Presenting Sponsor
Fall Conference, November 28
Virtual Event
Total CPD: 8.59 hours (4.25 live + 4.34 on-demand)
HRPA is looking to amaze and delight our members with the Fall Conference focusing on artificial intelligence, technology and the future of work.
On November 28, the HR community is invited to explore bridging the digital divide with HR and technology. Not only is technology changing the way we work, but it’s also accelerating the way we change and adapt. Join this virtual event for cutting-edge insights and effective strategies to create a future of bright possibilities for you and your organization.
More details are available on the “Fall Conference” menu tab below.
Also, consider checking out the Fall Executive Event happening November 27.
Executive Event Host
The virtual conference platform is now open.
Please check your email (the one used at the time of registration) for the access instructions.
Sessions begin at 8:15 AM EST on Tuesday, November 28.
Difficulty logging in? For technical support, please email: pdwebinars@hrpa.ca.
For registration support, please email: professionaldevelopment@hrpa.ca
Fall Conference, November 28
“Technology is nothing. What’s important is that you have a faith in people, that they’re basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they’ll do wonderful things with them.” – Steve Jobs, Co-founder of Apple
Not only is technology changing the way we work, but it’s also accelerating the rate at which we adapt to technology. As technology and artificial intelligence continue to advance, the demand for new skills is greater than ever. So, policies, procedures and processes must constantly evolve to keep up. In fact, our future success depends on understanding and integrating these technological advancements.
Since HR professionals are seen as their organizations’ guiding light, there is high demand for ever-expanding efficiencies in how we engage with technology. To meet this demand, the Fall Conference, titled Bridging the Digital Divide will provide cutting-edge insights and effective strategies to create a future of bright possibilities for you and your organization.
Objective of the Event
- To equip HR professionals with insights, strategies, best practices, and tools to help them design and operationalize technology disruption in their organization.
- Understand the technological advances that will play a significant role in shaping the future of HR, and how technology has played an instrumental role in advancing the HR Profession.
- Deliver tools and share experiences so that registrants have clear takeaways and even perhaps action plan(s) to take first steps or build on foundations.
Why attend
- Close the gap between technology and human potential in organizations.
- Gain the latest insights and information to support your business and prepare for the future.
- Learn from leading experts on today’s most pressing workplace issues.
- Collaborate with and learn from other HR professionals facing similar workplace challenges.
Who should attend
- Culture strategists who are involved in the intersection of people and technology.
- HR Managers, and HR Directors who lead the planning and execution of organizational change and technology adoption.
- HR professionals who leverage technology in their work (HR Recruitment Specialists, HR Managers, HR Directors, HR Business Partners, HR Tech Specialist).
- Organizational Development Professionals and others who lead or execute OD strategies and programs in their organizations.
- Business Leaders who are responsible for leadership training and development, tech innovation and employee engagement and policy development.
- HR Professionals who are involved with organizational effectiveness, psychological safety, change-management and DEI&A principles.
Fall Conference Agenda
Please note that HRPA reserves the right to modify and update session titles, descriptions, and speakers.
8:15-8:30 AM | REPLAY: Sparking Change: Fireside Keynote on HR Tech Evolution
Speaker(s): Amber Mac, President, AmberMac Media Inc.; Jodi Kovitz, HBA, LL.B, Hon. LL.D., CEO and Acting Registrar, HRPA
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Welcome, Land Acknowledgement and Event Kickoff
Speaker(s): Thomas Wardman, LL.M., PMP, CISSP, CIPP/C, Vice President, Information Technology and Operations, HRPA
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM | Augmented Human: How Technology Is Shaping the New Reality
Our digital future is no longer a distant promise, but a rapidly growing industry with real-world clout. Consider Apple unveiling their much-anticipated Augmented Reality (AR) Vision Pro headset that seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world — it’s introducing a whole new era of computing.
In this truly cutting-edge talk, Dr. Helen Papagiannis helps us understand the significance of AR and how it is further being organically integrated into our everyday lives. What opportunities does this seismic shift present for business, design, and culture? How can we contribute to and help define this new technological era? And how will it forever change the way we live, work, and play? With great gusto and up-to-the-minute examples, Papagiannis leads us head-on into our virtual future.
Speaker(s): Dr. Helen Papagiannis, World-Leading Expert on Augmented Reality | Author of Augmented Human
10:00 AM – 10:40 AM | Concurrent Sessions: Choice of 3
Crafting an Optimal HR Technology Stack for Your Organization
This session aims to provide valuable insights into the diverse landscape of human resource (HR) software available in the market. We will explore the extensive array of features these solutions offer, how they contribute to achieving various HR objectives, and guide you in the selection process to tailor the best-fit solutions for your business needs.
Speaker(s): Tessa Anaya, Content Analyst, Gartner
Ensuring Privacy and Cybersecurity: Protecting Organizations, Employees, and Complying with the Law
In this session, discover recent developments in privacy law and cybersecurity threats faced by organizations. Learn about robust security measures to protect your business and the legal implications of security breaches. Learn best practices and strategies to enhance your legal preparedness in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Speaker(s): Imran Ahmad, Partner, Canadian Head of Technology Co-Head of Information Governance, Privacy and Cybersecurity Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP / S.E.N.C.R.L., s.r.l.
Revolutionizing Retirement: A Deep Dive into Wealthsimple’s Tech Transformation in Group Savings
Join us for an inspiring session as we dive into Wealthsimple’s remarkable journey of disrupting the employee benefits landscape by building a cutting-edge solution for Group Retirement plans. Learn how this forward-thinking financial technology company identified market shortcomings, developed their own innovative system, and unlocked valuable insights in the process. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Wealthsimple’s transformative journey and gain a deeper understanding of how technology can revolutionize employee benefits and retirement planning.
Speakers(s): Gren Austin, Head of Wealthsimple Work
10:40 AM – 11:00 AM | Energy Break
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Concurrent Sessions: Choice of 2
Hybrid Workforce Strategies in the Age of Virtual Connectedness
A striking 71% of 18- to 24-year-olds now prioritize remote work, shying away from traditional in-office commitments. This tech-savvy generation, born in the digital era, seamlessly embraces online work and the latest technologies.
Nonetheless, some organizational leaders remain skeptical, fearing remote work may hinder the growth of inexperienced talent.
Research from the Work-Learn Institute illuminates the path forward, showcasing the advantages of a hybrid workforce model in nurturing emerging talent. Embracing this hybrid approach is crucial for leaders, as resistance to technological evolution risks depleting the candidate pool.
Join us to explore cutting-edge strategies for successfully managing a hybrid workforce and fostering the development of fresh talent, all within the context of today’s technological advantages.
Speaker(s): Dr. Dave Drewery, Associate Director, Work-Learn Institute
Strategies in Human-Centric Hiring: A Case Study on Scotiabank and Plum
Join us for an insightful session as we delve into the strategies employed by Scotiabank and Plum in their human-centric hiring approach. Discover how these organizations prioritize the holistic well-being of candidates and employees while achieving their recruitment goals. Gain valuable insights into the future of HR practices and the benefits of putting the ‘whole human’ at the center of the hiring process.
Speaker(s): Caitlin MacGregor, CEO, Plum; Paul Cameron, Vice President, Talent Acquisition, Scotiabank
12:00 PM – 12:40 PM | Lunch
12:45 PM – 1:35 PM | Tech for All: Navigating the Crossroads of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility
This session is a must-attend for tech professionals, leaders, and advocates committed to leveraging technology as a force for positive change, inclusivity, and accessibility. Join us in shaping a more equitable and diverse future through the power of technology.
