Conference

Running a business is hard—finding people, keeping them, and staying ahead of changes is even harder

That’s why we’re bringing the solutions to you.

Join us April 16th at the Pendleton Convention Center for the 2nd Annual Eastern Oregon Employer Conference — a day built for employers who want real answers, not more buzzwords.

If you’ve ever thought:

“I don’t have time to figure out all these new workplace laws.”
“Good employees are so hard to find.”
“I’d love to train my staff, but where do I even start?”

Then this day is for you.

You’ll walk away with practical tools and connections that make your job easier, not just another to-do list. Choose from breakout sessions packed with useful tips, meet local experts who actually understand rural business challenges, and network with other employers who get what it’s like to run a business in Eastern Oregon.

At the Eastern Oregon Workforce Board (EOWB), we’re not just talking about workforce solutions, we’re building them with you. Our goal is simple: to help Eastern Oregon employers hire, train, and keep the people they need to grow.

You don’t have to do it alone. Take one day to invest in your business — and leave with the connections and resources to make a lasting impact.

Pre-Conference Workshops

Want to go even deeper? Join the pre-conference workshops with the Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI) and Northeast Oregon Network (NEON) training on April 15th with sessions that are eligible for SHRM credits. Join for a crash course in compliance and employee wellness that can save you time, stress, and even money down the road.

Support this conference as a sponsor and gain early visibility with hundreds of employers and leaders across Eastern Oregon.

By becoming a sponsor, you are investing in the connections, resources, and innovations that keep rural Oregon’s economy strong and its future workforce thriving. This year we’re expanding the resources available to attendees. Some of this year's sessions are eligible for SHRM credits, including both pre-conference workshops.

Introducing our Keynote Speaker: Dr. Gleb Tsipursky

High turnover, burnout, and disengagement inflict substantial costs, even for the smallest firms. This session explores the business case for addressing these challenges, focusing on organizational fixes rather than individual ones.

We will examine what modern workers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, truly value, including purpose, alignment, and work-life balance. Discover practical, flexible strategies that succeed in on-site environments like manufacturing, healthcare, and retail, such as stable scheduling and cross-training.

We will also analyze why Eastern Oregon's unique demographics and prevalence of microemployers demand a tailored approach to talent retention distinct from statewide policies.

What's in store

This event will include breakout sessions to choose from full of resources to help you succeed as an employer. Some of this year's sessions are eligible for SHRM credits, including both pre-conference workshops.

There will be plenty of opportunities to network with other employers and the resource representatives throughout the day as well.

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Save the date, April 16th!

Running a business is hard—finding people, keeping them, and staying ahead of changes is even harder

Pre-Conference Workshops

Thank you to our 2026 SponsorS

Introducing our Keynote Speaker: Dr. Gleb Tsipursky

What's in store

Photos of conference 2025, provided by DDRC Marketing

Save the date, April 16th!

Running a business is hard—finding people, keeping them, and staying ahead of changes is even harder

Pre-Conference Workshops

Thank you to our 2026 SponsorS

Introducing our Keynote Speaker: Dr. Gleb Tsipursky

What's in store

Photos of conference 2025, provided by DDRC Marketing

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