

Degrees, apprenticeships, industry certifications, boot camps, stackable credentials and employer-direct training pathways continue to reshape how Wisconsinites prepare for careers and how employers build their workforce. As these options multiply, important questions remain.

Wisconsin Watch is partnering with Open Campus, a national nonprofit newsroom with expertise in higher education that shares Wisconsin Watch's commitment to strengthening communities through independent information. Together, the two organizations will bring higher education leaders, employers, workforce organizations, elected officials, policymakers and community advocates into conversation around the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Key Questions We'll Explore

  • Which credentials create real opportunity?
  • Which pathways lead to family-sustaining careers?
  • How can employers identify talent?
  • How can educational institutions adapt?
  • How can Wisconsin ensure students, workers and communities are prepared for the future economy?



Why It Matters

Wisconsin's Future Is Being Decided Now

Wisconsin's future workforce will determine the future strength of our economy, communities and families. The decisions made today by students, parents, educators, employers and policymakers will shape workforce readiness, economic mobility and regional competitiveness for years to come.

Workforce Readiness

Preparing Wisconsinites with the credentials and skills employers need in a rapidly evolving economy.

Economic Mobility

Ensuring credential pathways lead to family-sustaining careers and upward economic opportunity.

Regional Competitiveness

Positioning Wisconsin communities to attract investment and talent in a competitive national landscape.

Conversation Leaders

Meet the Conversation Leaders

Our panel brings diverse expertise to explore the new education and workforce pathways shaping Wisconsin's future. Their insights will guide a critical discussion on education, economy, and opportunity.

Moderator


Natalie Yahr & Miranda Dunlap

Wisconsin Watch

Guides the conversation and examines how higher education, workforce development and public policy intersect as Wisconsin adapts to a rapidly changing credential landscape.


Panelists [Placeholders]

Panelist 1

Wisconsin Workforce Organization

Provides a statewide perspective on workforce shortages, labor market trends and the policies shaping Wisconsin’s future talent pipeline.

Panelist 2

Wisconsin Public University

Explores how universities are adapting to changing student expectations, workforce demands and career pathways beyond the traditional four-year degree.

Panelist 3

Wisconsin College

Discusses how technical education, certificates and industry-aligned programs help students gain workforce-ready skills and credentials.

Panelist 4

Wisconsin Research Institute

Provides data-driven insight into credential value, workforce outcomes and the economic impact of education and training pathways across Wisconsin.

Panelist 5

Wisconsin-Based Employer

Shares how employers evaluate talent, the skills and credentials that matter in hiring and how workforce needs are changing.

Panelist 6

Wisconsin Health System

Explores how a major Wisconsin employer recruits, develops and retains talent across clinical and non-clinical roles and how alternative credentials influence hiring.

Event Experience & Venue

A premier gathering designed to encourage meaningful dialogue, relationship-building and community engagement across Wisconsin's education, workforce and economic development sectors.

The New Pathways Shaping Wisconsin's Workforce will bring together leaders from higher education, workforce development, business, government and community organizations to explore one of the most important economic mobility and workforce challenges facing Wisconsin today.

Hosted by Wisconsin Watch and Open Campus, this event will provide a trusted, nonpartisan environment where attendees can engage directly with experts, policymakers, employers and educators while participating in thoughtful discussions that help shape Wisconsin's future.

TruStage

A premier corporate destination in the heart of downtown Madison, TruStage serves as a hub for business innovation, community engagement, and leadership. Its modern event spaces, central location, and commitment to strengthening communities make it an ideal venue for bringing together leaders from across Wisconsin.

150-300 Attendees

Networking Reception

Livestream Capabilities

Sponsor Activation Space

Accessibility Accommodations

Convenient Parking

Designed For Meaningful Engagement

Policymakers

State and local leaders shaping Wisconsin's future.

Higher Education Leaders

University, technical college and workforce education professionals.

Employers

Business and talent leaders navigating workforce challenges.

Community Organizations

Advocates and nonprofits supporting economic mobility.

Sponsors and Partners

Organizations committed to strengthening Wisconsin communities.

Sponsorship

Support Trusted Journalism and Civic Engagement

Partnership opportunities provide organizations with meaningful ways to support public-service journalism while demonstrating their commitment to education, workforce development and economic opportunity throughout Wisconsin. Partners help make this event accessible to audiences across the state while supporting thoughtful, fact-based dialogue around issues that affect Wisconsin communities.

Every partnership is customized based on your organization's goals, audience, desired level of engagement and community impact — with a typical partnership investment ranging from $2,500–$25,000.

General Sponsor Benefits

Benefits vary by partnership level

Brand Placement Opportunities

  • Logo identification on promotional materials
  • Logo identification on digital event communications
  • Logo placement on WisconsinWatch.org event pages
  • Logo placement on Open Campus event communications where applicable
  • Recognition in event-related newsletters
  • Opportunity to distribute information through event communications
  • Recognition on event registration materials
  • Social media promotion kit including graphics and messaging
  • Recognition during the live event
  • Logo placement on venue signage
  • Opportunity to provide literature or resources to attendees
  • Reserved seating for sponsor representatives and guests
  • Post-event recognition and recap content
  • Access to event attendance and engagement reporting where appropriate

Digital Brand Presence

  • 300×250 display ad
  • 728×90 leaderboard ad
  • 970×250 billboard ad
  • Event landing page visibility
  • Newsletter sponsorship visibility
  • Event livestream recognition where applicable

Brand Slide

Sponsor slide displayed before event start and during designated breaks.