Speaker(s): Thomas Wardman, LL.M., PMP, CISSP, CIPP/C, Vice President, Information Technology and Operations, HRPA; Jim Love, CIO, and Chief Content Officer IT World Canada (ITWC); Lisa Taylor, Founder and President, Challenge Factory
1:45 PM – 3:00 PM | Concurrent Workshops: Choice of 2
Innovation Wants to Be Free: Build a Culture of Innovation and Empower Your Employees to Drive Real Change
Organizations are filled with tremendous knowledge and potential for innovation, but often bureaucracy, politics, and a lack of employee engagement can stifle progress. This workshop provides proven strategies for unlocking the innovative potential within your organization.
An innovation program that aligns with your organization’s values and goals and fosters a supportive culture of creativity and experimentation can make all the difference in driving growth and success.
Speaker(s): Alex Goryachev, Principal – Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, Deployment, Value & Risk Mitigation, PragmaticAI
Futurism, not Forecasts: Stop Preparing for the Future of Work
What if the most important action we can take is to stop preparing for the future? What if, instead, we focus on shaping the Future of Work that we want for ourselves, our children, and future generations? This workshop will break down the five drivers shaping the Future of Work and identify the implications for talent and technology. It challenges you to consider what is hype, what is real, and what we want.
Speaker(s): Lisa Taylor, Founder and President, Challenge Factory; Emree Siaroff, Vice President, Leadership and Consulting, Challenge Factory
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM | Energy Break
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM | Keynote: AI-Powered Strategies for HR Excellence: Upskilling Talent and Streamlining for Strategic Impact
Prepare to embark on a transformative journey that will equip you with the tools and knowledge to supercharge your HR functions with AI, leading to enhanced talent development and streamlined operations for unparalleled strategic impact. Join us to discover the innovative world of AI-powered strategies that will help you unleash the full potential of your team while optimizing your HR department to maximize time and data resources for strategic decision-making.
Speaker(s): Frincy Clement, Ambassador for Canada, Women in AI, Principal Data Scientist, ADP
4:00 PM – 4:15 PM | Closing Remarks and Event Wrap Up
Speaker(s): Thomas Wardman, LL.M., PMP, CISSP, CIPP/C, Vice President, Information Technology and Operations, HRPA
Self-Guided Learning sessions
Self-Guided Learning: Keynote – Generative AI: Shaping the Future of Creativity and Innovation
Join us for an in-depth look at Generative AI’s transformative potential. This session will explore its applications, capabilities, and ethical considerations, unveiling how it’s reshaping industries. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting in AI, this session offers insights into this rapidly evolving field and its future opportunities.
Speaker(s): Kathryn Hume, Vice President, Digital Channels Technology, RBC
Self-Guided Learning: In Discussion with… Cyber Risk Navigation: Strategies for 2024 and Beyond
Join us for an engaging and informative discussion as we navigate the evolving landscape of cyber risk management in 2024. Experts in the field will delve into the latest cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and attack trends that organizations are likely to face in 2024. Gain practical insights into effective cybersecurity strategies, risk mitigation techniques, and the role of emerging technologies in safeguarding digital assets.
Speaker(s): Claudette McGowan, Founder & CEO, Protexxa; Jay Rosenzweig, CEO, Rosenzweig & Company
Self-Guided Learning – PANEL: Executive Insights: Elevating the HR Conversation with Executive People Leaders
This thought-provoking panel discussion, “Elevating Leadership Insights,” brings together seasoned executive leaders, industry experts, and technology thought leaders to explore the intersection between HR and cutting-edge AI technology, illuminating the path forward for the future of work in Ontario and Canada. This session is a must-attend for HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone passionate about the transformative potential of AI in the workplace.
Moderator: Jyoti Grewal, Head of Human Resources and Administration, Lohmann Breeders Canada Ltd.
Speaker(s): Soula Courlas, CHRP, CIM (She, Her/Hers), Partner, Organization and Workforce Transformation, Financial Services, National Lead, Organization Design & Effectiveness, PwC Canada ; Steve Knox, Vice President, Global Talent Acquisition, Ceridian; Sandra Pasquini, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Sobeys/Empire Company Limited.
Self-Guided Learning – Sparking Change: Fireside Keynote on HR Tech Evolution
A keynote discussion on the latest trends, disruptive innovations, and the transformative impact of HR tech in the workplace. Join us for an enlightening conversation that will equip you with the knowledge and tools to drive positive change within your organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the future of HR technology with our thought leaders!”
Speaker(s): Amber Mac, President, AmberMac Media Inc.; Jodi Kovitz, HBA, LL.B, Hon. LL.D., CEO and Acting Registrar, HRPA
Thomas Wardman, LL.M., PMP, CISSP, CIPP/C
Vice President, Information Technology and Operations, HRPA
As VP of IT & Operations, Thomas provides the vision, oversight and execution of HRPA’s IT and business operations strategy. He is also responsible for implementing new business initiatives that support HRPA’s long-term objectives and goals.
Before joining HRPA, w Thomas’ over three decades of experience including having held several senior executive leadership roles at organizations such as CPA Canada, The Royal Conservatory of Music, The College of Family Physicians of Canada, and technology giants Nortel and Hewlett-Packard. In 2020, Thomas was named Canada’s CIO of the Year in the not-for-profit sector for his digital transformation of the Royal Conservatory.
Thomas is a committed life-long learner. He obtained his Master of Laws from the University of Toronto and has his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Lethbridge. He holds additional professional certifications and qualifications, including a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. Thomas is also a member of the Law Society of Ontario’s A2I Advisory Council, helping Ontarians get better access to justice through supporting innovative private sector legal technology innovation.
Thomas resides in the beautiful Niagara region with his wife and two young children. He is passionate about bringing innovation to Ontario’s HR practitioners and building great workplaces.
Imran Ahmad
Partner, Head of Technology, Co-Head of Information Governance, Privacy and Cybersecurity, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
In his role, Imran is the Canadian head of the technology sector as well as the Canadian co-head of the information governance, privacy and cybersecurity practice. He is based in Toronto and Montreal and is recognized as a leading cybersecurity lawyer.
Imran advises clients across all industries on a wide array of technology-related matters, including outsourcing, cloud computing, SaaS, strategic alliances, technology development, system procurement and implementation, technology licensing and transfer, distribution, open-source software, and electronic commerce.
As part of his cybersecurity practice, he works very closely with clients to develop and implement practical strategies related to cyber threats and data breaches. He advises on legal risk assessments, compliance, due diligence and risk allocation, security, and data breach incident preparedness and response.
Imran also often acts as “breach counsel” in the event of a cybersecurity incident and he has extensive experience in managing complex security incidents and cross-border breaches. He also provides representation in the event of an investigation, an enforcement action or a litigation.
Imran is the author of Canada’s first legal incident preparation and response handbook titled Cybersecurity in Canada: A Guide to Best Practices, Planning, and Management (LexisNexis, August 2017).
In his privacy law practice, he advises clients on compliance with Canadian federal and provincial privacy and data management laws. He has a particular focus on cross-border data transfer issues and enterprise-wide governance programs related to privacy and information governance.
Additionally, Imran is the former chair of the Privacy and Access to Information Section of the Ontario Bar Association. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law, where he teaches cybersecurity and privacy law.
Tessa Anaya
Content Analyst, Capterra Canada
Tessa leads method-based investigations to help SMEs in all industries access the insights that can elevate their organizations with the latest technology and software trends. She has been featured in CTV News, the Globe and Mail, Les Affaires, the Financial Post and Yahoo News.
Gren Austin
Head of Wealthsimple Work
Gren is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Wealthsimple’s Group Retirement business. Wealthsimple helps grow wealth, through simple yet delightful human experiences. Gren is a big believer that this philosophy extends into the workplace too.
Passionate about helping Canadians achieve their own version of financial freedom, Gren knows that employer programs like Group RRSPs can help Canadians get started on their retirement plans. Prior to Wealthsimple, Gren spent time at League, supporting the company’s growth at the intersection of health, benefits, and technology.
