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This icon serves as a link to download the eSSENTIAL Accessibility assistive technology app for individuals with physical disabilities. It is featured as part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
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    • Home
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Program Archives

2021 2022
 

Looking to earn CPD credits towards your CPHR accreditation? Tech Talent North is a pre-approved CPD partner allowing you to earn up to 10 certified education hours towards your CPHR designation.

CHRP, CHRL and CHRE members of HRPA may self-report hours for CPD.


Design your personalized learning experience based on your primary track of interest.

Competing for Talent
Diversity & Innovation
Leadership
Engagement & Culture
 
Day 1 – May 12, 2021
8:15 AM to 8:30 AM
 
Morning Mingler
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM
 
Welcome to Tech Talent North
Speaker:
Laurie Murdoch, VP, People & Organization, Sony Picture Entertainment (Imageworks)
Stephanie Hollingshead, CEO, TAP Network
Carleen A. Thomas, Special Projects Manager, Treaty Lands & Resourcs Dept. Tsleil-Waututh Nation
8:45 AM to 9:15 AM
 
Attracting and Building Tomorrow’s Greatest Teams: When Global is the New Local

Never before has the fight to attract and retain top talent be as fierce as it is today. Here in the final innings of a pandemic that has lasted too long, the complexities of how we work, where we work, and what we need to do to build incredible teams intensifies. How do we enable our teams and culture to stand out so we can bring on the best people and keep them when they arrive, navigate an unpredictable future, and thrive in the new world of work? 

In this engaging, research-backed, and actionable keynote, hear from workplace culture expert and bestselling author Eric Termuende as he shares insights and out-of-the-box thinking that we can immediately implement to better prepare for an uncertain future and build incredible teams.  

What you will learn: 

  • How to build a deeper sense of trust across the team 
  • Where the heart of engagement lies and how to improve it 
  • How culture has evolved over the pandemic and where it resides today 
  • The three rules of recognition and what we can do today to improve alignment 
  • What cilantro can teach us about attracting top talent 
  • The importance of a culture of experimentation and where to start  
Speaker:
Eric Termuende, Co-Founder of NoW of Work, author of the bestselling book Rethink Work, and global keynote speaker, NoW of Work
9:15 AM to 9:35 AM
 
Meet & Greet

Our industry-leading platform allows for you to move between tables, and interract face-to-face with your peers and other HR leaders in tech from across Canada – just as you would at a physical conference! Have a private one-on-one meeting, catch up with old contacts, or share ideas as a group in our Networking Hub.

9:35 AM to 10:05 AM
 
Breakout Sessions
 
Culture as a Product: Building and Scaling a Culture Which Connects

Join our culture, marketing and strategy experts as they explore how organizations can create a strong and compelling employer brand remotely, and that has global appeal. 

You will learn:   

  • The foundational building blocks from both a marketing and people perspective of building a culture which connects with candidates.   
  • The challenges of scale and maintaining your culture as you grow.   
  • The flavour of how decentralized work is changing how leaders think about building and promoting culture.  
Panel:
Mike Leon, President & Founding Partner, Brand Heroes Inc.
Sara Cooper, Chief People Officer, Jobber
 
Buy or Build: How to Ensure You Have the Talent You Need to Grow

One of HR’s key roles in a fast-growth business is to ensure a steady flow of potential succession pool candidates for promotion and new roles. That begs the question, do you buy this talent from the marketplace or do you build the talent internally? Join Laurie Murdock, Vice President, P&O, at Sony Imageworks, and Mike Desjardins, CEO at ViRTUS, for an engaging 30 min conversation on the buy versus build question.  

Speaker:
Mike Desjardins, CEO, ViRTUS
Laurie Murdoch, VP, People & Organization, Sony Picture Entertainment (Imageworks)
 
Embracing a New Era of Performance Management: Linking Strategy to Continuous Performance Management

Curious how to link strategy, continuous performance and people?  It may be time to look at your Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to track progress, create alignment, and encourage engagement around measurable goals instead of traditional performance management reviews. 

You will learn:  

  • How to set OKRs and link them to 1:1s as continuous performance management  
  • Integration of recognition and feedback  
  • Increasing alignment and transparency around performance  
Speaker:
Himanshu Singh, Performance Coach, Paycor
10:15 AM to 10:20 AM
 
Stretch Break with ParticipACTION – Get Fit as You Sit
10:20 AM to 10:50 AM
 
Breakout Sessions
 
Navigating International Hiring: What to Consider Before Making Your First Move?

