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Better Maine Conference: Workforce Attraction, Retention, and Innovation
Waterville, ME – September 30, 2025 – Dirigo Labs and the Central Maine Growth Council announced today that the fourth Annual Better Maine Conference will be held on Thursday afternoon, November 6, 2025, in downtown Waterville. This year’s half-day event, hosted in partnership with Live + Work in Maine and Main Street Skowhegan, will focus on workforce attraction, retention, and innovation, bringing together employers, educators, and community leaders to share practical solutions for strengthening Maine’s talent pipeline.
The Better Maine Conference has become a signature event for business and community leaders seeking to build workplaces that are both competitive and sustainable. This year’s program will include a mix of dynamic speakers, interactive panels, and breakout sessions exploring key topics such as:
- Hiring for Potential - Rethinking traditional qualifications to expand talent pools
- Upskilling from Within – Leveraging community colleges and training partnerships to grow talent
- Workforce Incentives & Practitioner Tools – Practical insights on programs that promote, facilitate, and fund internships and apprenticeships
- Workplace Innovation: Tools, Tech & Talent –Exploring flexible models, benefits, and technology that support recruitment and retention
- Maine Talent Attraction Network Panel –Moderated by Live + Work in Maine, highlighting strategies to attract new and returning Mainers
The conference will close with a networking reception at the Lockwood Hotel, offering attendees a chance to connect with peers, speakers, and sponsors in an informal setting.