BIDDEFORD — The Biddeford+Saco Chamber kicks off its inaugural “Ingite 2018” conference Tuesday showcasing the labor needs of our business community.

This event features a five-part speaker series on must-know workforce insights and latest trends, a business trade show, and a career fair.

“We are revamping our annual Fall business expo into a conference that is focused on a current topic affecting the business community,” said Chamber Executive Director Craig Pendleton. “Right now, workforce is it, not only here in the Biddeford+Saco Region, but throughout the entire state of Maine and across the country.’

Pendleton said the tight labor force and continuing drop in the unemployment rate is forcing businesses to rethink and be creative on their recruiting practices.

The conference is sponsored by the chamber in partnership with the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology and the York County CareerCenter.

It will be held Tuesday, April 2 from noon to 6 pm. The business trade show and the career fair portion will be located in Biddeford Tiger Gym and is free to the public and job seekers.

The five-part speaker sessions featuring area experts cost $40 for chamber members and $50 for nonmembers.

Call 282-1567 to register. Those sessions will be held next door to the Tiger Gym in the Center of Technology Conference Room.

“We are very excited about our speakers and the topics they will discuss,” Pendleton said.

The speaker series will begin at 12:30 pm with each of the five sessions lasting about 45 minutes.

The topics and speakers include:

• Recruit & Retain Volunteers presented by Jason Kettrick of United Way of York County and Jen Hayes of Oceanwood Camp & Conference.

• Thrive in a Multigenerational Workplace presented by Mary LaFontaine, Regional Director of Southern CareerCenters.

• Cultivating Internships presented by Cynthia Simon, UNE Director of Internship office.

• ESL Residents – An Untapped Resource presented by Jerry Mopembe, Unum Program Manager of Talent Acquisition

• Enrich Community Transportation presented by Pendleton, who also sits on the Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach transit committee.

The speaker series is an opportunity for small business and Human Resources employees to learn more about hiring options, Pendleton said.

“Labor needs are an issue for all businesses whether or not you are currently looking for full-time or part-time employees. For example, how do you fill employment vacations gaps? Or, prepare for succession planning?” Pendleton said.

For the public, this event provides an opportunity to learn more about the companies in our community and what they can offer them, he said.

“We are excited about the new direction this event is taking,” he said.

Breakout box: At a Glance:  Tuesday, April 3, Biddeford Regional Center of Technology and Tiger Gym, 20 Maplewood Ave., noon to 6 pm. Open to the public and job seekers.