Do you need to grow your technical team fast? Is it time to internationalize your workforce? Issues such as payroll, benefits, taxes, cross-culture, compliance, immigration, time zones, pay equity etc. for international employees can feel overwhelming. Although the process for hiring global talent or helping international tech talent relocate to Canada isn’t as complicated as it may feel – the playbook is different. 

You will learn: 

  • Key tools for attracting, hiring, managing and retaining international employees 
  • Steps to relocate international tech talent to Canada 
  • To understand the top challenges and solutions of hiring without borders
Speaker:
Alex Bouaziz, Co-Founder & CEO, Deel
Tiona Corcoran, VP Immigration and International Recruitment, Global Talent Accelerator
 
DEI is a Hoax

Traditional DEI behaviour change approach has been ineffective and harmful. Sharon specializes in a radical new approach to diversity and inclusion that is measurable, strategic, and based on a strong foundation of design thinking. She will guide you through what an innovative structural change approach looks like practically and its benefits and outcomes.     

Speaker:
Sharon Nyangweso, Founder & CEO, QuakeLab
 
Innovative Recruiting Trends to Attract and Retain Top Software Development Talent

Canada is projected to see exponential growth in the need for tech talent and software developers in particular for the foreseeable future. Retaining top talent reduces your need to compete for talent. With happy employees being less susceptible to talent poaching, understanding their intrinsic motivation to stay (or join) your company is key. Can you compete for talent against deeply funded tech companies moving into Canada?


Although salaries need to be competitive, money isn’t everything! Learn innovative strategies, including values-based approaches for keeping your high performers, even as a smaller organization.  

You will learn:    

  • Competing for top software development talent 
  • How to attract top software developers and keep them   
  • To develop your employer value proposition (holistic benefits, work life balance, selling your executive team, work environment, etc.) and strategies for retaining a great team.    
  • Employer retention programs that don’t focus on money.    
Moderator: Bethany Edmunds, Teaching Professor, Director of Computing Programs, & Associate Director of Network Programs. Northeastern University
Panel:
Ceri Rees, VP, People & Culture, Domain7
Katie Koleszar, Manager, People Business Partnerships, Clio
10:50 AM to 11:05 AM
 
Networking
11:05 AM to 11:40 AM
 
Scale Fast, Fail Fast? How to Avoid Cannibalizing Culture During Hyper Growth

While paying attention to the strategic side of rapid growth is important, many companies underestimate the critical role culture plays as this growth strategy becomes reality. The oversight of cannibalizing culture during rapid scaling can dampen a company’s growth plans. Hear about the challenges and strategies of three tech companies who have exploded during COVID and how they are preserving their corporate culture.

Moderator: Ilya Brotzky, CEO, VanHack
Panel:
Véronique Lecault, Chief Operating Officer, AbCellera
Miranda Lievers, Co-Founder, Thinkific
Kristina Irvine, Director, Talent Acquistion, SkipTheDishes
11:40 AM to 12:00 PM
 
Daily Wrap Up & Community Meet-up!
 
Day 2 – May 13, 2021
8:15 AM to 8:30 AM
 
Morning Mingler
8:30 AM to 8:35 AM
 
Wake & Shake with ParticipACTION
8:35 AM to 8:40 AM
 
Welcome to Day 2
Speaker:
Stephanie Hollingshead, CEO, TAP Network
8:40 AM to 9:20 AM
 
Radical Transparency: What You Need to Know When Building and Executing Your DEI Strategies

Radical transparency will help to dismantle racism, build trust as an employer and improve employee experience. Organizations who are open about their DEI strategy implementation have better odds to attract, grow and retain impact employees.  Join this authentic and raw conversation on the hard topics no one wants to talk about from this panel of DEI innovators and discover what you need to know when building and executing your DEI strategies.

