Business Expo & South King County Employer Summit

Description

South King County Employer Summit + Business Expo

Join the Kent Chamber of Commerce for the South King County Employer Summit + Business Expo on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at accesso ShoWare Center in Kent.

The Employer Summit is designed for business owners, employers, HR professionals, workforce leaders, nonprofit leaders, educators, economic development partners, and community stakeholders who want to better understand the economic, workforce, policy, and business trends shaping South King County.

This afternoon summit will feature practical conversations, regional updates, and employer-focused insights to help organizations plan for growth, navigate workforce challenges, understand policy changes, and prepare for future opportunities.

Registration:
Expo Booth Participants Free
Individual Summit Ticket: $45
Summit Reserved Table of Eight: $350

Summit Agenda

12:30 PM ? 12:35 PM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Zenovia Harris, CEO, Kent Chamber of Commerce

12:35 PM ? 12:45 PM
Why This Conversation Matters
Raj Sidhu, President, Kent Chamber of Commerce
Owner, InTech Consulting

12:45 PM ? 1:30 PM
Regional Economic Outlook 2027
Presented by Anneliese, Chief Labor Economist for the Washington State Employment Security Department
Includes audience Q&A

Gain insight into economic trends, labor market conditions, industry growth projections, and the opportunities and challenges facing employers throughout South King County.

1:30 PM ? 1:45 PM
Employer Needs Assessment & Sponsor Remarks

Participate in a live employer needs assessment and help shape future Chamber advocacy, workforce initiatives, and business programming.

1:45 PM ? 2:30 PM
Everything Employers Need to Know About Washington?s New Tax Structure
Presented by Shannon & Associates
Includes audience Q&A

Learn about recent tax changes, compliance considerations, planning opportunities, and practical implications for employers and business owners.

2:30 PM ? 2:35 PM
Advocacy Update & 2027 Legislative Priorities
Presented by the Kent Chamber Government Affairs Committee

Receive updates on Chamber advocacy efforts, legislative priorities, and opportunities for business engagement.

2:35 PM ? 3:15 PM
Employer Roundtable: What?s Keeping Business Leaders Up at Night?

Hear directly from employers representing organizations of varying sizes as they discuss workforce challenges, business growth, economic uncertainty, technology, retention, and what they need from policymakers and community partners.

3:15 PM ? 3:30 PM
Rapid Fire HR Solutions: Hiring, Retention & Benefits

A fast-paced discussion featuring HR professionals sharing practical strategies and emerging trends related to talent acquisition, employee retention, benefits, workplace culture, and workforce management.

3:30 PM ? 3:45 PM
Building the Workforce South King County Needs

A fireside chat focused on workforce development, talent pipelines, education partnerships, apprenticeships, and preparing the next generation of workers.

3:45 PM ? 4:00 PM
2026 World Cup Business Readiness Update

Learn how businesses can prepare for opportunities related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including tourism impacts, business readiness, regional marketing opportunities, and available resources.

Following the Summit, attendees are invited to stay for the South King County Business Expo, featuring local businesses, nonprofits, employers, food vendors, community resources, and networking opportunities.

Who Should Attend:
Business owners, employers, HR professionals, nonprofit leaders, workforce development partners, educators, economic development professionals, government leaders, Chamber members, and community stakeholders.

Register today to reserve your seat and be part of the conversations shaping the future of business in South King County.