1. Familiarize Yourself with NASWA's 2024 Legislative Priorities

Before heading to New Orleans, it's essential to understand the legislative agenda NASWA will be advocating in 2024. NASWA’s government relations page outlines key areas such as unemployment insurance modernization, workforce development funding, and employment services reforms. Familiarizing yourself with these priorities will help you engage in meaningful discussions, ask informed questions, and potentially shape future policies in your own state or organization. You’ll be able to contribute to conversations with a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.

Learn more: https://www.naswa.org/advocacy/government-relations/2024-legislative-priorities

2. Create a Personalized Schedule

NASWA 2024 offers a packed schedule of sessions, panels, and networking events. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, review the agenda in advance and select sessions that align with your interests and professional goals. Whether you’re focused on technology trends in public benefits or policies around workforce development, a personalized schedule ensures you’ll attend the most relevant events. Mark keynote addresses and high-level policy discussions, but also leave room for networking opportunities and spontaneous learning moments.

3. Set Clear Goals for Networking

NASWA is an excellent environment to network with peers, potential partners, and industry leaders. Before attending, set specific networking goals, such as connecting with five new industry contacts or scheduling meetings with key vendors. Be sure to attend social events, roundtables, and networking receptions, as these informal settings can often lead to meaningful connections. Having clear goals will keep you focused and ensure you leave the event with valuable contacts for future collaboration.

4. Prepare to Showcase Your Organization’s Work

Whether you’re attending on behalf of a state agency, nonprofit, or private company, you should be ready to showcase your work. This could include presenting your agency’s latest innovations, discussing your public benefits systems, or sharing case studies on workforce development programs. If you're looking for partnerships or collaborations, have relevant materials and elevator pitches ready to go. This ensures you're not just attending but actively contributing to the conversations shaping the future of workforce development.

5. Stay Updated on Technology Trends

As workforce development increasingly relies on technological innovations, staying updated on emerging technologies is crucial. Review recent advancements in areas such as unemployment insurance systems, benefits eligibility software, and data analytics tools. Attending technology-focused sessions at NASWA will give you insights into the latest tools and platforms that can enhance workforce programs. Keep an eye out for presentations from leaders like State of Arkansas Chief Data Officer Robert McGough, who will be sharing how his team used Civiform to accomplish common intake consolidation and how that has led to further opportunities to empower residents through a no wrong front door approach.

Connect with Exygy at NASWA 2024

At Exygy, we are excited about the opportunities NASWA 2024 presents and are eager to connect and learn from others working in workforce development and public benefits technology. As the product steward of Civiform working alongside governments with support from Google.org to enhance access to public benefits, we understand the importance of innovative solutions in supporting government programs. If you’re attending NASWA, we’d love to meet you, share our insights, and explore potential collaborations. Be sure to reach out to us during the conference or schedule a meeting in advance to learn more about how Exygy can help your organization create meaningful change. See you at NASWA 2024!