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2019 Veterans Conference

 

2019 Vets Podium 1
2019 Vets Podium 2

 

Over 550 people from 49 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico attended the 2019 Veterans Conference held August 7-9, in Washington DC. In addition to 23 workshops, attendees heard from a number of keynote speakers, including Second Lady of the United States Karen Pence, Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Medal of Honor recipient Captain Florent Groberg and wheelchair basketball athlete Shaun Castle. Mark your calendars for next year’s conference, which will be August 12-14, 2020, in Washington DC.

 

Testimonials

"The NASWA 2019 Veterans Conference was amazing! Microsoft was proud to sponsor our keynote speaker and Medal of Honor recipient US Army Captain Flo Groberg. The panel on our MSSA program was very informative and interactive, and the three-session track on Native American veteran issues was the first I’ve seen at any veterans’ conference. What a great week!"

"Another successful NASWA Veterans Conference. More than 500 in attendance representing 49 states, serving those who served!"

"I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything, I brought 10 staff with me for the first time and they are completely blown away. Kudos NASWA for such a wonderful event!"

"Thank you for all of your work. I had a great time, made some good contacts, and feel like I’m beginning to build a network to do a lot more good for veterans and the people that take care of them."

"What a wonderful conference! I've been to many over the years and have to say, this was at the TOP. I was perhaps way too excited about the focus on military spouses - and wanted to talk to all your speakers!"

"Attended the 2019 NASWA Veterans Conference. These are amazing people on a mission to help Veterans find employment and services, so they receive the help that they need."

"It was a great event that allowed us to connect with state leaders, in the interest of sharing insights, best practices, and addressing issues that we are all committed to solving."

 

Follow @NASWAORG and join the conversation #NASWAVets19.

 

Highlights Video

Enjoy this highlights video from the 2019 Veterans conference!

2019 Veterans Conference Schedule

Conference Opening Ceremonies

Welcome to the 6th annual NASWA Veterans Conference!
Independence Ballroom

Conference Registration & Hospitality Desk

through 5:30 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Open

through 5:30 p.m.
Independence Foyer

Opening Plenary - Keynote Speaker: Flo Groberg*, Captain, US Army, Medal of Honor recipient

Army Captain Florent “Flo” Groberg was on his second deployment to Afghanistan in August 2012 when he demonstrated the selflessness and bravery that earned him the Medal of Honor. (Read More)
Independence Ballroom

Opening Plenary - A Word from Our Speaker Sponsor

Thanks to our Speaker Sponsor - Microsoft!
Independence Ballroom

Remarks by US Department of Energy Secretary Rick Perry*

Hear from Secretary Perry
Independence Ballroom

A Word from Our Platinum Sponsor

Thanks to our Platinum Sponsor - Aetna!
Independence Ballroom

Break

Networking in Exhibit Hall
Independence Foyer

Seeing the Signs - What You Can & Should Do to Help Prevent Suicide

Dr. Franklin will cover the basics of suicide prevention and equip attendees with strategies and resources to support the Veterans in their state’s workforce. Attendees will learn how to understand the scope of suicide as a national public health issue; recognize important suicide risk factors and warning signs to know; and learn where to find education on evidence-based best practices to identify and support at-risk Veterans in the workforce.
Independence Ballroom

An Important Conversation

Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, Joe Grogan, will join Beth Townsend, and Scott Sanders for a discussion on issues that affect Veterans, Transitioning Service Members and military spouses.
Independence Ballroom

Confererence adjourns for the day

Dinner on your own

Hosted Breakfast

Independence Ballroom

Conference Registration & Hospitality Desk

through 5:00 p.m.
Independence Foyer

Exhibit Hall Open

through 5:00 p.m.
Independence Foyer

Plenary Session - A Word from our Gold Sponsors

Comcast NBCUniversal
Independence Ballroom

Introduction of the NASWA Veterans Affairs Committee

Independence Ballroom

Soldier for Life Program

Soldier for Life is an official program of the United States Army created to help connect Soldiers, Retired Soldiers, Veterans and their Families, with people in the community who can aid them with access to opportunities and resources to achieve their civilian career and life goals
Independence Ballroom

Plenary Session - An Employer's Perspective

Moderator: Charlie Terrell, National Labor Exchange Director, NASWA   Panelists: Carol Eggert*, Senior Vice President, Military & Veteran Affairs, Comcast NBCUniversal
Independence Ballroom

Plenary Session - A Word from Our Silver Sponsors

DirectEmployers Association and Management Concepts
Independence Ballroom

Remarks by Chris Pilkerton

Chris Pilkerton, Acting Administrator, US Small Business Administration
Independence Ballroom

