Solving Maine’s Chronic Workforce Shortages at Inaugural Maine Talent Summit

August 25, 2026

AUGUSTA, ME — As Maine faces widespread workforce shortages, the Maine Community College System is convening a statewide workforce attraction and development summit on November 17th for employers and other workforce experts to share ideas and come away with specific strategies and tools for Maine businesses to use right away to boost hiring and retention.

“This Summit is a powerful reflection of what’s possible when Maine’s employers, educators, and workforce and economic partners commit to solving problems together. No single organization can build the workforce Maine needs on its own,” said MCCS Chief Workforce Development Officer Dan Belyea. “It takes this kind of collaboration, and Maine’s businesses pulling in the same direction, to create real, lasting opportunity for Maine people and the future of our economy.”

The Maine Talent Summit is presented by the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce, which coordinates all short-term workforce training at Maine’s community colleges, and co-hosted by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, the state Department of Economic and Community Development, Live and Work in Maine, and the University of Maine System.

The Talent Summit will feature national speakers, a training and vendor expo, regional roundtables, and breakout sessions, all focused on the shared goal of strengthening Maine’s talent pipeline. With an eye toward the future, the day will spotlight job outlook and data, regional and statewide workforce solutions and best practices, alongside focused tracks covering attracting workers, retaining employees, upskilling an existing workforce, AI tools and tips, how employers can stand out in a competitive market, and connecting with Maine’s future workforce.

Business owners and leaders, human resources leaders and workforce and economic development professionals are encouraged to attend.

The Talent Summit will be held at the Augusta Civic Center on November 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $150. Frontline workers are eligible for a 50% reimbursement through the Maine Workforce Development Compact. For more information, to reserve your spot, or to learn how your company can be part of the day, go to http://mainetalentsummit.org/2026-talent-summit.