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Bureau of Labor Statistics > Geographic Information > Midwest > Notice

Data Users’ Conference in Chicago — April 2, 2025

You are invited to attend the Bureau of Labor Statistics Data Users’ Conference in Chicago, Illinois on April 2, 2025.

On Wednesday, April 2, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will be holding the 2025 Midwest Regional Office Data Users' Conference in Chicago. The public will have the opportunity to hear from senior BLS economists, industry leaders, and analysts from states and learn about the latest in employment, prices, wages, productivity, employment projections, and the importance of skills for occupations. A panel of BLS Field Economists will also share their experiences with collecting data. BLS economists will be on hand to answer questions throughout the conference.

This is an in-person/virtual event that will be hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Register here to attend in-person or virtual no later than Wednesday, March 26.

Event Information

When: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Where: Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 230 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60604
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT, check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. CT. Complimentary continental breakfast will be provided.
Cost: FREE
Registration: Register here to attend in-person or virtual no later than Wednesday, March 26.

Agenda

8:00 a.m.
Check-in and free continental breakfast
Meet and Greet BLS Program Specialists

9:00 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Ursula Oliver, Associate Commissioner for Field Operations, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Dr. Daniel G. Sullivan, Executive Vice President and Executive Director of the Economic Mobility Project, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

9:15 a.m.
“The Importance of Official Data in Assessing Economic Conditions”
Dr. Erika McEntarfer, Commissioner, Bureau of Labor Statistics

10:00 a.m.
"Understanding BLS Skills and Employment Projections Data"
Emily Krutsch, Special Projects Branch Chief, Office of Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics

10:45 a.m.
BREAK

11:00 a.m.
"The Impact of Demographic Changes on the Future Demand for Skills"
Dr. Michael Horrigan, President, Upjohn Institute

11:45 a.m.
Panel Discussion: "A Day in the Life of a BLS Field Economist"
Moderator: Dr. Jason Palmer, Director, Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency and former Regional Commissioner for the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Catherine Hanusa, Senior Technical Economist, Division of Compensation and Occupational Requirements, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Darius Dunn, Senior Economist, Consumer Price Index Program, Bureau of Labor Statistics

12:15 p.m.
BLS State Partners' Research Projects
"Measuring Artificial Intelligence in Minnesota's Economy"
Luke Greiner, Regional Analyst, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
"Using Labor Market Information to Predict Labor Force Gaps"
Dennis Winters, Chief Economist and Bureau Director, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

12:55 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Julie Wilson, Acting Regional Commissioner for the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Register Here to attend in-person or virtual no later than Wednesday, March 26.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact the BLS Chicago Information Office at (312) 353-1880 or send an email.