Break

Networking in Exhibit Hall
Independence Foyer

American Indian/Alaska Native Veterans: Addressing the Challenge

Workshop Track #1
Franklin Square

Leveraging LinkedIn for Veterans, Military Spouses & Business Engagement

This session will focus on new tools and tips to make the most of your LinkedIn presence. If you aren’t using LinkedIn to connect with employers, service providers, and other Veterans, you are missing out! And now LinkedIn has partnered with the Department of Defense’s Spouse Education & Career Opportunities program to provide no-cost year-long LinkedIn Premium memberships to military spouses.
McPherson Square

Veteran Jobs Mission

It began in 2011 as the 100,000 Jobs Mission with 11 leading companies committed to hiring 100,000 veterans by 2020. Since then, the coalition has evolved to 200+ leading member companies that represent virtually every industry in the United States economy. The coalition has been renamed the Veteran Jobs Mission and has collectively hired more than 488,000 veterans. How did they do it, and what advice do they have for Veterans job seekers?
Lafayette Park

State Promising Practices: New York, North Carolina and Washington State

North Carolina: "What is Priority of Service?" Washington State: "Recognizing Those Who Hire Veterans... The Other Half of the Career Formula." New York: "Collaborative Innovation in Veterans Services and Care"
Farragut Square

Microsoft Software & Systems Academy

This Microsoft training fast tracks veterans into sweet tech careers! In partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Saint Martin’s University, Microsoft’s Software and Systems Academy prepares service members for a new career post service in the IT industry. Training is available for high-demand jobs in cloud development, cloud administration, cybersecurity administration, and database/business intelligence administration. Program graduates have the opportunity to interview for full-time jobs with Microsoft and other hiring partners.
Declaration A (Level 1B)

Serving Military Caregivers

This panel will raise the awareness to the needs, challenges and the importance of employment initiatives for military caregivers. A collaborative approach between organizations is necessary in addressing military spouse and caregiver employment issues. Panel members will present current efforts to elevate knowledge, promote support, and increase employment initiatives for military caregivers. This session will be repeated Thursday afternoon.
Declaration B (Level 1B)

Brain Drain, Brain Gain & Our Sustainable Future: Boosting Employment Options for Veterans and Military Spouses

The nationwide employment picture is strong, but rural areas lag far behind in recovery and employment rates. In fact, 10 years after the beginning of the great economic recession in December 2007, rural America still hadn’t recovered. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, rural counties had 770,000 fewer jobs in October 2017 than they had in 2007. Greater economic diversity, increased hiring and training opportunities can help them keep pace with their urban counterparts through limitless employment opportunities in the global, digital economy. Changes in technology, skills requirements, work relationships, and demographics threaten to leave many workers behind, but remote jobs offer ways to broaden and diversify the types of jobs and companies that these communities can benefit from. Long gone are the days when virtual admin, data entry, and writing are the only “work from home” jobs. Learn how partnerships like those with FlexJobs, Hilton and Utah’s Online Jobs Initiative can serve as a fantastic model for how access to remote jobs can benefit other rural areas impacted by high unemployment and scant locally based job opportunities.
Bulfinch-Latrobe

Lunch | 50 States: Veterans + Artists United

Michigan-based nonprofit, [HAS HEART] is taking its HERO[series] on the road for a "50 States: Veterans + Artists United" working tour traveling state-to-state to partner a Veteran with a graphic designer in every state to give each Veteran a creative voice through art, design, and fashion
Independence Ballroom

American Indian/Alaska Native Veterans: Becoming Culturally Competent

Workshop Track #2
Franklin Square

Disability Accessibility is Just an App Away

Not only is your smartphone much more powerful than the computers NASA used to send a man to the moon, but it also provides access to a number of accessible tools to help people with vision and hearing problems, learning disabilities, mental health issues, mobility limitations, and much more. These same tools – most available at no cost – also provide solutions to employers looking for reasonable accommodations under the ADA. Bring your phone with you to this hands-on session, and discover tools that are only an app away.
McPherson Square

Hosted Breakfast

Independence Ballroom

Hospitality Desk

through 11:30 a.m.
Independence Foyer

Exhibit Hall Open

through 10:00 a.m.
Independence Foyer

Mark Sanders Award Presentation & Recognition of Nominees

The 2019 Mark Sanders Award for Exceptional Service to Veterans, with special emphasis on Veterans with Significant Barriers to employment, recognizes the efforts of an entire one-stop career center whose efforts to serve Veterans go above and beyond the scope of mandatory service provision.
Independence Ballroom

Plenary - Navigating Resources: PATRIOTLink

PATRIOTLink enables all Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors access to vetted, direct, cost-free, Veteran services. Users can browse and use hundreds of available resources. The Code of Support Foundation also offers one-on-one assistance to struggling service members, Veterans and their families with the most complex needs.
Independence Ballroom