Paul Cameron (he/him)
Vice President, Talent Acquisition, Scotiabank
Paul is a global leader & human capital solutions professional offering 25+ years of experience. He specializes in building high-performing teams and amplifying engagement, as well as optimizing talent strategy, succession planning, automation, process reengineering and continuous improvement of HR Operations. Paul is a dynamic strategist who inspires people to achieve personal and organizational goals and was featured in LinkedIn’s Our Year of #BuildingTogether Campaign. When not in the office, you can find him at home with his partner Michelle and their four children, two dogs and a cat.
Frincy Clement
Ambassador for Canada, Women in AI, Principal Data Scientist, ADP
Frincy is an award-winning Artificial Intelligence leader, community builder, public speaker and changemaker, with drive and passion for empowering more women to enter careers in AI. She has 9+ years of diverse experience in Telecom, Information & Technology, Consumer goods and Education sectors.
As the Canadian Ambassador for Women in AI (WAI), Frincy leads many strategic initiatives to inspire, connect, mentor and celebrate women AI professionals.
Frincy has received several awards and recognitions for her contributions to AI, including being named 2022 Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100™ by Women Executive Network, 2022 Advocate of the Year by Women in IT Awards and 2022 Women in AI Ambassador of the Year by Women in AI. She was also featured in the 2023 Top 100+ Women Advancing AI and Top 25 Women in AI – Canada Edition by Re. Work.
Frincy is currently working as a Principal Data Scientist at ADP and previously held Data Science roles at AltaML and TELUS Business for three years. She was awarded the “Connection Honors Leaders of Excellence” Award in the category of Emerging Leaders by TELUS in 2021 for her contributions to empowering women in STEM careers.
Dr. Dave Drewery, Associate Director
Work-Learn Institute
David Drewery is the associate director of the Work-Learn Institute (WxL). His research focuses on how organizations can support students in work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences and the benefits organizations gain when doing so. This research agenda includes studies of perceived supervisor support, work engagement, organizational commitment, applicant attraction, employee retention, and talent development–all in the context of WIL.
His research has been published in journals such as Education + Training, Higher Education Research & Development, and Journal of Education and Work. David is also an associate editor of the International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning. In 2022, he earned a PhD from the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo where he studied organizational behaviour and service management.
Alex Goryachev
Strategic Advisor, Speaker, Managing Partner, Pragmatic AI
Alex is a globally recognized technology operations executive, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and an expert in advancing innovation culture and monetizing new technology.
With over 20 years of experience in digital transformation, he has successfully commercialized emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and others.
As the former General Manager of Global Innovation Centers and Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at Cisco, a $50B technology giant, Alex pioneered the concept of ecosystem co-innovation. He created and led a global network of emerging technology innovation centers in North and South America, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific, unifying and advancing strategic co-innovation partnerships and advanced technology programs with internal and external stakeholders. In addition to his senior leadership roles in the Office of the Chief Architect and Technology Officer, Emerging Technology Group, and Corporate Development, Alex has also created award-winning employee innovation and development offerings.
His extensive track record includes leading global cross-industry business and technology teams, focused on revenue and market share growth, customer acquisition and profitability through new digital products and offerings.
Today, Alex is an Innovator-in-Residence at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Tulane University, and a Technical Advisory Group member in the International Standards Association (ISO), defining global standards for innovation management. He is also a regular contributor to Forbes, Entrepreneur and Chief Executive Magazine, and an Editorial Advisory Board Member for Innovation Leader Magazine. Alex has received numerous industry awards for innovation and culture transformation and is a sought-after expert for audiences ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
He equips Senior Leaders, as well as HR, Operations, Strategy & Planning teams with pragmatic and actionable steps to understand and accelerate technology adoption, optimize processes, change culture, and turns any organization into an evergreen innovation machine.
Alex is a dynamic, keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, with a wealth of experience in technology and innovation. He has delivered 257+ speaking engagements on 4 continents. His candid, thought-provoking, yet entertaining speeches demystify innovation, and encourage the audience to re-think corporate norms. Alex masterfully combines best industry practices with his own international startup and corporate experience, equipping the audience with actionable steps that can change the culture and turn any organization into an innovation machine.
Jim Love
CIO and Chief Content Officer IT World Canada (ITWC)
Jim Love, FCMC, brings with him an impressive five-decade career across diverse roles in technology, marketing, consulting, broadcasting and more. In his current role, he oversees both technology and content strategies, reflecting his unique combination of technical acumen and creative prowess. Known for his expertise in technology, cybersecurity and digital marketing, Jim is also emerging as an expert in the application of Generative AI.
As a broadcaster, Jim goes to air five days a week with daily news, as well as a weekend interview show called Hashtag Trending, one of North America’s leading technology podcasts. He also hosts Leadership in the Digital Enterprise, featuring in-depth interviews with industry leaders. In addition, Jim hosts major national events, including MapleSEC, Canada’s premier national online security event, and Analytics Unleashed, another national event focussing on how companies can derive greater value from analytics and AI.
Before coming to IT World Canada, Jim worked as a consultant, serving clients spanning various industries, including telcos, financial services companies, mining, natural resources and governments around the world. Prior to his consulting career, he held senior IT positions in financial services and insurance. He also served as VP for the former DMR Group and worked at Ernst & Young as a Principal in Toronto.
Jim has trained and mentored hundreds of management consultants. This and his other outstanding contributions to the consulting industry earned him the title of Fellow of the Institute of Certified Management Consultants As an educator, he has taught at the University of Waterloo and York University. He has also designed and implemented private training programmes in technology, change management, lean process transformation, and consulting.
Jim is a prolific writer, with publications in leading journals within Canada and internationally. Most notably, the book he co-wrote, “Digital Transformation in the First Person” and his invitation to present a paper for the 2021 IEEE summit in Europe are just a couple of examples of his thought leadership. His current project is a book titled “Data-Driven” that explores how businesses can transform to deliver exceptional customer experiences and compete as digital enterprises. This stems from Jim’s experience building the analytics engine at ITWC and fostering a data-driven culture.
Jim’s multifaceted career, innovative thinking and pursuit of excellence establish him as a sought-after expert in the technology industry. His ability to bridge technology and creativity cements his status as a thought leader, guiding businesses in navigating the complexities of the digital age.
Caitlin MacGregor
CEO and Co-Founder, Plum
Caitlin is passionate about helping people reach their true potential. That’s why, after building two businesses for other people, she founded Plum – to help organizations fully leverage the human potential within their workforces. Plum equips business leaders with the talent data needed to match employees’ talent to roles where they’ll thrive, so that the business can thrive too.
Caitlin is a regular speaker at global events including CES, Human Resource Executive HR Technology Conference & Exposition, Americas’ SAP Users’ Group Women Connect, HRCI Higher Standards Summit and more. She also is a sought-after guest on podcasts including, Recruiting Daily, The Recruitment Flex Podcast and 3Sixty Insights. In addition, she has been quoted in the NY Times, Financial Post, The Globe and Mail, The Record, Global News, Human Resource Executive, and Benefits Pro. Caitlin is a gold GLOBEE® Women World Awards winner for Achievement in Innovation and was named an Inspiring Leader by InspiringTM Workplaces.
Dr. Helen Papagiannis
World-Leading Expert on Augmented Reality, Author of Augmented Human
A pioneer in the world of augmented reality, Dr. Helen Papagiannis is a globally recognized authority on immersive technologies and spatial computing. She has dedicated nearly two decades of her life towards this ever-evolving technology, exploring its potential to expand human intelligence and amplify human possibility. With great gusto, Papagiannis offers a fascinating and cutting-edge look at how today’s business leaders can prepare for the many “realities” ahead. The bestselling author of Augmented Human: How Technology is Shaping the New Reality, Papagiannis is also the founder of XR GOES POP, a consulting firm focused on AR, XR, and immersive technologies across retail and popular culture. She is also a member of The World Economic Forum’s invite-only Global Future Council on Augmented and Virtual Reality, and a Metaverse Initiative Partner. Prior to this, Papagiannis was the Chief Innovation Officer at Infinity Augmented Reality Inc. (acquired by Alibaba) and a senior research associate at York University’s Augmented Reality Lab. She also worked for the internationally acclaimed Bruce Mau Design studio, where she was the project lead on “Massive Change: The Future of Global Design”.
