Where Chicago's Future Workforce Takes Root
Chicago's first intergenerational workforce conference will return in 2026 with even more impact. At Cultivate, we’re spearheading a movement of industry leaders creating jobs, opening career pathways, and reshaping how emerging and established professionals connect, learn, and grow together.
May 4th, 2026 9am-4pm | Bank of America Tower, 110 N Wacker Drive
Join the movement that’s cultivating the next gen workforce.
Cultivate Conference brings together Chicago's emerging and established leaders for a day of skill-building, mentorship, and meaningful connections. We're not just talking about bridging generational gaps - we're building the bridges themselves.
Cultivate 2025: Big Ideas, Real Impact
75 Professional Connections
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55 Students Mentored
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48 Companies Represented
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9/10 Likelihood to Recommend
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75 Professional Connections • 55 Students Mentored • 48 Companies Represented • 9/10 Likelihood to Recommend •
Cultivate 2026:
Expanding Our Impact
Cultivate 2026 will once again take place at the Bank of America Tower, bringing together more than 50 high school all-stars with more than 50 seasoned leaders representing a wide range of industries.
What to Expect at Cultivate 2026
Opportunities for professionals to participate alongside youth in sessions regarding EQ in the workplace
Time to reflect with professionals about engaging youth on your teams
Chance to visit and host a table at Cultivate’s Opportunity Fair
Enhanced workshop tracks led by industry experts
Chicago-based keynote speaker
Extended networking opportunities at breakfast, lunch and happy hour
Alumni network connecting 2025 and 2026 participants
Cultivate is built on the understanding that
emotional intelligence is for everyone.
Cultivate Conference offers three powerful experiences that support both
emerging and established leaders thrive throughout their career journeys.
Leadership Training
Industry experts lead workshops focused on emotional intelligence, communication, mental health awareness, and change management. Stay tuned! Our 2026 session speakers and details will be released in the coming weeks.
Youth Mentorship
High school and college students connect one-on-one with industry professionals, gaining career wisdom, leadership advice, and the encouragement to reach their potential.
Community Investment
Companies showcase their commitment to Chicago's future while building a pipeline of diverse, high-potential talent for tomorrow's workforce.
What 2025 Attendees Are Saying
With a 94% recommendation rate, here's why Cultivate 2025 exceeded every expectation:
“Cultivate surprised me in the best way because it helped me revisit certain long-held beliefs and “shoulds” with a fresh perspective. That mindset—being open and flexible enough to see something familiar in a new light—is where I think this conference really delivered.”
Emma Campbell, The Marketing Store
“Cultivate was incredible. That was my first time being at a conference with both professional adults and students in the same room. I think we need more of this in our community and I absolutely love the work that Prismatic is doing!”
Diara Bradley - Vi Living
“I walked into Cultivate thinking it was going to be an amazing experience for the students participating in Prismatic. What I didn't truly anticipate was how much value, wisdom and connection was going to happen for the adults in the room as well. I met so many incredible people, learned so many things not only centered on intergenerational networking and connection, but things that I could implement immediately into my own role to make my own experiences richer. I can't wait for 2026!”
Caitlin McAllister, Workbox
“Being part of this gathering was a true honor. Debra Giunta and her team didn’t just host an event—they created a space that bridged generations, sparked ideas, and left everyone energized to grow and give back. I believe I left more blessed than the students!”
George Miller - EQ Leadership
“As an HR executive, I'll admit that my interactions with high school students are usually limited - so this unique opportunity to step outside of my day-to-day and hear directly from such bright, thoughtful students who represent the next generation of the workforce was incredibly meaningful and inspiring.”
Corinne Rice, The Marketing Store
Cultivate 2026: Powered by Visionary Partners
Join our community of forward-thinking companies investing in Chicago's workforce future.
Ready to Shape Chicago's Future?
For Individuals
RSVP Today
Attend as an individual or bring your team. Teams of 4 or more receive a group discount. Reach out to us at cultivate@prismaticmovement.org for more information on group discounts!
For Companies
Become a 2026 Partner
Align your company with an event featuring industry-leading programming while building tomorrow's talent pipeline.
Register for Cultivate 2026
Complete the form below to submit your RSVP.
Questions?
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Small companies are more than welcome. The average number of attendees from each company is 3-8.
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Executives are more than welcome to attend the event with their teams, however the learning sessions will be geared towards all ages or emerging leaders. This is an excellent opportunity to invest in new managers.
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Yes! As a corporate partner your logo will be featured on all materials and digital communications leading up to the event. You’ll also have the opportunity to speak on a panel, further introducing your company to next generation talent.
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Your sponsorship will still fund student attendance at the event, and we’ll be sure to feature you throughout the entire experience. Additionally, Prismatic will make the best effort to engage your Chicago-based employees in our volunteer engagements throughout the year!
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In addition to funding free attendance for high-potential Chicago youth, your company will receive exposure throughout the event and in all marketing materials leading up to Cultivate. You’ll have the opportunity to join the stage with fellow leaders in Chicago and receive professional assets like photos and videos to celebrate your team’s commitment to leadership development and youth mentorship.
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This is not a recruiting event. However, Prismatic’s students are career-motivated and interested in learning more about early career opportunities in their home city of Chicago. Sponsors will be encouraged to share applicable career opportunities with our students.
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Participants will be asked to attend for the full day event, Monday, May 19th from 9am-3pm. All corporate partners will also be invited to our optional reception from 3pm-5pm.
Have more questions? Email debra@prismaticmovement.org — we’re happy to chat!