One-day summit exploring career paths and workforce solutions for manufacturing & trades in the Kane, Kendall and DeKalb region; responding to business needs and emerging workforce interests.
Location:
Q Center
1405 N 5th Ave.
Saint Charles, IL 60174
Date/Time:
November 10th, 8:30-4:00
Schedule:
- 8:30am – Registration
- 9am – Welcome
- 9:15am – Keynote Speaker (Drew Crowe)
- 10:15am – Refreshment/networking break
- 10:30am – Breakouts Sessions
- 12pm – lunch
- 1:15pm – Panel discussion
- 2:15pm – Refreshment/networking break
- 2:30pm – Mini job fair
- 3:20pm – Closing
Audience
Manufacturing and Trades employers, emerging workforce (Community College students, in school or out of school youth, Career and Technical Education students), training/education partners, Economic Development partners
Register for the Manufacturing & Trades Summit
Registration is now open for the Manufacturing & Trades Summit on November 10, 2026, at the Q Center in St. Charles.
The summit brings together manufacturing and trades employers, emerging talent, and workforce and education partners from the Kane, Kendall, and DeKalb region.
Space is limited, so register now to participate in our one day event where you will:
- Learn about resources available to help with your business growth and talent pipeline challenges
- Meet young people interested in careers in manufacturing or trades (and participate in the job fair at the end of the day)
- Connect with regional training providers to share about evolving training needs in your industry
- Hear from renowned keynote speaker and manufacturing influencer Drew Crowe
- Get a complimentary professional headshot, offered by event sponsor, Elite Headshots*
- Enjoy St. Charles’ beautiful Q Center facilities and food!
*Elite Headshots will be offering complimentary headshots during the Summit. Be sure to come prepared; here are some recommendations from the photographer: Solid colors photograph best — avoid busy patterns, logos, or anything trendy that will date the photo. Get a good night’s sleep. Men: haircuts at least 3 days before the shoot. Shave the morning of or groom your beard intentionally. Women: keep makeup natural and close to how you look day-to-day. The goal is you at your best, not a different version of you.
Submit the form for each person attending. You will be contacted with details once your registration is accepted.
Equal Opportunity Employment Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
The workNet® Batavia Center System, an American Job Center, is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment by calling TTY (800) 526-0844 or 711. This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. For more information please refer to the footer at the bottom of any webpage at worknetbatavia.com. Funding provided in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.