Who we are

Why Close It?

Innovate+Educate was founded in 2008, and launched the first Close It Summit in 2013, the nation's first skills-based hiring summit. We have since produced 12 summits, continuing to see a need to bring together the brightest and best solutions (and people), making a meaningful impact.

This year’s theme is ‘Closing the Gaps: Synergizing Connections!’

Synergizing Connections in the workforce (learning and hiring) means erasing the boundaries between traditional learning and employment to create a new system that fosters opportunities for all. This means focusing on the conventional divisions between education, training, and employment systems to foster collaboration, data sharing, and aligned outcomes. This approach promotes shared accountability across stakeholders—K-12, higher education, employers, workforce providers, learning providers, and policymakers—to ensure learners and workers can navigate seamless pathways from education to meaningful careers. And, that the system functions at 100% for all those we serve.

Our first summit was on the skills gap. This summit is on the many gaps. And, how to break the silos and erase the boundaries while creating a new system for learning and employment. A recent study done by The Schultz Foundation  https://www.brokenmarketplace.org/ identified significant gaps.

A logo with the letters 'ct' in red, overlapping a light blue geometric grid, with the words 'Innovate + Educate' in gray underneath.

  • Of the approximately 30 million Americans between 18 and 24 years old, more than half are unemployed, cycling through low-wage jobs or working in roles that fall below their educational attainment, according to an analysis by the Burning Glass Institute.

  • Four in five (77%) of job postings require at least one year of experience for entry-level roles, and half (50%) demand two or more (years).

  • More than 52% of recent college graduates are underemployed, i.e. working in jobs that do not require a college degree.

  • Forty-three percent still require at least a four-year degree for entry-level roles, often by habit, not necessity. In fact, 40% say they maintain the requirement simply because it is common practice, not because the degree is essential to job performance.

  • Work-based learning and internships are on the rise, however there has been a 35% decline in entry-level job postings since 2023.

  • AI can automate not just manual labor but also cognitive and professional tasks—such as customer service, accounting, writing, and even legal work. This puts millions of middle-skill and mid-wage jobs at risk, especially those that involve predictable tasks.

What will we accomplish?

Thousands have told us that the Close It Summit has been one of the best summits they attended over the years. Why? Because we work hard to curate the right people, the right ideas, and innovation, all together in one place for three days of networking and learning. A combination of regionally relevant solutions that work, innovation changing the landscape of work, and employer-driven models all come together, enabling attendees to share their knowledge.

The 2026 Summit will focus on five key themes that are shifting today’s workplace:

  • Work-based Learning & Apprenticeship - Apprenticeships, internships, and on-the-job learning innovations.

  • Industry-Driven Solutions - Strategies related to ongoing talent shortages and gaps that must be addressed.

  • Skills For All - Strategies to identify and advance talent based on skills and untapped talent.

  • Powering Pathways - Building inclusive career pathways that span the generations and include the neurodiverse.

  • AI Upleveling - The rapid rise of AI and its impact on work, learning, and technology.

WE ASKED PAST CLOSE IT ATTENDEES TO DESCRIBE THEIR EXPERIENCE

"Insightful, Impactful and Inspiring"

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"Best meeting ever!"

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"Thought provoking perspectives"

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"upbeat, positive, forward-thinking, great framework"

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"Great people & ideas"

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"Stimulating, networking, and motivating"

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"Informative, awareness and beneficial"

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"Firehose, exhilarating, worth-while!"

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"Inspiring, energizing and eye-opening"

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"Provocative, curated, and fun"

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"Insightful, Impactful and Inspiring" • "Best meeting ever!" • "Thought provoking perspectives" • "upbeat, positive, forward-thinking, great framework" • "Great people & ideas" • "Stimulating, networking, and motivating" • "Informative, awareness and beneficial" • "Firehose, exhilarating, worth-while!" • "Inspiring, energizing and eye-opening" • "Provocative, curated, and fun" •

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is CLOSE IT 2026?

CLOSE IT 2026 will take place May 3-5, 2026 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We begin on Sunday with networking dinners and events. Programming kicks off Monday morning at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center at 201 W Marcy St, Santa Fe, NM 87501. We wrap Tuesday afternoon around 4:00 PM MT.

How do I register?

Registration is now open at (registration link). Early bird rates will be available through January 31, 2026.

What does registration include?

Your registration includes all mainstage and breakout sessions, networking receptions and the Marketplace showcase, continental breakfast and lunch each conference day, coffee and beverages throughout, and event materials and digital session materials.

Is there a host hotel or room block?

Yes! We have two official host hotels for summit guests,

  • Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza, 100 Sandoval Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501 (booking link coming soon)

  • La Posada de Santa Fe, a Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa, 330 E Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87501 (booking link).

Who attends CLOSE IT?

Each year, CLOSE IT brings together hundreds of leaders across workforce, education, and industry—including employers and HR innovators, workforce boards and policymakers, edtech and skills-tech companies, funders, and community partners.

Are there awards this year?

Absolutely! Check out the Awards page for detail’s on this year’s categories and nominations.

Which airports are nearby?

  • Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF): ~15 minutes from downtown Santa Fe

  • Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ): ~1 hour by shuttle or rental car

Shuttle service is available from Albuquerque to downtown Santa Fe.

How do I contact the event team?

For general inquiries: contactus@closeit.org.