Moderator: Manpreet Dhillon, CEO, Veza Global
Panel:
Camille Dundas, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief, ByBlacks.com Inc
Priya Verma, Senior Account Manager, Google Canada
Shavonne Hasfal-McIntosh, Diversity & Belonging Senior Lead , Shopify
9:20 AM to 9:35 AM
 
Networking
9:35 AM to 10:05 AM
 
Breakout Sessions
 
You’re on Mute: Tech Talent Insights That Will Speak Volumes on How to Attract Top Candidates and Find the $ to Hire Them

Are you struggling to find the right talent? Come learn what makes the latest generation of tech talent tick. As the world’s largest co-op program, we’ve analyzed over 37,000 postings and want to share our tips and insights with you. You’ll walk away knowing more about the next generation of workforce talent, what skills they have, the checklist you need to make sure you’re attracting top candidates and where to find the $ to hire them. 

What you’ll get out of the session:

  • Learn why 50% of your recruiting efforts targeting Gen Z could be wasted
  • Take away 6 thematic areas you must include in every job description
  • Uncover funds available to support your business case for hiring
Speaker:
Tammy Kim-Newman, Business Developer, University of Waterloo
Emily Burgess, Emily Burgess Business Developer, University of Waterloo
 
Attract & Retain: Building Equitable Compensation Strategies That Will Attract the Right Talent and Keep Your Existing Team Motivated!

An equitable and effective compensation strategy is integral in attracting new talent and retaining and motivating the best performers. It is critical to keep an organization competitive and successful with a strong pipeline of emerging talent and to position themselves as employers of choice. Is it time to do a market adjustment of your compensation and benefits? How can you ensure you are getting it right?  

Speaker:
Leslie Collin, VP, People & Culture, Unbounce
Trisha Neogi, Consultant, Bright + Early
Elaine Grotefeld, Partner, Cleantech and Tech, Odgers Berndtson
 
Making Remote Work Work for the Long Haul! Developing a Permanent Work From Anywhere Model

In a work world where location doesn’t matter there are key issues beyond logistics that organizations need to consider.  Hiring from anywhere and scaling growth can have possible repercussions on the operations, culture and habits of your teams.  Learn tips on what your organization can do to successfully operationalize change for remote or hybrid teams. 

You will learn:  

  • To understand the different strategies for managing hybrid, remote (WFH), and distance remote/global teams.  
  • Tips beyond logistics – how to support your staff with mental health & safety, inclusive workplaces, engagement, etc.  
  • How COVID made us change how we think about recruiting, employer brand and employee value  
Moderator: Chris Munroe, Partner, Labour and Employment Lawyer, Roper Greyell
Panel:
Lisa Zombor, Director of People & Culture, Certn
Vanessa Ribreau, VP of Human Resources & Internal Solutions, AlayaCare
Shauna Grinke, Head of People and Culture, Lush Handmade Cosmetics
10:15 AM - 10:20 AM
 
Stretch Break with ParticipACTION – Break from Busy
10:20 AM to 10:50 AM
 
Breakout Sessions
 
Purpose & Intrinsic Motivation: What Employees are Looking for Beyond Perks and a Pay Cheque

Employees want more than perks and a pay cheque, they are looking for purpose-driven brands that engage their people and communities to do good. With talent having the upper hand in the job market, candidates are seeking proof on issues such as social responsibility, DEI, community investment, ethics, social justice, etc. – organizations can’t be silent regarding their purpose any longer. Employees seek sense of purpose, belonging and being involved in contributing to the greater good through giving, volunteering and positive actions. Learn strategies on how you can power purpose in your organization.   

What you will learn: 

  • Being values-driven and making decisions accordingly 
  • Philanthropy & corporate citizenship 
  • What is the role of the corporation 
  • Intrinsic motivation to join an organization
Speaker:
Sona Khosla, Chief Impact Officer, Benevity
Jennifer Couldrey, Executive Director, Upside Foundation
Shawna Stewart, VP of People & Operations, PostBeyond
Patrick Barron, Vice President, Corporate Citizenship & Community Affairs, TELUS
 
When Data Meets Culture: How to Measure and Drive Change Through Analytics

Tech leaders are always talking about how culture shapes a company’s success. What’s less clear is how to measure culture – and how to use that data to design programs, close gaps and hold people accountable for culture. Paul Rubenstein and Michelle Clayton from Visier will take you through the use of people analytics, employee experience and engagement data in the pursuit of creating a culture fit to your mission. 