With clients such as Louis Vuitton and Adobe, and features in The New York Times, WIRED and Harvard Business Review, Papagiannis has presented at renowned events such as TEDx, SXSW, the International Society for Mixed and Augmented Reality, the Augmented World Expo, and the International Symposium for Electronic Art). Her TEDx talk was named one of the top 10 on augmented reality and gamified life.
Emree Siaroff
Vice President, Leadership and Consulting, Challenge Factory
Emree is a strategic, results-focused and change oriented leader with 30 plus years of domestic and global HR experience in the retail, commodities, manufacturing and professional services industries. He brings with him the wisdom and passion that help drive the importance of culture in an organization, along with an understanding of how HR can engage people and deliver sustainable value by enabling the business.
Emree holds a BA in Administrative and Commercial Studies from the University of Western Ontario, a CHRM, HR from Seneca College, and a Certificate in Strategic HR from Queen’s University. He is actively involved in his community as a board member at Sprint Senior Care and has previously served as a board member for the Canadian Employee Relocation Council. He has also volunteered extensively at his local foodbank and with homeless youth.
At Challenge Factory, Emree and his team strive to do meaningful work, learn, and grow together while enhancing a care-centric work culture that enables everyone to come to work as their authentic selves.
Lisa Taylor
Founder and President, Challenge Factory
Lisa Taylor is an author, entrepreneur, consultant, futurist, and community leader focused on making sense of the changing world of work. She is the President of Challenge Factory, a Future of Work research agency and consultancy (and certified B Corp) that focuses on policy and systems change, convening, and thought leadership. Lisa has published 5 employer-focused books including The Talent Revolution: Longevity and the Future of Work. She is one of the WXN 2022 Most Powerful Women in Canada Top 100 award winners and an associate fellow for the National Institute on Ageing.
Thomas Wardman, LL.M., PMP, CISSP, CIPP/C
Vice President, Information Technology and Operations, HRPA
As VP of IT & Operations, Thomas provides the vision, oversight and execution of HRPA’s IT and business operations strategy. He is also responsible for implementing new business initiatives that support HRPA’s long-term objectives and goals.
Before joining HRPA, w Thomas’ over three decades of experience including having held several senior executive leadership roles at organizations such as CPA Canada, The Royal Conservatory of Music, The College of Family Physicians of Canada, and technology giants Nortel and Hewlett-Packard. In 2020, Thomas was named Canada’s CIO of the Year in the not-for-profit sector for his digital transformation of the Royal Conservatory.
Thomas is a committed life-long learner. He obtained his Master of Laws from the University of Toronto and has his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Lethbridge. He holds additional professional certifications and qualifications, including a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. Thomas is also a member of the Law Society of Ontario’s A2I Advisory Council, helping Ontarians get better access to justice through supporting innovative private sector legal technology innovation.
Thomas resides in the beautiful Niagara region with his wife and two young children. He is passionate about bringing innovation to Ontario’s HR practitioners and building great workplaces.
Imran Ahmad
Partner, Head of Technology, Co-Head of Information Governance, Privacy and Cybersecurity, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
In his role, Imran is the Canadian head of the technology sector as well as the Canadian co-head of the information governance, privacy and cybersecurity practice. He is based in Toronto and Montreal and is recognized as a leading cybersecurity lawyer.
Imran advises clients across all industries on a wide array of technology-related matters, including outsourcing, cloud computing, SaaS, strategic alliances, technology development, system procurement and implementation, technology licensing and transfer, distribution, open-source software, and electronic commerce.
As part of his cybersecurity practice, he works very closely with clients to develop and implement practical strategies related to cyber threats and data breaches. He advises on legal risk assessments, compliance, due diligence and risk allocation, security, and data breach incident preparedness and response.
Imran also often acts as “breach counsel” in the event of a cybersecurity incident and he has extensive experience in managing complex security incidents and cross-border breaches. He also provides representation in the event of an investigation, an enforcement action or a litigation.
Imran is the author of Canada’s first legal incident preparation and response handbook titled Cybersecurity in Canada: A Guide to Best Practices, Planning, and Management (LexisNexis, August 2017).
In his privacy law practice, he advises clients on compliance with Canadian federal and provincial privacy and data management laws. He has a particular focus on cross-border data transfer issues and enterprise-wide governance programs related to privacy and information governance.
Additionally, Imran is the former chair of the Privacy and Access to Information Section of the Ontario Bar Association. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law, where he teaches cybersecurity and privacy law.
Tessa Anaya
Content Analyst, Capterra Canada
Tessa leads method-based investigations to help SMEs in all industries access the insights that can elevate their organizations with the latest technology and software trends. She has been featured in CTV News, the Globe and Mail, Les Affaires, the Financial Post and Yahoo News.
Gren Austin
Head of Wealthsimple Work
Gren is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Wealthsimple’s Group Retirement business. Wealthsimple helps grow wealth, through simple yet delightful human experiences. Gren is a big believer that this philosophy extends into the workplace too.
Passionate about helping Canadians achieve their own version of financial freedom, Gren knows that employer programs like Group RRSPs can help Canadians get started on their retirement plans. Prior to Wealthsimple, Gren spent time at League, supporting the company’s growth at the intersection of health, benefits, and technology.
Paul Cameron (he/him)
Vice President, Talent Acquisition, Scotiabank
Paul is a global leader & human capital solutions professional offering 25+ years of experience. He specializes in building high-performing teams and amplifying engagement, as well as optimizing talent strategy, succession planning, automation, process reengineering and continuous improvement of HR Operations. Paul is a dynamic strategist who inspires people to achieve personal and organizational goals and was featured in LinkedIn’s Our Year of #BuildingTogether Campaign. When not in the office, you can find him at home with his partner Michelle and their four children, two dogs and a cat.
Frincy Clement
Ambassador for Canada, Women in AI, Principal Data Scientist, ADP
Frincy is an award-winning Artificial Intelligence leader, community builder, public speaker and changemaker, with drive and passion for empowering more women to enter careers in AI. She has 9+ years of diverse experience in Telecom, Information & Technology, Consumer goods and Education sectors.
As the Canadian Ambassador for Women in AI (WAI), Frincy leads many strategic initiatives to inspire, connect, mentor and celebrate women AI professionals.
Frincy has received several awards and recognitions for her contributions to AI, including being named 2022 Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100™ by Women Executive Network, 2022 Advocate of the Year by Women in IT Awards and 2022 Women in AI Ambassador of the Year by Women in AI. She was also featured in the 2023 Top 100+ Women Advancing AI and Top 25 Women in AI – Canada Edition by Re. Work.
Frincy is currently working as a Principal Data Scientist at ADP and previously held Data Science roles at AltaML and TELUS Business for three years. She was awarded the “Connection Honors Leaders of Excellence” Award in the category of Emerging Leaders by TELUS in 2021 for her contributions to empowering women in STEM careers.
Dr. Dave Drewery, Associate Director
Work-Learn Institute
David Drewery is the associate director of the Work-Learn Institute (WxL). His research focuses on how organizations can support students in work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences and the benefits organizations gain when doing so. This research agenda includes studies of perceived supervisor support, work engagement, organizational commitment, applicant attraction, employee retention, and talent development–all in the context of WIL.
His research has been published in journals such as Education + Training, Higher Education Research & Development, and Journal of Education and Work. David is also an associate editor of the International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning. In 2022, he earned a PhD from the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo where he studied organizational behaviour and service management.
