Mark your calendars for April 7 & 8, 2026

SkillsUSA Wisconsin Returns to Madison!

SkillsUSA: Champion Your Future 2025-2026

53rd Annual State Leadership & Skills Conference (SLSC)

April 7–8, 2026 | Alliant Energy Center & Madison Area Technical College

SkillsUSA Wisconsin is thrilled to return to Madison, WI, for the 53rd Annual SLSC, our premier celebration of career and technical education. Over 2,000 students, teachers, advisors, and industry professionals from across the state will come together for two days of high-energy competitions, leadership development, and networking.

🏆 Winners in all National-Qualifying Events will be invited to represent Wisconsin at the National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, GA, June 1–5, 2026.

🤝 Get Involved: Partner, Sponsor, Volunteer!

Help make this event a success and grow your visibility in Wisconsin’s skilled talent pipeline:

  • Sponsor the Event – Support the future workforce while promoting your brand.

  • SkillsCity Booth – Connect directly with students, educators, and industry partners.

  • Volunteer or Judge – Play an active role in shaping the next generation of skilled professionals.

👉 Interested? Contact Quinn Novy at engagewiskillsusa@gmail.com

👀 Spectators Welcome!

Parents, community members, and industry partners are invited to spectate at no cost (parking fees do apply). Come support Wisconsin’s best and brightest in CTE!

🏅 Closing Ceremonies & Awards

📅 Wednesday, April 8th at 6:30 PM
📍 Alliant Energy Center Coliseum

Celebrate the accomplishments of our student competitors as we announce winners and recognize outstanding achievements across the state.

📝 Registration Information

  • Opens: January 12, 2026

  • Closes: February 28, 2026 (strict deadline – no refunds after this date)

  • Note: All students must be registered as national SkillsUSA Members before registering for the conference.

🎤 2026 National Anthem Performer Search

Do you have musical talent? We’re searching for a student to perform the National Anthem at the Opening Session on April 7, 2026, at 1:00 PM.

📧 Email wisconsinskillsusa@gmail.com by March 1, 2026 to receive a Google folder link for uploading your audition video.

Please include your name, school, and email in the submission.

🏨 Hotel Information

We’re partnering with Destination Madison to secure hotel room blocks at special rates.
🔗 More information coming soon!

🔑 Key Deadlines

  • February 28, 2026: SLSC Registration Closes (no late entries or refunds)

  • March 1, 2026: State Officer application deadline

  • March 22, 2026: Volunteer registration due

  • April 7, 2026: Conference payment due

  • April 24, 2026: NLSC Registration due – It’s a quick turnaround! Be sure to review your NSLC packet in advance so you’re prepared to make a decision right away if your student places first at SLSC.

🔧 Competition Details & Updates

  • Students may participate in one Leadership/Occupational contest and one Skilled contest.

  • Advisors are responsible for assisting students in managing competition schedules.

  • Due to scheduling conflicts, some students may be limited to one competition.

  • All contests have limited enrollment and are first-come, first-served.

  • Contests may be canceled if minimum participation is not met.

  • Welding Auto-Qualifiers: Students placing 1st at a Fall Welding Competition (District or Regional) automatically qualify.

  • Pin Design Competition: Registration opens December 2025, competition held January 2026.
    Winners revealed at SLSC—Champion pins included in registration packets.

  • Contest Attire
  • General SkillsUSA Regulations 2024-2026
  • Yapp App – Conference App with schedule (not live yet)

🛠 Competitions Held at Madison College (Transportation Provided):

  • Additive Manufacturing

  • Automotive Refinishing Technology

  • Baking & Pastry Arts

  • Collision Repair Technology

  • Culinary Arts

  • Electronics Technology

  • Precision Machining Technology

  • Technical Drafting

  • Welding (High School)

📂 2025 Event Archive

The following materials are from the 2025 SLSC and are provided for historical reference only. 2026 updates will be posted as they become available.

Important Forms:

 

Thank you to our 2025 SLSC Sponsors!

Click to Retrieve Results from SLSC 2025 – You will need your Contestant Number and DOB