Build the Future: Innovation & Workforce Summit
May 30th, 2026 at Veterans Memorial Stadium
The New England Maritime & Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Experience
In collaboration with industry and workforce partners supporting the maritime and advanced manufacturing sectors
FOUNDING PARTNER
A hands-on experience bringing together employers, educators, and students to explore career opportunities across the submarine industrial base and advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Participating companies will engage directly with vocational students, emerging technical talent, workforce trainees, and veterans pursuing careers in maritime and advanced manufacturing industries
Ideal for suppliers supporting the submarine industrial base, advanced manufacturing, robotics, engineering, and skilled trades industries.
Expected Attendee Profiles
- Chapter 74 vocational/technical students
- Community college-engineering and manufacturing students
- Workforce training program participants
- Veterans exploring new career pathways
- Industry professionals and employers
- Educators & School leaders
Admission Pricing
General Admission: $20 Students
Veterans & Military: $10
Workshop sessions included in event ticket price
Food & beverages available for purchase
Tickets will be available for purchase via Event Brite
Technology & Trades Field Experience Activation Village
The Activation Village consists of unique demonstrations and exhibits located on the stadium field where companies can showcase technologies, tools, and career opportunities directly to students and workforce participants. Demonstrations may include robotics, engineering tools, skilled trades, manufacturing, and interactive career exploration activities.
Sponsorship Levels
Workforce Pathways Presenting Partner
Title recognition as “Workforce Pathways Program Presented By,” speaking opportunity in workshop, premium activation footprint (10’x20’ or two booths), name mentioned in programming, logo on summit marketing materials, direct engagement with students and participants.
Industry Program Partner
Host a workshop session or industry presentation, 10’x10’ booth in the Activation Village, logo inclusion in event marketing and program materials, opportunity to showcase or conduct demonstrations, networking access with students, educators, and workforce partners.
Innovation Activation Village
10’x10’ booth on the stadium field, logo inclusion in event program, demonstration opportunity for tools, technologies, and direct engagement with students, educators, and participants.
Workforce Access Partner
Future Builders Workforce Sponsor: Help support participation from vocational schools and workforce programs by expanding access and transportation for students to and from the event. Includes recognition during the opening program, logo inclusion on event signage and website.
Veterans Workforce Access Sponsor: Help support participation of veterans transitioning into careers in maritime, manufacturing, engineering and skilled trades. Includes recognition during the opening program, logo inclusion on event signage and website.
Run of Show
7:30-9:30 am
Exhibitor Load in and set up
Innovation Activation Village opens for all exhibitors
Vendor check in at Box Office-distribution of event credentials
9:30-10:00 am
Quick logistics meeting to review workshop schedule
Safety & stadium map/protocols
Expectations for exhibitors
10:00-10:45 am
Student arrival and registration (mobile ticket scanned at check-in)
Distribution of welcome materials
Light networking
Activation Village soft opening
11:00-11:20 am
Opening welcome
Free Jacks leadership welome
Keynote: Buildsubmarines.com
11:20-12:00 pm
Industry Leadership Panel (MIB/BlueForge to weigh in on panel participants)
12:00-1:30 pm
Innovation Activation Village Open (stadium field)
Will feature hands-on demonstrations and interactive exhibits on the field
Attendees can learn about career pathways, speak with employers, and visit training program booths
*Concessions will be open with food and beverage available for purchase
1:30-2:00 pm
Workshop Session 1 (located in the Delta Lantern Suite)
2:00-2:30 pm
Innovation Activation Village/Networking Break
Attendees from workshops return to the exhibit village on the field
2:30-3:00 pm
Workshop Session 2 (Located in the Delta Lantern Suite)
3:00-3:45 pm
Final Activation Village Engagement
Last opportunity to visit exhibitors, network, and engage with sponsors
3:45-4:00 pm
Closing Remarks
Thank partners and sponsors
4:00-5:00 pm
Exhibitor Breakdown
About the New England Free Jacks
The New England Free Jacks are Greater Boston’s professional rugby team competing in Major League Rugby (MLR), the premier North American professional rugby competition, and are the three-time defending MLR Champions. Representing the six New England states on and off the field, the Free Jacks deliver unforgettable matchday experiences at their home in Quincy, MA, while producing dynamic digital content that connects with fans across the region. Built on the values of community, hard work, and free-spirited competition, the Free Jacks believe life is better together, on and off the pitch. For more information, visit www.FreeJacks.com.
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Tickets & Sales
Have questions about purchasing tickets, locations, or group opportunities? Send our sales & ticketing teams your questions.
General Questions
Have questions about the league? Do you have ways we could make your experiecne better? Fell free to drop us a note.
Partnerships & Sponsorships
Are you a company looking to create a releationship with the Free Jacks? Connect with our Business Development Team.
