April 15: “Managing the 21st Century Workforce”

A Conference on Older Workers put on the University of Indianapolis's Center for Aging and Community

When: Friday, April 15 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Where: Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, 350 W. Maryland St


What employers don't know can hurt them:

• Nearly one-fifth of the U.S. workforce will be 55 or older by 2012.
• By that time, available jobs could outnumber skilled workers by 6 million, a gap that will continue to widen as baby boomers retire.
• Three-fourths of baby boomers want - or need - to work past standard retirement age.
• The workforce now includes four distinct generations of Americans with their own value systems, posing a serious management challenge.
  

The aging of the U.S. workforce poses huge challenges for employers, but experts say those who embrace the demographic changes can win the coming battle for skilled workers.
Futurist Ed Barlow, AARP benefits specialist Deborah Russell and other nationally known authorities will address those challenges and opportunities during an April 15 conference organized by the University of Indianapolis Center for Aging & Community. Emmy-winning network broadcaster Hugh Downs will deliver the luncheon address.

Aimed at executives, managers, HR professionals, financial planners, service providers and others affected by employment issues, the April conference will cover such topics as how to keep and compete for experienced workers in the face of a looming talent shortage; how to retain critical knowledge as more workers move toward retirement; how to successfully manage intergenerational issues and conflict in a diverse workforce; and how to plan for succession in small business and large corporate settings.

The program will begin with a breakfast talk, "Changing Demographics and the Workforce," by Barlow, a Detroit-based consultant whose clients have included Federal Express, Hewlett Packard, the U.S. Navy, Lockheed Martin, Federal Reserve Bank Systems, Pepsi, the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

During the morning, attendees may choose two of five breakout sessions before hearing the lunchtime keynote address from Hugh Downs, former co-anchor of ABC's 20/20 and author of five books on aging, health and psychological maturity.

The cost for the full conference is $250. Attendance for the lunch talk with Downs is just $50. To register go to http://cac.uindy.edu/workplaceconference.php