Alex Goryachev
Strategic Advisor, Speaker, Managing Partner, Pragmatic AI
Alex is a globally recognized technology operations executive, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and an expert in advancing innovation culture and monetizing new technology.
With over 20 years of experience in digital transformation, he has successfully commercialized emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and others.
As the former General Manager of Global Innovation Centers and Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at Cisco, a $50B technology giant, Alex pioneered the concept of ecosystem co-innovation. He created and led a global network of emerging technology innovation centers in North and South America, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific, unifying and advancing strategic co-innovation partnerships and advanced technology programs with internal and external stakeholders. In addition to his senior leadership roles in the Office of the Chief Architect and Technology Officer, Emerging Technology Group, and Corporate Development, Alex has also created award-winning employee innovation and development offerings.
His extensive track record includes leading global cross-industry business and technology teams, focused on revenue and market share growth, customer acquisition and profitability through new digital products and offerings.
Today, Alex is an Innovator-in-Residence at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Tulane University, and a Technical Advisory Group member in the International Standards Association (ISO), defining global standards for innovation management. He is also a regular contributor to Forbes, Entrepreneur and Chief Executive Magazine, and an Editorial Advisory Board Member for Innovation Leader Magazine. Alex has received numerous industry awards for innovation and culture transformation and is a sought-after expert for audiences ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
He equips Senior Leaders, as well as HR, Operations, Strategy & Planning teams with pragmatic and actionable steps to understand and accelerate technology adoption, optimize processes, change culture, and turns any organization into an evergreen innovation machine.
Alex is a dynamic, keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, with a wealth of experience in technology and innovation. He has delivered 257+ speaking engagements on 4 continents. His candid, thought-provoking, yet entertaining speeches demystify innovation, and encourage the audience to re-think corporate norms. Alex masterfully combines best industry practices with his own international startup and corporate experience, equipping the audience with actionable steps that can change the culture and turn any organization into an innovation machine.
Jim Love
CIO and Chief Content Officer IT World Canada (ITWC)
Jim Love, FCMC, brings with him an impressive five-decade career across diverse roles in technology, marketing, consulting, broadcasting and more. In his current role, he oversees both technology and content strategies, reflecting his unique combination of technical acumen and creative prowess. Known for his expertise in technology, cybersecurity and digital marketing, Jim is also emerging as an expert in the application of Generative AI.
As a broadcaster, Jim goes to air five days a week with daily news, as well as a weekend interview show called Hashtag Trending, one of North America’s leading technology podcasts. He also hosts Leadership in the Digital Enterprise, featuring in-depth interviews with industry leaders. In addition, Jim hosts major national events, including MapleSEC, Canada’s premier national online security event, and Analytics Unleashed, another national event focussing on how companies can derive greater value from analytics and AI.
Before coming to IT World Canada, Jim worked as a consultant, serving clients spanning various industries, including telcos, financial services companies, mining, natural resources and governments around the world. Prior to his consulting career, he held senior IT positions in financial services and insurance. He also served as VP for the former DMR Group and worked at Ernst & Young as a Principal in Toronto.
Jim has trained and mentored hundreds of management consultants. This and his other outstanding contributions to the consulting industry earned him the title of Fellow of the Institute of Certified Management Consultants As an educator, he has taught at the University of Waterloo and York University. He has also designed and implemented private training programmes in technology, change management, lean process transformation, and consulting.
Jim is a prolific writer, with publications in leading journals within Canada and internationally. Most notably, the book he co-wrote, “Digital Transformation in the First Person” and his invitation to present a paper for the 2021 IEEE summit in Europe are just a couple of examples of his thought leadership. His current project is a book titled “Data-Driven” that explores how businesses can transform to deliver exceptional customer experiences and compete as digital enterprises. This stems from Jim’s experience building the analytics engine at ITWC and fostering a data-driven culture.
Jim’s multifaceted career, innovative thinking and pursuit of excellence establish him as a sought-after expert in the technology industry. His ability to bridge technology and creativity cements his status as a thought leader, guiding businesses in navigating the complexities of the digital age.
Caitlin MacGregor
CEO and Co-Founder, Plum
Caitlin is passionate about helping people reach their true potential. That’s why, after building two businesses for other people, she founded Plum – to help organizations fully leverage the human potential within their workforces. Plum equips business leaders with the talent data needed to match employees’ talent to roles where they’ll thrive, so that the business can thrive too.
Caitlin is a regular speaker at global events including CES, Human Resource Executive HR Technology Conference & Exposition, Americas’ SAP Users’ Group Women Connect, HRCI Higher Standards Summit and more. She also is a sought-after guest on podcasts including, Recruiting Daily, The Recruitment Flex Podcast and 3Sixty Insights. In addition, she has been quoted in the NY Times, Financial Post, The Globe and Mail, The Record, Global News, Human Resource Executive, and Benefits Pro. Caitlin is a gold GLOBEE® Women World Awards winner for Achievement in Innovation and was named an Inspiring Leader by InspiringTM Workplaces.
Dr. Helen Papagiannis
World-Leading Expert on Augmented Reality, Author of Augmented Human
A pioneer in the world of augmented reality, Dr. Helen Papagiannis is a globally recognized authority on immersive technologies and spatial computing. She has dedicated nearly two decades of her life towards this ever-evolving technology, exploring its potential to expand human intelligence and amplify human possibility. With great gusto, Papagiannis offers a fascinating and cutting-edge look at how today’s business leaders can prepare for the many “realities” ahead. The bestselling author of Augmented Human: How Technology is Shaping the New Reality, Papagiannis is also the founder of XR GOES POP, a consulting firm focused on AR, XR, and immersive technologies across retail and popular culture. She is also a member of The World Economic Forum’s invite-only Global Future Council on Augmented and Virtual Reality, and a Metaverse Initiative Partner. Prior to this, Papagiannis was the Chief Innovation Officer at Infinity Augmented Reality Inc. (acquired by Alibaba) and a senior research associate at York University’s Augmented Reality Lab. She also worked for the internationally acclaimed Bruce Mau Design studio, where she was the project lead on “Massive Change: The Future of Global Design”.
With clients such as Louis Vuitton and Adobe, and features in The New York Times, WIRED and Harvard Business Review, Papagiannis has presented at renowned events such as TEDx, SXSW, the International Society for Mixed and Augmented Reality, the Augmented World Expo, and the International Symposium for Electronic Art). Her TEDx talk was named one of the top 10 on augmented reality and gamified life.
Emree Siaroff
Vice President, Leadership and Consulting, Challenge Factory
Emree is a strategic, results-focused and change oriented leader with 30 plus years of domestic and global HR experience in the retail, commodities, manufacturing and professional services industries. He brings with him the wisdom and passion that help drive the importance of culture in an organization, along with an understanding of how HR can engage people and deliver sustainable value by enabling the business.
Emree holds a BA in Administrative and Commercial Studies from the University of Western Ontario, a CHRM, HR from Seneca College, and a Certificate in Strategic HR from Queen’s University. He is actively involved in his community as a board member at Sprint Senior Care and has previously served as a board member for the Canadian Employee Relocation Council. He has also volunteered extensively at his local foodbank and with homeless youth.
At Challenge Factory, Emree and his team strive to do meaningful work, learn, and grow together while enhancing a care-centric work culture that enables everyone to come to work as their authentic selves.
Lisa Taylor
Founder and President, Challenge Factory
Lisa Taylor is an author, entrepreneur, consultant, futurist, and community leader focused on making sense of the changing world of work. She is the President of Challenge Factory, a Future of Work research agency and consultancy (and certified B Corp) that focuses on policy and systems change, convening, and thought leadership. Lisa has published 5 employer-focused books including The Talent Revolution: Longevity and the Future of Work. She is one of the WXN 2022 Most Powerful Women in Canada Top 100 award winners and an associate fellow for the National Institute on Ageing.