You will learn:  

  • What data you can use to measure culture  
  • How to identify the difference between the culture you have, the culture you think you want, and the culture you need  
  • How HR teams can use people analytics to drive and sustain change  
Speaker:
Paul Rubenstein, Chief People Officer, Visier
Michelle Clayton, Director People Operations, Visier
10:50 AM to 11:05 AM
 
Networking
11:05 AM to 11:40 AM
 
Global Teams That Work! Tips & Tactics for Leading High Performing Distance Remote Teams

Many tech companies leverage the diversity and local expertise of employees around the world to gain a competitive edge. The challenges of physical separation and cultural differences can, however, create social distance, lack of emotional connection and communication gaps.  Hear about the biggest challenges, strategies and tips from three global tech team leaders.

Moderator: William Johnson, Founder & Editor, Vancouver Tech Journal
Panel:
Tara Ataya, Chief People & Diversity Officer, Hootsuite
Dan Box, VP of Strategy, EA SPORTS
Adam Kirsh, AVP of Commercial Sales, Canada, Salesforce
11:40 AM to 12:00 PM
 
Closing Remarks, Grand Prize Giveaway Presented by Perkopolis and Coffee & Convos

Our GRAND PRIZE! All you have to do to enter is be present at the Day 2 Closing Keynote, Global Teams That Work! Tips and Tactics for Leading High Performing Distance Remote Teams. A name will randomly be drawn from all online attendees and announced in the session chat in The Keynote & Networking Hub. You will have 1 minute to respond in the chat to claim your prize! 

Speaker:
Laurie Murdoch, VP, People & Organization, Sony Picture Entertainment (Imageworks)
7:30AM - 8:30AM
 
Registration Open, Morning Mingler & Continental Breakfast
7:30AM - 8:30AM
 
Early Bird Wellness Workshop – RSVP Required
This two-part event will start with peer-led, face-to-face dialogues over breakfast where YOUR mental first aid is the focus.  Share experiences and gain practical tools to reset together with fellow people and culture leaders who can relate to the uniquely challenging road you have travelled.   Part two dives into a tactical presentation evaluating and caring for the ever changing physical and mental wellness and expectations of you and your teams.    7:30 – 8:10 Breakfast & Peer Connections. A time to assess ‘How are YOU doing? As leaders it is critical that you take care of your own mental and physical health. Unpack some of the challenges you have been through with other delegates and participate in an optional mental health check-in to assess your own stress and well being.  Stepping back to assess your own wellness may be the best way to help others in both your private and professional life.  8:10 – 8:30 Tackling Employee Wellness Head On – Building Organizational Health in a Changing Workforce   As workforce expectations shift, employers need to adapt to provide holistic support for the wellbeing of their employees to build a more resilient workforce.  This session will explore the new definition of employee wellness and challenge HR leaders to re-think their workforce support to build organizational health for an unpredictable future. Attendees will learn: 
  • How the definition of employee wellness has changed 
  • Considerations for building organizational health and fostering a culture of wellbeing 
  • The role of leadership in supporting employee health & wellness 
  • Where to invest resources to improve the quality of life and work for employees 
Limited capacity. Pre-registration required. REGISTER NOW
speaker:
Lidia Pawlikowski, Associate Vice President, Health Consulting, HUB International
8:45AM - 9:00AM
 
WELCOME
speakers:
Stephanie Hollingshead, CEO, TAP Network
Laurie Murdoch, VP, People & Organization, Sony Picture Entertainment (Imageworks)
9:00AM - 9:40AM
 
OPENING KEYNOTE: Motivation Drivers for Tech Talent

Amidst the great resignation, massive change fatigue and pandemic related weariness, it has become crucial for HR professionals to create a motivating workplace culture. In this session, you will learn:

  • Why you might be motiving your tech talent the wrong way
  • How your unconscious bias towards motivation might need a shift
  • 5 specific strategies that you can implement to create a highly engaged and motivated tech culture

Track: Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness 

speaker:
Vanessa Judelman, President, Mosaic People Development
9:40AM - 10:15AM
 
NETWORKING COFFEE
10:15AM -11:05AM
 
BREAKOUTS 1A- 1C
 
Session 1A: The New Pandemic: Mental Health in the Workplace

Creating a psychologically safe and supportive workplace is not merely a culture and retention strategy, it should be a top initiative from a business, legal and health perspective – and the right of all employees.

