NY Workforce Connect Hosts Industry Meetup to Address Talent Gap

Event to feature panel discussion on collaborative workforce strategies in the optics industry

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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NY Workforce Connect is hosting an industry meetup and networking event on April 16, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at the Finger Lakes Workforce Development (FWD) Center in Rochester, NY. The event will feature a panel discussion titled "Solving the Talent Gap: Collaborative Strategies from the Front Lines of the NYS Optics Industry" where regional experts will share insights on successful workforce initiatives through partnerships and collaboration.

Why it matters

Upstate New York's workforce development ecosystem faces unique challenges, and events like this provide an opportunity for stakeholders from businesses, educators, and communities to come together and share best practices on building a skilled and sustainable workforce. The optics industry in particular has seen success through collaborative efforts, which can serve as a model for other industries.

The details

The NY Workforce Connect meetup will allow attendees to build professional connections, hear from regional experts in the optics industry, and experience the state-of-the-art FWD Center facilities firsthand. Panelists will discuss how businesses, educators, and communities can work together to address workforce needs through initiatives like scholarships, equipment donations, and upskilling programs.

  • The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

The players

NY Workforce Connect

An organization that hosts unique and interactive events designed to address the challenges and opportunities facing Upstate New York's workforce development ecosystem.

Finger Lakes Workforce Development (FWD) Center

A 50,000 sq. ft. facility built to transform workforce development in the Finger Lakes region, offering classes and hands-on learning experiences from various industries.

RochesterWorks

An organization that provides a pathway to a skilled and sustainable workforce via employment and training services for job seekers in Monroe County.

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What’s next

Limited vendor space and sponsorships are still available. Contact Lindsay Wickham at lwickham@advancemediany.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities to reach this audience.

The takeaway

This event highlights the importance of collaboration between businesses, educators, and communities in addressing workforce development challenges. The insights shared by the optics industry experts can serve as a model for other industries looking to build a skilled and sustainable workforce.