Not sure of your schedule? Register virtually for on demand access!
Whether you attend the virtual sessions live or not, registering will give you access to the conference recordings. On-demand viewings qualify for CPD hours and recordings are made available for one year post-event date.
Individual
| Virtual | Members | Non-Members | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Bird October 1 – October 26 | $100 | ||
| Regular October 27 onward | $295 | $395 | $100 |
Virtual Event Pricing Inclusions
All registration fees include access to the live, virtual streamed sessions as well as access to the conference recordings post-event.
Register for Corporate Group Rates
Benefit from team, department or company registration with our corporate rates. Corporate rates are applicable to virtual participation and individuals from the same company and may include members or non-members.
| Corporate Rates | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Up to 5 team members | $735 Average price per person: $147 |
| Up to 10 team members | $1,325 Average price per person: $132.50 |
| Up to 20 team members | $2,385 Average price per person: $119.25 |
| Unlimited | $3,325 |
Corporate Event Pricing Inclusions
Pricing is for virtual participation only and includes access to the live, virtual streamed sessions as well as access to the conference recordings post-event.
Ready to register your team? Click on the button below to get started.
CANCELLATIONS, TRANSFERS and REFUNDS
All cancellation requests or inquiries must be emailed to professionaldevelopment@hrpa.ca.
Refund Schedule
- Event Date: November 28, 2023
- Cutoff Date (7 days before the event date): November 21, 2023
| Cancellation Request Date | Online Participant Refund |
|---|---|
| 14 days or more before the event date | 100% refund |
| 7 – 13 days before the event date | 100% refund, less $75 admin fee. |
| Less than 7 days before the event date | 50% refund, less $75 admin fee. |
Whether you attend live or not, your registration grants you access to the on-demand recordings. If you cancel your registration, you do not gain access to the recordings.
HRPA reserves the right to change/modify or cancel any event. HRPA’s liability is limited to the paid registration fee and does not include liability for incidental costs including (but not limited to) hotel and airfare.
Check out our sponsor resources!
Capterra is the #1 destination for organizations to find the right software. Our marketplace spans 95,000+ solutions across 900 software types, and offers access to over 2 million verified reviews— helping organizations save time, increase productivity and accelerate their growth.
Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases, built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines and working to prevent and ultimately cure the diseases we treat. Novo Nordisk employs more than 59,000 people in 80 offices around the world, and market our products in 170 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.com, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube.
Realize is a leader in research, advocacy and action addressing the range of complex barriers to inclusion people living with episodic disabilities experience, with a strong focus on employment. Realize convenes the Episodic Disabilities Forum — a pan-Canadian forum comprising people with living experience, national disability organizations, federal policy-makers, and researchers – and also leads a network of businesses focused on episodic disabilities in the workplace.
Corporate meal perks to feed your team and fuel your business.
Skip For Business (by Skip) is on a mission to become the preferred corporate meal perks solution for Canadian businesses. Flexible and easy to manage, it’s a new way to drive employee productivity, wellness and recruitment — without eating through your time or budget. With access to 47K+ restaurants nationally, Skip’s platform services millions of Canadians each year by saving them time to do the things they love through convenient delivery. Get started with Skip For Business today!
The University is home to the world’s largest co-operative education program with more than 25,000 active students enrolled in 120+ accredited co-op programs across six faculties. Co-op opportunities come from our global hire waterloo network of 7,500 employers in more than 65 different countries and are an important way to help students develop critical skills for a complex future workforce.
Workleap is a simple employee experience software, streamlining talent management and productivity tools adoption so your people can perform at their best. Built for today’s leaders and their teams, Workleap products foster engagement, performance, growth, and productivity within organizations.
With over 20,000 happy customers in more than 100 countries, Workleap is a must-have for businesses looking to create a more engaging and successful workplace.
Founded in 2013, BetterUp® is the human transformation company driving peak performance in individuals and organizations through unparalleled access to coaching, content, community, and AI. BetterUp is the inventor of virtual coaching and the largest mental health and coaching startup in the world, with the world’s largest network of over 4,000 Coaches offering support in 64 languages across over 70 countries. Trusted by more than 600 organizations including NASA, Google, Chipotle, Salesforce, Hilton, and other leading Fortune 1,000 companies, BetterUp delivers on key impact areas – transformational leadership, resilience and readiness, and manager effectiveness – all with the vision to inspire people everywhere to live with greater clarity, purpose, and passion. BetterUp’s Science Board is composed of leading researchers and luminaries in the fields of positive psychology and human performance including Martin Seligman, Shawn Achor, Quinetta Roberson, and Adam Grant who also serves as the Chairman of the BetterUp Center for Purpose & Performance.
Fall Conference, November 28
“Technology is nothing. What’s important is that you have a faith in people, that they’re basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they’ll do wonderful things with them.” – Steve Jobs, Co-founder of Apple
Not only is technology changing the way we work, but it’s also accelerating the rate at which we adapt to technology. As technology and artificial intelligence continue to advance, the demand for new skills is greater than ever. So, policies, procedures and processes must constantly evolve to keep up. In fact, our future success depends on understanding and integrating these technological advancements.
Since HR professionals are seen as their organizations’ guiding light, there is high demand for ever-expanding efficiencies in how we engage with technology. To meet this demand, the Fall Conference, titled Bridging the Digital Divide will provide cutting-edge insights and effective strategies to create a future of bright possibilities for you and your organization.
Objective of the Event
- To equip HR professionals with insights, strategies, best practices, and tools to help them design and operationalize technology disruption in their organization.
- Understand the technological advances that will play a significant role in shaping the future of HR, and how technology has played an instrumental role in advancing the HR Profession.
- Deliver tools and share experiences so that registrants have clear takeaways and even perhaps action plan(s) to take first steps or build on foundations.
Why attend
- Close the gap between technology and human potential in organizations.
- Gain the latest insights and information to support your business and prepare for the future.
- Learn from leading experts on today’s most pressing workplace issues.
- Collaborate with and learn from other HR professionals facing similar workplace challenges.
Who should attend
- Culture strategists who are involved in the intersection of people and technology.
- HR Managers, and HR Directors who lead the planning and execution of organizational change and technology adoption.
- HR professionals who leverage technology in their work (HR Recruitment Specialists, HR Managers, HR Directors, HR Business Partners, HR Tech Specialist).
- Organizational Development Professionals and others who lead or execute OD strategies and programs in their organizations.
- Business Leaders who are responsible for leadership training and development, tech innovation and employee engagement and policy development.
- HR Professionals who are involved with organizational effectiveness, psychological safety, change-management and DEI&A principles.
Fall Conference Agenda
Please note that HRPA reserves the right to modify and update session titles, descriptions, and speakers.
8:15-8:30 AM | REPLAY: Sparking Change: Fireside Keynote on HR Tech Evolution
Speaker(s): Amber Mac, President, AmberMac Media Inc.; Jodi Kovitz, HBA, LL.B, Hon. LL.D., CEO and Acting Registrar, HRPA
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Welcome, Land Acknowledgement and Event Kickoff
Speaker(s): Thomas Wardman, LL.M., PMP, CISSP, CIPP/C, Vice President, Information Technology and Operations, HRPA
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM | Augmented Human: How Technology Is Shaping the New Reality
Our digital future is no longer a distant promise, but a rapidly growing industry with real-world clout. Consider Apple unveiling their much-anticipated Augmented Reality (AR) Vision Pro headset that seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world — it’s introducing a whole new era of computing.
In this truly cutting-edge talk, Dr. Helen Papagiannis helps us understand the significance of AR and how it is further being organically integrated into our everyday lives. What opportunities does this seismic shift present for business, design, and culture? How can we contribute to and help define this new technological era? And how will it forever change the way we live, work, and play? With great gusto and up-to-the-minute examples, Papagiannis leads us head-on into our virtual future.
