Are you still trying to decide if you should attend WBE Canada’s National Conference & Tradeshow in November? Ticket sales are closing soon so read on and let us take you on a journey that begins November 11th and ends – well we hope it never ends. Formally this year’s conference is scheduled Tuesday November 11th to Thursday November 3th but we anticipate your conference experience will resonate forever, your newly created connections/friends will be forever and your takeaways may just be the solutions you need for tomorrow and throughout your business journey. But you need a ticket.
The first thing to do is determine, should you decide to attend, what your short and long term goals are and how you will achieve them. This is your purpose. It’s a big commitment. It’s 2-3 days out of your insane schedule. You’re swamped – but maybe a few things could be moved along to the next week? Clear out your voicemail so you can take more messages. Are you stuck? Are you bombarded with the changes that keep attacking your short-term plans? Are you in need of inspiration, renewed focus, new opportunities? Then maybe you should consider joining us. Read on – let’s take a journey through this year’s agenda and then you can buy your ticket.
Tip: you might look at checking into the Delta Hotel and Conference Centre so you’re not spending time commuting. It’s Toronto after all.
This year’s conference theme is “Focus Forward” – and there couldn’t be a more appropriate call to action for Canada’s women entrepreneurs and corporate leaders. We’ve seen more economic volatility than ever before, our businesses have been impacted by confusion stemming from external factors completely out of our control and there are no normals. What this year’s 16th National Conference & Tradeshow offers is solidarity, common ground, a place for conversation and potential. Before you arrive, look back to reflect and identify your challenges but enter the doors with an eagerness to move forward with an open mind to new ideas, new concepts, new partnerships, new opportunities. The “new” is endless.
If you’ve found yourself floundering since January, then this year’s Agenda is definitely designed to help with putting some of the disruption into perspective and bringing you solutions. Starting with the evening of Tuesday September 11th, be sure to join us as we acknowledge those who are making an impact and a difference and celebrate this year’s Awards of Excellence. It’s an informal kick off to the next two days – call it an ice-breaker with social benefits. This year’s Tradeshow will be open and you’ll be treated to our first speaker – Theresa Bailey from Starfish Synergies Inc. certified WBE, team builder, team motivator, and award winning “out-of-the-box” thinker. Theresa will set the tone for this year’s event and help you accomplish those goals.
As we officially get this year’s event underway on Wednesday September 12th, take the time to visit the Tradeshow throughout the day, chat with our exhibitors who have much to show, much to share and are open to doing business.
Our keynote speaker this year is Jessica Holmes, one of Canada’s top comedians who not only was partof CBC’s Royal Canadian AirFarce series, but has opened for greats like Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah and Jerry Seinfeld. Lunch is your time to network – make the conscious effort to sit with people you don’t know, introduce yourself and share your business cards. During the afternoon our panel discussion: Unlocking DEI from Supplier Diversity, a presentation on The Hidden Rules of Business Growth and Breakout Sessions (lots to choose from!) are all geared to helping you understand today’s challenges, how they affect you and your business and how to navigate through the noise in order to move forward.
Tip: Look through the conference Agenda and research the Breakout Sessions beforehand to optimize your experience.
To end the day do not skip the Social Reception at 4:30pm as we unwind, meet up with old friends and newly made friends while browsing the Tradeshow.
And then it’s Day Two, grab a coffee, browse the Tradeshow and at 10:30am join a table at Breakfast with Brands, hosted by RBC. This is your chance to connect directly with WBE Canada’s Corporate Members, introduce yourself, your business (remember your Pitch) and talk opportunities. Tip:The Conference App will be launched prior to and updated throughout the conference so you’ll know who’s in attendance and can plan ahead. And don’t forget to bring your business cards! Today’s speakers and panels cover topics including The Power of Collaboration, How Social Media has Changed the Hiring Landscape and an especially top of mind conversation on Trade and Export with special guests from both levels of Government, as well as private business. These are the key conversations we need to hear as we journey towards success in our businesses and economic stability in our communities, regions and the whole of Canada. Bringing this year’s WBE Canada National Conference and Tradeshow to a close is Kim Van Ryn, Human Services Professional and Trauma-Informed Practitioner with a compelling conversation about “The Future of Work”.
Still thinking about it? Your ticket to this year’s conference is your ticket to inspiration, business growth, personal growth, opportunity, expanding your network and renewed focus. We’d love to see you come through those doors full of anticipation, ready to learn, engage and truly be part of what WBE Canada is dedicated to doing – building and growing a strong Canadian ecosystem, connecting women-owned businesses to procurement opportunities through advocacy, certification, development and promotion while helping corporations and government deliver on their inclusive procurement commitments. We can’t wait to see you November 11 -13th at the Delta Hotels and Convention Centre in Toronto as we Focus Forward together.
Now – need to purchase your ticket? Simply go to www.wbeconference.ca/tickets. We’ll see you in Toronto! Registration extended until October 29th!
