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Your Potential Our New York
Dream • Learn • Build Vocational Careers & Entrepreneurship Expo
#DLBexpo
#DLBexpo
Connecting New Yorkers to hands-on career exploration, training, top employers, and entrepreneurship resources. Building real pathways to economic opportunity and a stronger future for our communities.
DLB Expo Starts In
119
Days
20
Hrs
22
Min
36
Sec
Saturday, March 13, 2027 · 8:00 AM
Seven Pathways.
Hundreds of Possible Futures.
Building New York.
Construction, infrastructure, electrical trades, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, welding, green construction, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, building maintenance, and related skilled trades.
Caring for New York.
Healthcare, nursing and allied health, dental careers, medical assisting, mental health, aging services, home healthcare, community health, medical technology, and other health and wellness careers.
Moving New York.
Transportation, aviation, automotive technology, logistics, warehousing, supply chains, infrastructure operations, fleet maintenance, and related careers.
Serving New York.
Culinary arts, hospitality, food service, cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology, personal care, tourism, and other service-based vocational careers.
Creating New York.
Creative industries, media production, graphic and digital design, fashion, photography, audio/video production, and other creative and production careers.
Technology & AI.
Cybersecurity, information technology, computer support, networking, data management, artificial intelligence applications, and other technology-enabled careers.
Owning New York.
Entrepreneurship, business ownership, and the resources, systems, coaching, and opportunities needed to start, strengthen, and grow a business.
WHY ATTEND?
The world of work is changing. New Yorkers need real pathways forward.
Dream • Learn • Build Expo brings people, employers, training and resource providers, workforce leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers together to turn today’s challenges into your next opportunity.
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Adults are needing to reinvent their careers multiple times.
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Employers are unable to find qualified workers.
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Communities are worried about AI and automation.
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Skilled workers know how to do the work but not how to build wealth from the work.
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Policymakers are searching for practical economic mobility strategies.
Dream.
Learn.
Build.
Move from uncertainty to opportunity.
What to Expect at the Dream • Learn • Build Vocational Careers & Entrepreneurship Expo
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Informative Sessions & Panel Discussions
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Career Expo & Demonstrations
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Job & Training Resources
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One-on-One Conversations
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Financial & Business Tools
Ready to take your next step?
Young people are graduating without clear pathways into growing industries. Adults are seeking career changes but lack information about emerging opportunities. Workers with valuable skills often struggle to translate those skills into higher-paying positions, business ownership, or independent economic opportunity. Leave the DLB Expo not only informed, but connected to a pathway forward. Your next step is here!
Spread the word about the #DLBexpo. Let’s future-proof New York. Together.
EVENT AGENDA
Program Updates Coming Soon
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
2 Concurrent SessionsGeneral Registration & Breakfast
Meal
General🎟️ Sponsor / VIP Registration & Breakfast
MealPresentation
Invitation Only9:00 AM – 9:15 AM
Welcome Remarks & Vision from NYS
Opening remarks highlighting New York’s vision for workforce and economic opportunity. New York's economy is changing rapidly. Advances in technology, artificial intelligence, infrastructure development, healthcare expansion, clean energy investment, transportation modernization, and entrepreneurship are creating new opportunities while simultaneously transforming traditional career pathways. Yet many New Yorkers remain disconnected from these opportunities.
General
9:15 AM – 9:30 AM
The Next Frontier: Vocational and Technical Training in a Changing America
Explore how vocational and technical education is evolving for today’s workforce.
Keynote
General9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
MEET THE PEOPLE READY TO HELP YOU SUCCEED! Vocational Careers & Entrepreneurship Expo
Explore vocational career pathways, training opportunities, and entrepreneurship resources. Connect directly with employers, unions, training providers, business-support organizations, and other resources that can help you move from interest to opportunity.
Expo
General9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
Reimagining Economic Mobility Through Vocational and Technical Training
Discover how skills-based training can create stronger pathways to economic mobility.
Panel
General10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Mid-Morning Break
Take a short break, refresh, and connect with other attendees.
Break
General10:30 AM – 11:15 PM
What Career Fits Me? How Do I Get Started?
Explore careers across Dream • Learn • Build’s six industry areas and discover the training, skills, and pathways that can help you get started.
Panel
General11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
What Employers Are Looking For
Learn what employers look for in candidates and how to stand out. Get practical strategies for showcasing your skills, strengthening your resume, and succeeding in interviews.
Panel
General12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
2 Concurrent SessionsGENERAL LUNCH
Meal
General🎟️ SPONSOR / VIP LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE & LUNCHEON (Shaping New York's Workforce Future: Policy, Partnerships & Investment)
MealRoundtable
Invitation Only1:15 PM – 1:45 PM
Green Jobs, Tech Jobs, Trade Jobs: Where the Future Workforce Is Headed
As automation, climate policy, infrastructure investment, and digital innovation reshape the economy, the definition of a “good job” is evolving. This session offers a forward-looking industry outlook on the fastest-growing sectors—green energy, technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, construction trades, and more—and what they mean for today’s workforce.
Panel
General2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Your Skills Can Take You Anywhere: Transferable Skills & Career Switching
Discover how the skills you already have can open doors to new careers. Learn how to identify your transferable skills, explore new career pathways, and position your experience for a successful career change.
Panel
General2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
From Interest to Opportunity: A Family Guide to Skilled Trades & Vocational Careers
Discover how individuals and families can prepare for successful careers in the skilled trades and vocational fields. Learn how to explore career pathways, identify training and apprenticeship opportunities, understand certification and licensing requirements, and plan for the financial and practical commitments involved. Explore financial aid, scholarships, workforce funding, employer-sponsored training, and other resources that make career preparation more accessible.
Panel
General4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🎟️ Sponsor / VIP Networking Mixer: Cocktails & Career Talks
Join us for an exclusive Sponsor / VIP networking mixer. Enjoy curated cocktails and light bites while engaging in meaningful conversations at the intersection of career and community. This intimate setting is designed to connect you with industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
Refreshments
Invitation Only
The economy is moving quickly!
Industries are advancing while workers are standing still. Thousands of jobs are coming, but only for those with certifications, credentials, or cross-training (to perform multiple roles or develop skills across different areas). With rising demand in skilled trades, clean energy, and tech-enabled vocational careers, New York is at a pivotal moment in workforce transformation.
FAQs
How can we help?
Find quick answers to the most common questions about the event.
JOIN US
Join us at the National Urban League for the Dream • Learn • Build Vocational Careers & Entrepreneurship Expo.
National Urban League
Date
Saturday, March 13, 2027
Time
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Address
117 W 125th Street
New York, NY 10027
New York, NY 10027
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National Urban League
117 W 125th Street, New York, NY 10027
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