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Registration opens February 1, 2026!
The 8th Annual
PORTLAND, MAINE
July 20 - 22, 2026
ABOUT THE STAFFING SUMMIT
The Staffing Summit, presented by Pabian Law and Seasonal Connect, is the premier event for H-2B hospitality employers. As the only conference of its kind in the U.S., it unites hundreds of industry leaders to learn, collaborate, and grow. Attendees gain powerful insights on immigration, recruitment, and staff management, while connecting with same-season peers to strengthen their H-2B programs. With dynamic roundtables, showcases, and networking events, the Summit sparks new partnerships and innovative solutions that elevate the entire hospitality community.
2026 AGENDA
Monday, July 20, 2026
Theme: Setting the stage
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9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (Pre-Conference Workshops) H-2B Visa Basics & Refresher Course
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10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pre-Conference Workshops) Compliance Training for Hospitality Organizations' Managers and Supervisors
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12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch (Pre-Conference & Main Conference attendees)
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1:00 PM - 1:15 PM Welcome
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1:15 PM - 2:00 PM Inside the Hospitality Industry: Live Employer Insights
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2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Employer Speed Networking 
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3:30 PM - 3:45 PM Break
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3:45 PM - 4:15 PM Government Affairs
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4:15 PM - 4:45 PM A Local Look at National Issues: The State of the Hospitality Industry
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4:45 PM - 6:30 PM Free time
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6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Dinner & cocktails
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Theme: Setting you up for success in the industry (big picture) ​
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8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Breakfast
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9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Employer Speed Networking 
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10:30 AM - 10:45 AM Break
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10:45 AM - 12:00 PM The Next Generation Workforce: What the Data Reveals About Retaining the Next Generation of Talent
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12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch 
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1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Navigating Immigration in an Evolving Landscape
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2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Trade show/Break (includes Employer Showcase and Employer Idea Fair)
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3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Education Session (to be announced)
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4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Free time
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6:00 PM Guests board the boat cruise
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6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Dinner
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7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Cruise around Casco Bay 
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9:00 PM Arrive back at the dock and de-board
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Theme: Setting you up for success in the industry (taking action) ​
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8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Breakfast  
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9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Empowering Emerging Leaders
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9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Partnering for Success: Making the Most of Your Relationship with Recruiters
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10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Trade show/Break (includes Employer Showcase and Employer Idea Fair)
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11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Bridging Perspectives: Insights from Former H-2B and J-1 Workers
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11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Creating Successful Recruiting Trips
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12:00 PM End of event with to-go lunch
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Insightful Sessions. Networking Opportunities. Interactive Workshops.
