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This fall, Commerce's Workforce Division is offering two opportunities for employers, educators and community leaders to gain new insights, share ideas and strengthen North Dakota's workforce. Whether you're focused on employee development, retention or long-term workforce planning, both events provide practical takeaways to help your organization succeed.
The Global Talent Summit is designed for organizations looking to strengthen the workforce they have—not just fill open positions. HR professionals, training supervisors, managers and organizational leaders will gain practical strategies for integrating, developing and advancing employees while improving retention and building more inclusive workplaces.
The Governor's Workforce Summit will bring together leaders from across North Dakota to explore workforce trends, share innovative solutions and discuss the future of the state's workforce.
Registration is now open for both events. See the Upcoming Events section below for details.
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North Dakota Tourism is always on the move, traveling the state to build partnerships, tell authentic stories and showcase the experiences that make North Dakota legendary. This summer, the team hit the road for its biennial photo and video production, capturing fresh content for the next North Dakota Tourism and Find the Good Life marketing campaigns.
Production crews traveled to New Salem, Dickinson, White Butte, Medora, Watford City, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Williston, New Town, Minot, Lake Metigoshe, Rugby, Grafton and Jamestown, highlighting the people, places and experiences that define North Dakota. The new images and video will be featured in future marketing efforts, and industry partners can access many of these assets through the Tourism Media Library to help promote their own communities and businesses.
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While our team is busy capturing new stories for tomorrow's campaigns, there's no shortage of incredible experiences to enjoy today. Explore our latest leisure travel roundup for inspiration on where your next North Dakota adventure should take you.
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Commerce’s Office of Community Development and Rural Prosperity (CDRP) is partnering with the Economic Development Association of North Dakota (EDND) to help more rural leaders access professional development opportunities through the 2026 EDND Fall Conference.
Commerce is sponsoring 20 conference registration scholarships for first-time attendees and professionals from rural communities, helping remove financial barriers and expand access to valuable networking and learning opportunities.
The scholarships also reflect a new approach for the office. Rather than hosting standalone conferences and symposiums, CDRP is investing in established events like the EDND Fall Conference to broaden their reach and strengthen connections among community leaders across North Dakota.
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Commerce leaders recently joined local and state partners at the 2026 Traill County Mayors' and Auditors Summit in Mayville to discuss resources and opportunities that help North Dakota communities grow and thrive. Commerce Tourism & Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman, Community Services Director Maria Effertz Hanson and Deputy Economic Development & Finance Director Tracey Miller represented Commerce during the event, which brought together city leaders for updates, collaboration and discussion.
Hosted by the Traill County Economic Development Commission, the summit also included presentations from the North Dakota League of Cities, Department of Water Resources, Parks and Recreation and other partners. Attendees toured the historic Old Main renovations at Mayville State University before participating in community-focused presentations and a roundtable discussion on local priorities and opportunities.
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Grant Administrator Evan Moser recently joined fellow leaders at the Young Professionals Regional Summit in Grand Forks, where he shared strategies for attracting, developing and retaining talent.
By participating in events like these, Commerce continues to support the next generation of leaders and strengthen communities across North Dakota.
North Dakota Tourism has been named a state finalist in the Buzz-Worthy category of the 2026 ESTO Impact & Community Awards for its ND Tourism: Tigirlily Gold “Call It Home” Nashville Campaign Amplifies “Be Legendary." The campaign leveraged the North Dakota-born country duo's hometown story to generate national media attention and inspire travelers to experience the state through the "Be Legendary" brand.
Winners will be announced Aug. 25 during the ESTO Conference in Philadelphia.
Community Services Block Grant Program Administrator Jeremy Holloway recently represented the North Dakota Department of Commerce at the 2026 Region 8 and Community Action Partnership of North Dakota (CAPND) Conference in Fargo.
Holloway presented on Social Determinants of Health, joining Community Action professionals from six states to share best practices, exchange ideas and explore innovative approaches to strengthening communities.
 Community Needs Assessment extended through September
The 2026 North Dakota Statewide Community Needs Assessment will now remain open through Sept. 30, 2026. Conducted in partnership with North Dakota State University, the assessment gathers input from low-income households to help guide strategic planning, program development and funding priorities.
Community Action agencies and partners are encouraged to continue sharing the survey to help ensure communities across North Dakota are represented.
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A new regional partnership is helping preserve access to fresh, healthy food in rural North Dakota. Formed with support from the Commerce's Rural Food Sustainability Grant program, the South Central Rural Grocers Cooperative brings together three independent grocery stores to reduce costs, improve efficiency and keep local grocery stores viable.
