Event to Highlight Future of St. Louis Workforce and Launch of Move2STL Initiative

Date Posted: January 27, 2026

Posted In: Discussion, Regionalism, Workforce,

The International Institute of St. Louis, Move2STL, and SLATE (St. Louis Agency on Training & Employment) will host Regional Workforce Partnerships: Building a Stronger St. Louis on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 18Rails at City Foundry STL.

The event will bring together employers, workforce leaders, and economic development partners for an evening of conversation and networking focused on regional labor needs, workforce collaboration, and long-term economic growth. Drinks and appetizers will be served. RSVP is required.

Conversation Population, Labor Supply

The program will feature a keynote conversation with Dr. Ness Sandoval, demographer at Saint Louis University, exploring the future of the St. Louis workforce. Topics will include the impact of declining birth rates on labor supply, evolving hiring trends, and what these shifts mean for employers across the region.

The event will also mark the launch of Move2STL, a new initiative powered by the International Institute of St. Louis. Move2STL is designed to help employers expand talent pipelines through relocation, strengthen employer partnerships, and fill open roles more efficiently. Attendees will learn how regional workforce initiatives are responding to labor shortages, explore opportunities to engage with Move2STL, and examine how relocation strategies can support sustainable regional growth.

“St. Louis employers are facing real workforce challenges, and there isn’t a single solution,” said Maximilianah Zales, director of community outreach for Move2STL. “This event is about practical partnerships—bringing employers and workforce leaders together to understand what’s changing, what’s working, and how initiatives like Move2STL can strengthen the regional talent pipeline.”

Event Details