Speaker(s): Dr. Helen Papagiannis, World-Leading Expert on Augmented Reality | Author of Augmented Human
10:00 AM – 10:40 AM | Concurrent Sessions: Choice of 3
Crafting an Optimal HR Technology Stack for Your Organization
This session aims to provide valuable insights into the diverse landscape of human resource (HR) software available in the market. We will explore the extensive array of features these solutions offer, how they contribute to achieving various HR objectives, and guide you in the selection process to tailor the best-fit solutions for your business needs.
Speaker(s): Tessa Anaya, Content Analyst, Gartner
Ensuring Privacy and Cybersecurity: Protecting Organizations, Employees, and Complying with the Law
In this session, discover recent developments in privacy law and cybersecurity threats faced by organizations. Learn about robust security measures to protect your business and the legal implications of security breaches. Learn best practices and strategies to enhance your legal preparedness in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Speaker(s): Imran Ahmad, Partner, Canadian Head of Technology Co-Head of Information Governance, Privacy and Cybersecurity Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP / S.E.N.C.R.L., s.r.l.
Revolutionizing Retirement: A Deep Dive into Wealthsimple’s Tech Transformation in Group Savings
Join us for an inspiring session as we dive into Wealthsimple’s remarkable journey of disrupting the employee benefits landscape by building a cutting-edge solution for Group Retirement plans. Learn how this forward-thinking financial technology company identified market shortcomings, developed their own innovative system, and unlocked valuable insights in the process. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Wealthsimple’s transformative journey and gain a deeper understanding of how technology can revolutionize employee benefits and retirement planning.
Speakers(s): Gren Austin, Head of Wealthsimple Work
10:40 AM – 11:00 AM | Energy Break
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Concurrent Sessions: Choice of 2
Hybrid Workforce Strategies in the Age of Virtual Connectedness
A striking 71% of 18- to 24-year-olds now prioritize remote work, shying away from traditional in-office commitments. This tech-savvy generation, born in the digital era, seamlessly embraces online work and the latest technologies.
Nonetheless, some organizational leaders remain skeptical, fearing remote work may hinder the growth of inexperienced talent.
Research from the Work-Learn Institute illuminates the path forward, showcasing the advantages of a hybrid workforce model in nurturing emerging talent. Embracing this hybrid approach is crucial for leaders, as resistance to technological evolution risks depleting the candidate pool.
Join us to explore cutting-edge strategies for successfully managing a hybrid workforce and fostering the development of fresh talent, all within the context of today’s technological advantages.
Speaker(s): Dr. Dave Drewery, Associate Director, Work-Learn Institute
Strategies in Human-Centric Hiring: A Case Study on Scotiabank and Plum
Join us for an insightful session as we delve into the strategies employed by Scotiabank and Plum in their human-centric hiring approach. Discover how these organizations prioritize the holistic well-being of candidates and employees while achieving their recruitment goals. Gain valuable insights into the future of HR practices and the benefits of putting the ‘whole human’ at the center of the hiring process.
Speaker(s): Caitlin MacGregor, CEO, Plum; Paul Cameron, Vice President, Talent Acquisition, Scotiabank
12:00 PM – 12:40 PM | Lunch
12:45 PM – 1:35 PM | Tech for All: Navigating the Crossroads of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility
This session is a must-attend for tech professionals, leaders, and advocates committed to leveraging technology as a force for positive change, inclusivity, and accessibility. Join us in shaping a more equitable and diverse future through the power of technology.
Speaker(s): Thomas Wardman, LL.M., PMP, CISSP, CIPP/C, Vice President, Information Technology and Operations, HRPA; Jim Love, CIO, and Chief Content Officer IT World Canada (ITWC); Lisa Taylor, Founder and President, Challenge Factory
1:45 PM – 3:00 PM | Concurrent Workshops: Choice of 2
Innovation Wants to Be Free: Build a Culture of Innovation and Empower Your Employees to Drive Real Change
Organizations are filled with tremendous knowledge and potential for innovation, but often bureaucracy, politics, and a lack of employee engagement can stifle progress. This workshop provides proven strategies for unlocking the innovative potential within your organization.
An innovation program that aligns with your organization’s values and goals and fosters a supportive culture of creativity and experimentation can make all the difference in driving growth and success.
Speaker(s): Alex Goryachev, Principal – Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, Deployment, Value & Risk Mitigation, PragmaticAI
Futurism, not Forecasts: Stop Preparing for the Future of Work
What if the most important action we can take is to stop preparing for the future? What if, instead, we focus on shaping the Future of Work that we want for ourselves, our children, and future generations? This workshop will break down the five drivers shaping the Future of Work and identify the implications for talent and technology. It challenges you to consider what is hype, what is real, and what we want.
Speaker(s): Lisa Taylor, Founder and President, Challenge Factory; Emree Siaroff, Vice President, Leadership and Consulting, Challenge Factory
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM | Energy Break
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM | Keynote: AI-Powered Strategies for HR Excellence: Upskilling Talent and Streamlining for Strategic Impact
Prepare to embark on a transformative journey that will equip you with the tools and knowledge to supercharge your HR functions with AI, leading to enhanced talent development and streamlined operations for unparalleled strategic impact. Join us to discover the innovative world of AI-powered strategies that will help you unleash the full potential of your team while optimizing your HR department to maximize time and data resources for strategic decision-making.
Speaker(s): Frincy Clement, Ambassador for Canada, Women in AI, Principal Data Scientist, ADP
4:00 PM – 4:15 PM | Closing Remarks and Event Wrap Up
Speaker(s): Thomas Wardman, LL.M., PMP, CISSP, CIPP/C, Vice President, Information Technology and Operations, HRPA
Self-Guided Learning sessions
Self-Guided Learning: Keynote – Generative AI: Shaping the Future of Creativity and Innovation
Join us for an in-depth look at Generative AI’s transformative potential. This session will explore its applications, capabilities, and ethical considerations, unveiling how it’s reshaping industries. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting in AI, this session offers insights into this rapidly evolving field and its future opportunities.
Speaker(s): Kathryn Hume, Vice President, Digital Channels Technology, RBC
Self-Guided Learning: In Discussion with… Cyber Risk Navigation: Strategies for 2024 and Beyond
Join us for an engaging and informative discussion as we navigate the evolving landscape of cyber risk management in 2024. Experts in the field will delve into the latest cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and attack trends that organizations are likely to face in 2024. Gain practical insights into effective cybersecurity strategies, risk mitigation techniques, and the role of emerging technologies in safeguarding digital assets.
Speaker(s): Claudette McGowan, Founder & CEO, Protexxa; Jay Rosenzweig, CEO, Rosenzweig & Company
Self-Guided Learning – PANEL: Executive Insights: Elevating the HR Conversation with Executive People Leaders
This thought-provoking panel discussion, “Elevating Leadership Insights,” brings together seasoned executive leaders, industry experts, and technology thought leaders to explore the intersection between HR and cutting-edge AI technology, illuminating the path forward for the future of work in Ontario and Canada. This session is a must-attend for HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone passionate about the transformative potential of AI in the workplace.
Moderator: Jyoti Grewal, Head of Human Resources and Administration, Lohmann Breeders Canada Ltd.
Speaker(s): Soula Courlas, CHRP, CIM (She, Her/Hers), Partner, Organization and Workforce Transformation, Financial Services, National Lead, Organization Design & Effectiveness, PwC Canada ; Steve Knox, Vice President, Global Talent Acquisition, Ceridian; Sandra Pasquini, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Sobeys/Empire Company Limited.