Disability claims related to mental health issues and loss of productivity due to PTSD, depression or anxiety have risen substantially in Canada since the pandemic.  Over half of Canadian workers say emotional, mental and physical fatigue is the top issue that is affecting them negatively. However, 37 per cent feel unsafe to talk about mental health at work, according to a report from Sun Life. Healthy organizations with proactive mental health strategies tend to experience lower staff turnover, fewer workplace injuries, less absenteeism and reduced employee burnout.

This session will explore tactical ways to support mental health in the workplace and create a sustainable culture where employees feel comfortable approaching HR with their mental health challenges.

Track: Engagement & Culture

speakers:
Chris Munroe, Partner, Labour and Employment Lawyer, Roper Greyell
Pam Lee, Director, Human Resources, Blackbird Interactive
Kristin Bower, EDI Consultant and Partner
Debbie Pearmain, Principal, One Stop HR
Janet Young, Director, Well-being & Health Services, People & Culture at TELUS
 
SESSION 1B: Cultivating Remote Work Competencies in Remote & Hybrid Teams

“But… can they work well remotely?”  The stakes are high. You’ve worked hard to attract great, qualified candidates and yet versions of this question linger. What are the competencies of effective remote workers and how do you assess and develop them in remote and hybrid organizations?  In this interactive session, participants will learn about the competencies and capabilities identified for successful remote workers and explore the implications for HR & PeopleOps professionals in promoting high-performing hybrid organizations. 

Track: Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness

speaker:
Candace Giesbrecht, Director, Remote Performance Academy, Teamit
 
SESSION 1C: Moving Beyond a Seat at the Table: Gaining Confidence, Power, Influence and Credibility as a C-Suite Leader

The HR function is moving beyond compliance and employee lifecycle management to business leadership that adds measurable business value.  Along with a seat at the leadership table comes expectations; CEOs look for data, metrics, business acumen and quantifiable results from HR leaders in addition to other departments such as finance, engineering and marketing.
The ability to understand and navigate the language and priorities important to business leaders means that HR will be better able to create successful initiatives aligned to and positively impact, business goals based on the human capital and talent development initiatives of a business.
Learn tactical tips on getting the attention and respect of your CEO and other key stakeholders in a move to the front end of strategic business decision-making.
Key take-aways:
1.       Improving your communication style and credibility as a senior leader by eliminating HR jargon, embracing business language that speaks and learning tips from the boardroom table
2.       Increase HR’s influence and engagement with the CEO, BOD and other key stakeholders
3.       Data and metrics that matter most to the C-suite and how to approach less quantifiable people topics
4.       What the CEO wants to see and hear in updates and meetings, especially when making your case for funds or resources

Track: Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness

speaker:
Debby Carreau, CEO & Founder, Inspired HR Ltd
11:15AM - 12:05PM
 
BREAKOUTS 2A – 2C
 
SESSION 2A: Dig In: The New Work Order on Retention

In the “Great Resignation” headlines, the primary focus is on the employees leaving their companies in record-breaking numbers. But what about the supervisors, team-mates and mentors they leave behind?  What work needs to be done on the retention front and promote feelings of connection to leaders and organizations.  In addition to changes in policies and benefits, a winning retention strategy comes down to leadership.

Track: Competing for Talent

Moderator: Helen Sheridan, Chief Human Resources Officer, STEMCELL Technologies
Panel:
Arlin Dueck, Executive Director, Talent, Harvest Builders
Doug van Spronsen, CEO & Co-founder, Versett
Teresa R. Kobayashi-Tabo, Senior Director, People Partners, Hootsuite
 
SESSION 2B: Building Cultures of Belonging From the Inside Out

As leaders, we know how important it is to BE the change as we navigate and lead change within our teams and organizations. Within the context of our rapidly changing and increasingly divided teams, organizations and world, this can be particularly challenging. When we realize all change starts from the inside, our approach becomes so much simpler creating more impact with less effort.
In this session, Jessie Sutherland will share insights and practical strategies to: * Build a culture of belonging from the inside out – starting with yourself, as a leader facilitating change. * Focus your efforts so you can address your priority people and culture challenges more effectively and with greater ease. * Navigate the challenges that get in the way of increasing belonging in the workplace * Attendees will learn about Jessie’s proven award-winning Belonging Matters framework and receive her Culture of Belonging Temperature Check which has led many of her clients to focus their efforts and receive innovation awards for the impact of their social change efforts, that create greater impact with less effort.

