On October 21, 2026, AceConnex will bring together employers, educators, industry organizations, students, , government and policymakers for a full-day industry and education event focused on plastics and advanced manufacturing at Centennial College in Scarborough.
The program will include panel discussions exploring the career opportunities available across plastics and advanced manufacturing, along with an exhibit floor featuring more than 30 industry partners. The goal is to tackle workforce challenges from multiple perspectives and create sustainable pathways into employment, while giving industry a direct voice in shaping the talent pipeline.
As Ontario manufacturers adapt to evolving technologies, workforce demands and economic pressures, collaboration between industry, education and government has become increasingly important. Creating opportunities for these groups to learn from one another is essential to building a stronger manufacturing sector.
Certified WBEs: Your Voice Belongs in the Conversation
For WBE Canada-certified businesses in plastics and advanced manufacturing, the afternoon industry-focused session is an opportunity to move beyond networking and contribute directly to the conversation about the future of the sector. The afternoon session is exclusively for registered AceConnex exhibitors. Members working in related manufacturing industries are invited to attend the morning portion of the event as guests.
The afternoon will feature panel discussions and facilitated roundtables designed to bring industry voices to the table which will include small and medium-sized enterprises. Large manufacturers are an important part of the conversation, but SMEs bring a critical perspective on the realities of growth, recruitment, skills development and access to talent. Your experience can help identify what is working, where gaps exist and what needs to change. The conversation will go beyond hiring.
What changes are needed in education and training to better prepare the workforce? What skills will manufacturers need as tariffs and trade uncertainty reshape the industry? What needs to be built or changed to help SMEs scale? And how can employers work more directly with educators to develop the talent pipeline their industries need?
These are questions where the perspective of women-owned and women-led businesses matters.
Be Part of Shaping What Comes Next
AceConnex is creating a space where industry, education and other stakeholders can work together on practical workforce solutions.
For Certified WBEs, this is an opportunity to:
This is more than an opportunity to attend an event. It’s an opportunity to have a voice in the conversation about what the future workforce needs to look like.
If you are a WBE working in plastics, advanced manufacturing or a related area, we encourage you to register to join the afternoon industry-focused session. Bring your experience, your questions and your ideas to the table.
WBE Members in adjacent manufacturing fields are welcome to attend the morning as guests.
When: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Where: Centennial College, Scarborough, Ontario
Focus: Plastics & Advanced Manufacturing
Afternoon: Industry-focused panels and facilitated roundtables
Participation: $1,500 per company which includes an exhibit table, meals and the closing reception.
Questions: Simmie Sereg, simmie.sereg@aceconnex.com
Come connect. Come contribute. Come help shape what comes next for your industry.
Register Here: https://airtable.com/appfberKm5HmBKebW/pagAny6LFgZ2rawsK/form