By strengthening these essential businesses, the cooperative helps ensure rural residents can continue accessing groceries close to home while supporting local economies and the long-term vitality of their communities.
Community leaders, economic developers, educators, entrepreneurs and engaged citizens are invited to attend ND NEXT: The Future Grows Here, a statewide event focused on shaping the future of North Dakota's communities.
Through interactive sessions and collaborative discussions, attendees will explore innovative ideas, share best practices and build connections that support long-term community growth and resilience.
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Now Accepting Applications
The Fly-In Grant Program provides up to $25,000 in matching funds for communities to host fly‑in events that connect job seekers with employers and showcase local quality of life. The program will help strengthen statewide workforce efforts by helping communities build meaningful connections with prospective workers and by giving candidates a firsthand look at the opportunities North Dakota offers.
Applications accepted starting August 25, 2026
Applications are now being accepted for the Regional Workforce Impact Program (RWIP), which provides funding for locally led, innovative solutions that address regional workforce challenges. Eligible organizations can apply for support to plan or implement sector strategies that strengthen workforce capacity, connect employers with talent and create long-term solutions tailored to their communities' needs.
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 Global Talent Summit
September 3, 2026 | Bismarck, ND
Bismarck State College | NECE Building
At the Global Talent Summit, attendees will hear from national and international experts on today's evolving U.S. immigration landscape and what it means for employers seeking workforce solutions. Sessions will also explore strategies for recruiting entry-level and skilled trade workers, attracting advanced degree holders and strengthening employee integration and retention.
In addition, attendees can sign up for complimentary one-on-one legal consultations with nationally recognized immigration attorney Jonathan Grode, offering personalized guidance on their organization's workforce and immigration questions (limited spaces available).
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Community Services Office Hour:
Community Services Block Grant
September 15, 2026 | 11 a.m. - noon CDT
Join the Community Services team for the final Office Hour of the year on Sept. 15, 2026, featuring CSBG Program Administrator Jeremy Holloway.
Learn about the Community Services Block Grant program, its mission and impact, discover opportunities to get involved and meet Jeremy as he shares his vision for supporting communities across North Dakota.
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 Governor's Workforce Summit
September 23, 2026 | Bismarck, ND
Join policymakers, employers, educators and community leaders at the 2026 Governor's Workforce Summit to explore the future of North Dakota's workforce.
Attendees will hear Gov. Kelly Armstrong's vision for a modernized workforce system, learn the Workforce Development Council's statewide recommendations and gain insights on AI, emerging technologies and the future skills shaping North Dakota's economy.Â
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TBEX Summit America 2026
Sept. 29–Oct. 2 | Fargo
North Dakota will welcome travel creators, destination marketing organizations and tourism professionals from around the world as Fargo hosts TBEX Summit America 2026.
The conference offers an opportunity to showcase the state's unique experiences, build industry partnerships and generate valuable media exposure that inspires future travel to North Dakota.
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October 6, 2026 | 9 a.m. - noon CDT
Great Northern Event Center | Williston, ND
Developer Day brings together community leaders, volunteers and economic development professionals for a day of learning, collaboration and practical updates.
Attendees will gain valuable insights, share local priorities and discover Commerce resources that can help strengthen economic development efforts across North Dakota.
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October 6-8, 2026 | Williston, ND
The EDND Fall Conference brings together economic development professionals, community leaders and partners to explore the latest trends, share best practices and strengthen connections across North Dakota.
Attendees will gain practical insights and resources to help support economic growth and community development in their regions.
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Travel Industry Marketing Summit
October 15 | Medora, ND
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
The Travel Industry Marketing Summit brings together North Dakota tourism professionals and industry partners for a day of collaboration, insights and planning.
Attendees will get a first look at the 2027 tourism marketing strategy, learn about upcoming partnership opportunities and enjoy complimentary admission to the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, offering a unique opportunity to experience North Dakota's newest world-class attraction.
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The North Dakota Tourism Partner Portal is more than just a directory—it's the engine behind much of the state's visitor marketing. Information entered into the portal powers listings and events on NDtourism.com and is used to develop the annual North Dakota Travel Guide and Hunting & Fishing Guide.
Partners can also add photos, amenities, events, deals and accessibility information, helping travelers discover everything North Dakota has to offer. Regularly updating your listing is one of the easiest—and free—ways to increase your visibility and reach more visitors.
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