Plenary - Veteran Entrepreneurs Panel

Corporate America isn’t for everyone. This panel will feature Veteran entrepreneurs who decided owning their own business was the best fit for them. They will discuss how they got started, and how they got to where they are today.   Moderator: Cherylynn Sagester, Director, Virginia Veterans Outreach Center. Panelists:
Independence Ballroom

Coffee refresh

Independence Foyer

Plenary - “UnstoppABLE”

A career-ending injury, numerous surgeries and a life-threatening allergy to pain medications hasn’t stopped Army Sergeant Shaun Castle*, or even slowed him down. After discovering adaptive sports, he went on to play professional wheelchair basketball, compete in marathons, graduate from the University of Alabama, and share his optimism and pioneering spirit with others by demonstrating how to be “UnstoppABLE.”
Independence Ballroom

Closing Ceremonies

Closing remarks – Scott B. Sanders and Beth Townsend* (*) Denotes the individual is currently serving or is a Veteran of the United States military. If they are wearing a Veteran ribbon on their name badge, please thank them for their service.
Independence Ballroom

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Conference FAQs

How do I cancel my registration?

In the Registration Confirmation email you received from NASWA Meetings after registering for the conference, follow the instructions to modify your registration. You'll need your confirmation number and the email address used to complete the registration to modify your registration. Click, "Cancel Registration" and follow the instructions to complete your cancellation.

Attendees who cancel and do not transfer their registration will be charged a $50.00 processing fee for cancellations/refunds requested on or before 14 days prior to the start of the event. No refunds will be made for cancellation/refund requests received within 14 days of the event.

If you do not have your confirmation email, please contact NASWA-Meetings@naswa.org to request a duplicate.

How do I transfer my registration to someone else?

In the Registration Confirmation email you received from NASWA Meetings after registering for the conference, follow the instructions to modify your registration. You'll need your confirmation number and the email address used to complete the registration to modify your registration. Click, "Transfer Registration" and follow the instructions to substitute an attendee. 

If you do not have your Registration Confirmation email, please contact NASWA-Meetings@naswa.org to request a duplicate.

How can I download a copy of my registration invoice/receipt?

In the Registration Confirmation email you received from NASWA Meetings after registering for the conference, click the link to view/print your invoice/receipt.

If you do not have your confirmation email, please contact NASWA-Meetings@naswa.org to request a duplicate.

I have a question about a NASWA event. How do I contact NASWA?

If you have a question about a specific NASWA meeting or event, please contact NASWA-Meetings@naswa.org.

What are the cancellation and refund policies?

Attendees who cancel and do not transfer their registration will be charged a $50.00 processing fee for cancellations/refunds requested on or before 14 days prior to the start of the event.

No refunds will be made for cancellation/refund requests received within 14 days of the event.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact: naswa-meetings@naswa.org

2019 Veterans Conference Presentations

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Demo Reel

Session: Seeing the Signs - What You Can & Should Do to Help Prevent Suicide | Wednesday August 7, 2019 | 4:00 PM
Presenter(s):
  • Franklin, Keita - Psych Hub

Suicide Ideation

Session: Seeing the Signs - What You Can & Should Do to Help Prevent Suicide | Wednesday August 7, 2019 | 4:00 PM
Presenter(s):
  • Franklin, Keita - Psych Hub

Thursday, August 8, 2019

North Carolina - What is Priority of Service?

Session: State Promising Practices: New York, North Carolina and Washington State | Thursday August 8, 2019 | 2:30 PM
Presenter(s):
  • Dyer, Lane - USDOL Veterans' Employment and Training Service
  • Barrow, Archie - North Carolina Department of Commerce - Division of Employment Security

Texas Operation Welcome Home

Session: Warm Handoffs: Connecting Transitioning Service Members with an American Job Center | Thursday August 8, 2019 | 5:30 PM
Presenter(s):
  • Shatto, Tim - Texas Veterans Commission
  • Gear, Bob - Texas Workforce Commission

Serving Washington's Rural Tribes

Session: Native American/American Indian Veterans | Thursday August 8, 2019 | 7:30 PM
Presenter(s):
  • Mitchell, Sam - Washington State Employment Security Department
  • Martin, Monique - Washington State Employment Security Department

USDOL VETS Lumbee JVSG Initiative - North Carolina

Session: Native American/American Indian Veterans | Thursday August 8, 2019 | 7:30 PM
Presenter(s):
  • Dyer, Lane - USDOL Veterans' Employment and Training Service
  • Barrow, Archie - North Carolina Department of Commerce - Division of Employment Security

When Legal Issues Get In The Way

Session: When Legal Issues Get in the Way | Thursday August 8, 2019 | 7:30 PM
Presenter(s):
  • Sommarstrom, Sara - Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans

Friday, August 9, 2019

UnstoppABLE

Session: Plenary - “UnstoppABLE” | Friday August 9, 2019 | 2:15 PM
Presenter(s):
  • Castle, Shaun - Paralyzed Veterans of America

Photos

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