Track: Diversity & Innovation

speaker:
Jessie Sutherland, Director, Intercultural Strategies
 
SESSION 2C: People Analytics: Practical Use of AI To Help People Be Better Managers

The social contract between employee and employer has shifted. Employees want both paycheck and purpose. Product and engineering-centric cultures are finding that the ‘human’ side of front-line management has never been more important. Join us to explore how a rhythm of data can elevate the floor for a manager-employee experience and explore how AI can help reshape leadership. In this session we will explore:

  • Connecting everyone to a deeper human truth
  • Practical uses of AI to help make good managers great
  • Humanizing productivity
  • Helping people managers sort signal from noise

Track: Competing for Talent

speaker:
Paul Rubenstein, Chief People Officer, Visier
12:05PM - 1:00PM
 
Networking Lunch
1:00PM - 1:30 PM
 
LUNCH KEYNOTE: Your Performance Management Sucks and Marginalized People Know It!

Integrating diversity, equity and inclusion into processes, culture, and systems for real, measurable change.

Track: Diversity & Innovation

speaker:
Sharon Nyangweso, Founder & CEO, QuakeLab
1:40PM – 2:30PM
 
BREAKOUT 3A-3C
 
SESSION 3A: Innovations in Recruiting to Find Your Future Talent

Where are you looking to hire the next generation of innovators to solve your future talent pipeline challenges? Have you considered unlocking the human potential of under-represented groups such as youth, vets, and Indigenous communities? Hear from organizations who are looking beyond the traditional talent pool to grow their competitive advantage with highly engaged individuals and creative thinkers. Expand your scope and start planning today for tomorrow’s needs.

Track: Competing for Talent

Moderator: Dan Jacob, Head of Partnerships & Corporate Development, The Knowledge Society
Panel:
Ilya Brotzky, CEO, VanHack
Tessa Lane, Talent Solutions Executive, WithYouWithMe
Matt Stokes, Innovator, The Knowledge Society
 
SESSION 3B: How to Build Trust as Your Competitive Advantage for Talent

Recent events have profoundly raised our awareness of the importance of trust. It has also raised our awareness of how little trust we actually have. While many are talking about trust, few are actually talking about how to build it. This session will focus on what trust is, how it works, and how to build it.

What you will learn

  • Trust will be defined
  • The trust model will be outlined and explained
  • Practical application to HR issues in tech

Track: Engagement & Culture

speaker:
Darryl Stickel, Founder, Trust Unlimited
 
SESSION 3C: Beat Burnout with Compassionate Leadership

HR work isn’t easy. Our roles have become the command center to guide our leadership and teams on managing the uncertainty and disruption of world events. And while many of us have found ways to push through the waves of the pandemic, we are still human experiencing the same roller coaster of emotions that our teams are enduring. In this workshop, we’ll learn how compassionate leadership can give us the strength to build a stronger and more resilient post pandemic workplace.

Track: Engagement & Culture 

speaker:
Lorie Corcuera, Head of HR, North America West, DNEG
2:30PM - 2:50PM
 
COFFEE BREAK
2:50PM – 3:40PM
 
BREAKOUTS 4A – 4B
 
SESSION 4A: The Unexpected Side of Growth: Navigating the Hard Parts of Change Management

When an organization is navigating big changes (such as downsizing, M&A, and outsourcing), HR is often at the heart of supporting the team through the complexities of these initiatives. Hear strategies on how to overcome common obstacles and considerations such as communication breakdowns, employee resistance, identifying and mitigating risks, providing emotional support, boosting trust between management and employees and championing change.