  • PNG format
  • 1920 × 1080 resolution

Sponsor Video

Opportunity to display sponsor video before event begins.

  • MP4 format
  • Maximum 15 seconds
Premier Partnership Level

Partnership Availability

The New Pathways Shaping Wisconsin's Workforce — Presenting Sponsor Recognition

Partnership Investment

$2,500–$25,000

Every partnership is customized based on your organization's goals, audience and desired level of engagement.

Sponsor Benefits

Premier Recognition

Top-tier logo placement across all event materials and recognition in all event marketing.

Opening Remarks

Acknowledgment during opening remarks and premium digital visibility throughout the event.

VIP Experience

Reserved VIP seating, dedicated sponsor spotlight in event communications and custom brand activation opportunities.

Enhanced Promotion

Enhanced social media promotion and a dedicated sponsor spotlight in event communications.

Customized Partnership Investment

Workforce Development Sponsor

Supports discussions around workforce readiness, employer needs and talent development — placing your organization at the center of Wisconsin's most critical economic conversations.

Featured Programming Recognition

Featured recognition during workforce-focused programming segments throughout the event.

Enhanced Logo Visibility

Prominent logo placement across event materials with enhanced visibility at key touchpoints.

Event Signage

Recognition on event signage throughout the venue, ensuring broad audience exposure.

Networking Visibility

Sponsor presence during networking activities and inclusion in the digital campaign.

Customized Partnership Investment

Student Success Sponsor

Supports access and participation for students, recent graduates and emerging professionals — connecting your organization with the next generation of Wisconsin's workforce.

Student-Focused Communications

Recognition across all student-focused event communications, reaching emerging professionals across Wisconsin.

Programming Acknowledgment

Sponsor acknowledgment during student-focused programming segments, highlighting your commitment to the next generation.

Community Engagement

Meaningful community engagement opportunities that connect your brand with students, graduates and emerging professionals.

Customized Partnership Investment

Community Access Sponsor

Helps expand access to trusted information and civic dialogue — ensuring Wisconsin communities across the state can participate in this important conversation.

Your Partnership Impact

As Community Access Sponsor, your investment directly enables broader participation in Wisconsin's most important workforce and education conversations — making civic dialogue more inclusive and accessible.

Benefits Include

  • Recognition as Community Access Sponsor across event materials
  • Accessibility and inclusion recognition highlighting your organizational values
  • Enhanced digital visibility throughout the event campaign
  • Event signage placement at the venue
Customized Partnership Investment

Livestream Sponsor

Supports statewide access for audiences unable to attend in person — extending the reach of this important conversation to every corner of Wisconsin.

Pre-Livestream Recognition

Sponsor recognition displayed prominently before the livestream begins, reaching the full statewide digital audience.

Sponsor Slide Visibility

Branded sponsor slide displayed during the livestream, ensuring consistent visibility throughout the broadcast.

Digital Event Branding

Integration into digital event branding across the livestream platform and associated communications.

Event Replay Visibility

Continued sponsor recognition in the event replay, extending your reach beyond the live broadcast date.

Customized Partnership Investment

Registration & Networking Sponsors

Registration Sponsor

Provides the first sponsor touchpoint attendees experience — placing your brand at the very beginning of every attendee's event journey.

Registration Page

Prominent recognition on the event registration page.

Check-In Visibility

Sponsor branding at the event check-in experience.

Event Signage

Attendee-facing branding and signage at the venue.

Networking Reception Sponsor

Supports attendee engagement and relationship building — connecting your brand with the moment when leaders, educators and employers come together.

Reception Signage

Prominent signage throughout the networking reception space.

Event Acknowledgment

Verbal and written acknowledgment during the reception.

Networking Visibility

Sponsor visibility during all networking activities and engagement moments.

Custom

Custom Sponsorship Opportunities

Wisconsin Watch works collaboratively with organizations to develop customized partnership opportunities that align with your goals while preserving editorial independence. Whether your organization wants to reach students, employers or community members, we can design a partnership that delivers meaningful impact.

Our Commitment

Partnership Overview

Wisconsin Watch maintains a strict separation between partnership support and editorial decision-making. Partners support the event experience and public engagement opportunities. Partnership support does not influence reporting, speaker selection, event programming or editorial content.

This commitment protects the integrity of Wisconsin Watch's journalism while creating meaningful opportunities for organizations to support informed civic dialogue throughout Wisconsin.

Sponsorship does not influence reporting, speaker selection, event programming or editorial content. This is our promise to our audience — and to you.

What Partnership Support Does

  • Supports the event experience
  • Expands public engagement opportunities
  • Makes civic dialogue more accessible
  • Demonstrates organizational commitment to Wisconsin communities

What Partnership Support Does Not Do

  • Influence editorial reporting
  • Affect speaker selection
  • Shape event programming
  • Impact editorial content decisions