Technological and demographic changes, talent shortages, productivity declines, AI and automation are putting increased pressure on business to upskill and reskill the workforce. Training is key to staying competitive in a local, regional and global economy. Without in-house capacity SME’s face unique training/upskilling challenges. What is needed to address this problem? What programs or collaborative models should be explored?
In an increasingly volatile global economy, Canadian SMEs face disruption, but also opportunity. This keynote session will offer insights on the current economic environment and its impact on the future of Canada’s economy. What are the key data driven challenges and opportunities SMEs face? What strategies could be employed to drive innovation and growth? How can monetary and fiscal policy unlock Canada's economic potential?
Canada is falling behind in the global productivity race, even as AI and emerging technologies make their way into our workplaces. These tools have the potential to streamline processes and enhance workflows—but only if they are implemented alongside proper training, education and policies. From automation to generative tools, panelists will unpack the threats and opportunities of AI, and how inclusive, human-centered strategies can help companies accelerate adoption and use tech innovation to close the productivity gap.
Trailblazing SME leaders in the skills ecosystem will share how they overcame real barriers to implement training strategies, adopt new technologies, and scale with purpose. Discover what’s working, what challenges they faced, and what is required to help Canadian businesses upskill at scale.
Canada and Ontario are facing a number of challenges in an increasingly more divided global landscape, from trade and tariffs, supply chain disruptions, weakened productivity and global conflicts. There has been significant discussion about government priorities within this context ranging from redefining commercial relationships, building new infrastructure, energy security and AI adoption. Women own 20% of businesses, generate $90B and almost 1 m jobs and immigrants are more likely to be entrepreneurs and export.
Attendees select one of four breakout networking sessions, each featuring a brief, engaging presentation from a speaker, followed by time for meaningful small-group networking:
- Celebrating Business Excellence Through an Inclusive Lens
- Future-Proofing Your Business Through AR/VR Training
- CAHRC's National Workforce Strategic Plan
- AI Meets Career Development: Lessons from the PathPilot
Following the first round of networking sessions, attendees will join their second choice in breakout rooms. Each session features a brief, engaging presentation from a speaker, followed by time for meaningful small-group networking:
- Celebrating Business Excellence Through an Inclusive Lens
- Future-Proofing Your Business Through AR/VR Training
- CAHRC's National Workforce Strategic Plan
- AI Meets Career Development: Lessons from the PathPilot
The need for talent impacts all sectors, business types and sizes. As a result, many industries are scrambling and competing to find solutions. Whether it’s looking for the right skills through recruitment or implementing a training strategy, everyone is looking for the magic solution. Much of effort has been directed to dealing with industry specific needs. This panel will explore the unique issues facing selected sectors, and how they are developing contextual, diverse, and skills-driven approaches to help them thrive. Whether the solutions are truly unique or do if they have applicability in more than one sector.