Track: Competing for Talent

speakers:
Tia Fomenoff, Sr. Director People and Culture, Thinkific
Natalie Martin, Vice President, Talk Shop
Jeanne-Marie Owens, VP, People Experience / Nerdherder at Phoenix Labs
Moderator: Shirley Andriesh, Head of HR Exports and Expansions, Amazon
 
SESSION 4B: Five Steps to an Incredible Candidate Experience That You Can Implement Today

Going through an interview process can be extremely stressful for candidates. As talent acquisition professionals, one of our key missions is to make that recruitment experience as easy, positive and smooth as possible, so that we can bring out the best in every candidate – their win is our win. In this session, we will discuss 5 low-budget, quick-to-implement steps you can take to enhance your client experience, and leave every candidate that interacts with your organization saying “this is the best hiring process I’ve ever been through!”

Key Takeaways:

  • Candidate experience: why should you care?
  • Key pain points of a candidate experience
  • How to turn each of these pain points into wow opportunities
  • Making the candidate experience that you provide truly unique
  • Tools to implement and measure your results

Track: Competing for Talent

speaker:
Camila Louzada, Director, Talent Infostrux Solutions
 
SESSION 4C: Leadership Lessons From The Pandemic and How They Impact the Future of Work 

Leaders fell under the spotlight during the pandemic, and the valuable lessons learned will help drive companies forward in a transition from crisis to growth mode. As leaders were forced to pivot their businesses and upend their workspaces, employees were gifted the opportunity to experience how human-centric, agile, innovative, transparent, and resilient their organizations were. Hear how these leaders used the strategy and experience of the pandemic to shape the future of work in the ever evolving and fast paced world of tech.  

Moderator: David Bolton, Market Director, Robert Half
Panel:
Amanda Cennon, Head of Future of Work and Employee Experience, Electronic Arts
Michael Weeks, Head of HR, Canada (Consumer), Amazon
 
Connection Zone – RSVP Required

Challenge stereotypes, ask questions, and hear first-hand stories about the good, bad, and exclusive work experiences from our VIP group of storytellers in our connection zone (based on the concept of the ‘Human Library’ experience).  Have authentic 15-minute conversations with diverse individuals representing groups that may otherwise fall outside of your recruiting radar. Our goal is to raise awareness of what it truly takes to create inclusive workspaces and corporate cultures that attract, engage, and retain talent from individuals typically overlooked in the search for tech talent. 

For example hear:

  • Common obstacles facing neurodiverse employees and jobseekers, from challenges interviewing and securing work, to hurdles within the workplace.
  • While developing your talent pipeline, why not talk to teenagers planning to work in tech and hear within the next 5 years. Ask questions and hear their vision of what they will be looking for in a future employer and workplace.
  • Experiences of workplace discrimination for 2SLBGTQQIA+ individuals and how it impacts employees’ health and wellbeing and reduces job commitment and satisfaction.
  • For new immigrants, especially Black People and People of Color, the lack of Canadian credentials and experience compounded by preconceived prejudices results in inequalities in job opportunities.  Hear how as a visible minority, the diverse knowledge and international experience can give them a unique edge in their field.

Attendance for this interactive DEI experience is limited (preregistration is required) but our volunteer storytellers will be networking in the happy hour after conference to make more connections.

Note: our storytellers have generously volunteered to join us for this event and will be given an honorarium for their time. They will share individuals stories and experiences that are not meant to be a  representation of any specific group or community. These conversations should not function as a replacement for assessments, data collection and tangible actions towards building equitable and inclusive workplaces.

Limited capacity. Pre-registration required.

Moderator: Clayton Bergquist, Program Manager, SFU Beedie Mentors in Business
3:40PM - 4:00PM
 
ICE CREAM BREAK

4:00PM – 4:45PM
 
CLOSING KEYNOTE: Leading Distributed Teams Effectively … and Equitably

Pulling together and engaging your distributed workforce has unique challenges. Whether your team works locally but hybrid, or spread across the globe, companies that offer flexibility face common obstacles related to asynchronous communication, equity, engagement, fostering culture and performance management. Hear what processes, tools, strategies, and expectations are utilized by three HR tech leaders to keep their team aligned and productive no matter where they’re located.

Track: Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness

speakers:
Janeen Speer, Chief People Officer, Benevity
Kelsy Trigg, VP & Global Head of HR Advisors, Global Service Delivery, SAP
Julie DeBuhr, Senior HR Director, 1Password
Moderator: Manu Varma, External Relations, Uncommon Purpose
4:45 PM
 
Grand Prize Draw
4:45PM - 6:00PM
 
10th Anniversary Conference “Wine’d” Up
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