Talent. Technology. Transparency.
May 2, 2026 | 11:30 AM
The Renaissance Hotel, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
ABOUT THE EVENT
The talent deciding the future of Louisiana's workforce is already making decisions. Talent at the Table puts you in the room where those decisions begin
Talent at the Table is a high-impact STEM panel event bringing together Louisiana's most influential industry leaders and a new generation of ambitious talent. On May 2, 2026, over 100 students from Dow Leadership Academies and partner colleges will sit across from executives, STEM professionals, business leaders, and educators for a candid, two-way conversation about what the workforce needs, and what it takes to get there.
Where the most competitive companies build relationships with their future workforce before anyone else does.
A Two-Way Conversation. Real Answers. Real Futures.
OUR PURPOSE
Employers know what they need. Students want to succeed. But rarely do these two groups occupy the same room and speak honestly to each other.
This event changes that. Panelists from manufacturing, energy, healthcare, education, and professional services will share, without filter, what they look for in candidates, what's missing in today's pipeline, and what students can do right now to stand out. Students will ask the questions that matter to them. The exchange will be real, direct, and actionable.
The future workforce is in this room.
PANEL TOPICS
Five core conversations, drawn directly from what employers say they need and what Gen Z is demanding in a workplace experience.
What We'll Be Talking About
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What technical and soft skills are hardest to find in new hires today? How have workforce requirements shifted in the last 5 years? What does a competitive candidate look like in your industry? Where are the entry points, and how do students find them?
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What roles are most understaffed, and growing fastest, in the region? How important is emotional intelligence alongside technical knowledge?
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Education + Workforce Development
What is the relationship between classroom preparation and workplace readiness? What partnerships between schools and employers are actually working? How do students know which certifications and credentials are worth pursuing? What role do community colleges and vocational programs play in closing the gap?
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What is the most common mistake entry-level candidates make? How important is your network before you have experience? What do internships, co-ops, and apprenticeships actually lead to? How do you stand out when everyone has the same degree?
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What industries are growing over the next 10 years? How is automation and AI reshaping entry-level roles? What does it take to build a STEM career?
WHO ATTENDS
Built for Everyone in the Room.
This event is designed for three distinct audiences, each with something different to gain and something valuable to give.
Future Workforce
Hear real career paths from people who look like them.
Get honest answers about what employers want.
Network with STEM professionals.
Explore industries you may never have considered.
Industry Panelist
Professionals from manufacturing, energy, healthcare, education, and professional services across Louisiana.
Connect directly with your future talent pipeline.
Share what your industry needs, in your own words.
Build brand recognition among emerging leaders.
Community Partners
Elected officials, education leaders, workforce boards, and economic development organizations.
Be present at the intersection of education and industry.
Align workforce development efforts across sectors.
Build visibility with the next generation of your community.
Talent at the Table is sponsored by Dow, a global leader in material science with over 125 years in business and a presence embedded in Louisiana's industrial landscape. Dow's investment is an extension of their long-term commitment to the communities and the workforce that surround their operations.
Orange Strategy is a branding, digital media, and workforce marketing firm serving clients in high-demand, high-growth industries across Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia. Our work with Dow spans multiple sites in Louisiana and Texas, all oriented around the same outcome: rebrand and reposition high demand industries and occupations to fill the workforce pipeline.