Self-Guided Learning – Sparking Change: Fireside Keynote on HR Tech Evolution
A keynote discussion on the latest trends, disruptive innovations, and the transformative impact of HR tech in the workplace. Join us for an enlightening conversation that will equip you with the knowledge and tools to drive positive change within your organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the future of HR technology with our thought leaders!”
Speaker(s): Amber Mac, President, AmberMac Media Inc.; Jodi Kovitz, HBA, LL.B, Hon. LL.D., CEO and Acting Registrar, HRPA
Thomas Wardman, LL.M., PMP, CISSP, CIPP/C
Vice President, Information Technology and Operations, HRPA
As VP of IT & Operations, Thomas provides the vision, oversight and execution of HRPA’s IT and business operations strategy. He is also responsible for implementing new business initiatives that support HRPA’s long-term objectives and goals.
Before joining HRPA, w Thomas’ over three decades of experience including having held several senior executive leadership roles at organizations such as CPA Canada, The Royal Conservatory of Music, The College of Family Physicians of Canada, and technology giants Nortel and Hewlett-Packard. In 2020, Thomas was named Canada’s CIO of the Year in the not-for-profit sector for his digital transformation of the Royal Conservatory.
Thomas is a committed life-long learner. He obtained his Master of Laws from the University of Toronto and has his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Lethbridge. He holds additional professional certifications and qualifications, including a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. Thomas is also a member of the Law Society of Ontario’s A2I Advisory Council, helping Ontarians get better access to justice through supporting innovative private sector legal technology innovation.
Thomas resides in the beautiful Niagara region with his wife and two young children. He is passionate about bringing innovation to Ontario’s HR practitioners and building great workplaces.
Imran Ahmad
Partner, Head of Technology, Co-Head of Information Governance, Privacy and Cybersecurity, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
In his role, Imran is the Canadian head of the technology sector as well as the Canadian co-head of the information governance, privacy and cybersecurity practice. He is based in Toronto and Montreal and is recognized as a leading cybersecurity lawyer.
Imran advises clients across all industries on a wide array of technology-related matters, including outsourcing, cloud computing, SaaS, strategic alliances, technology development, system procurement and implementation, technology licensing and transfer, distribution, open-source software, and electronic commerce.
As part of his cybersecurity practice, he works very closely with clients to develop and implement practical strategies related to cyber threats and data breaches. He advises on legal risk assessments, compliance, due diligence and risk allocation, security, and data breach incident preparedness and response.
Imran also often acts as “breach counsel” in the event of a cybersecurity incident and he has extensive experience in managing complex security incidents and cross-border breaches. He also provides representation in the event of an investigation, an enforcement action or a litigation.
Imran is the author of Canada’s first legal incident preparation and response handbook titled Cybersecurity in Canada: A Guide to Best Practices, Planning, and Management (LexisNexis, August 2017).
In his privacy law practice, he advises clients on compliance with Canadian federal and provincial privacy and data management laws. He has a particular focus on cross-border data transfer issues and enterprise-wide governance programs related to privacy and information governance.
Additionally, Imran is the former chair of the Privacy and Access to Information Section of the Ontario Bar Association. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law, where he teaches cybersecurity and privacy law.
Tessa Anaya
Content Analyst, Capterra Canada
Tessa leads method-based investigations to help SMEs in all industries access the insights that can elevate their organizations with the latest technology and software trends. She has been featured in CTV News, the Globe and Mail, Les Affaires, the Financial Post and Yahoo News.
Gren Austin
Head of Wealthsimple Work
Gren is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Wealthsimple’s Group Retirement business. Wealthsimple helps grow wealth, through simple yet delightful human experiences. Gren is a big believer that this philosophy extends into the workplace too.
Passionate about helping Canadians achieve their own version of financial freedom, Gren knows that employer programs like Group RRSPs can help Canadians get started on their retirement plans. Prior to Wealthsimple, Gren spent time at League, supporting the company’s growth at the intersection of health, benefits, and technology.
Paul Cameron (he/him)
Vice President, Talent Acquisition, Scotiabank
Paul is a global leader & human capital solutions professional offering 25+ years of experience. He specializes in building high-performing teams and amplifying engagement, as well as optimizing talent strategy, succession planning, automation, process reengineering and continuous improvement of HR Operations. Paul is a dynamic strategist who inspires people to achieve personal and organizational goals and was featured in LinkedIn’s Our Year of #BuildingTogether Campaign. When not in the office, you can find him at home with his partner Michelle and their four children, two dogs and a cat.
Frincy Clement
Ambassador for Canada, Women in AI, Principal Data Scientist, ADP
Frincy is an award-winning Artificial Intelligence leader, community builder, public speaker and changemaker, with drive and passion for empowering more women to enter careers in AI. She has 9+ years of diverse experience in Telecom, Information & Technology, Consumer goods and Education sectors.
As the Canadian Ambassador for Women in AI (WAI), Frincy leads many strategic initiatives to inspire, connect, mentor and celebrate women AI professionals.
Frincy has received several awards and recognitions for her contributions to AI, including being named 2022 Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100™ by Women Executive Network, 2022 Advocate of the Year by Women in IT Awards and 2022 Women in AI Ambassador of the Year by Women in AI. She was also featured in the 2023 Top 100+ Women Advancing AI and Top 25 Women in AI – Canada Edition by Re. Work.
Frincy is currently working as a Principal Data Scientist at ADP and previously held Data Science roles at AltaML and TELUS Business for three years. She was awarded the “Connection Honors Leaders of Excellence” Award in the category of Emerging Leaders by TELUS in 2021 for her contributions to empowering women in STEM careers.
Dr. Dave Drewery, Associate Director
Work-Learn Institute
David Drewery is the associate director of the Work-Learn Institute (WxL). His research focuses on how organizations can support students in work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences and the benefits organizations gain when doing so. This research agenda includes studies of perceived supervisor support, work engagement, organizational commitment, applicant attraction, employee retention, and talent development–all in the context of WIL.
His research has been published in journals such as Education + Training, Higher Education Research & Development, and Journal of Education and Work. David is also an associate editor of the International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning. In 2022, he earned a PhD from the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo where he studied organizational behaviour and service management.
Alex Goryachev
Strategic Advisor, Speaker, Managing Partner, Pragmatic AI
Alex is a globally recognized technology operations executive, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and an expert in advancing innovation culture and monetizing new technology.
With over 20 years of experience in digital transformation, he has successfully commercialized emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and others.
As the former General Manager of Global Innovation Centers and Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at Cisco, a $50B technology giant, Alex pioneered the concept of ecosystem co-innovation. He created and led a global network of emerging technology innovation centers in North and South America, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific, unifying and advancing strategic co-innovation partnerships and advanced technology programs with internal and external stakeholders. In addition to his senior leadership roles in the Office of the Chief Architect and Technology Officer, Emerging Technology Group, and Corporate Development, Alex has also created award-winning employee innovation and development offerings.
His extensive track record includes leading global cross-industry business and technology teams, focused on revenue and market share growth, customer acquisition and profitability through new digital products and offerings.
Today, Alex is an Innovator-in-Residence at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Tulane University, and a Technical Advisory Group member in the International Standards Association (ISO), defining global standards for innovation management. He is also a regular contributor to Forbes, Entrepreneur and Chief Executive Magazine, and an Editorial Advisory Board Member for Innovation Leader Magazine. Alex has received numerous industry awards for innovation and culture transformation and is a sought-after expert for audiences ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
He equips Senior Leaders, as well as HR, Operations, Strategy & Planning teams with pragmatic and actionable steps to understand and accelerate technology adoption, optimize processes, change culture, and turns any organization into an evergreen innovation machine.
Alex is a dynamic, keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, with a wealth of experience in technology and innovation. He has delivered 257+ speaking engagements on 4 continents. His candid, thought-provoking, yet entertaining speeches demystify innovation, and encourage the audience to re-think corporate norms. Alex masterfully combines best industry practices with his own international startup and corporate experience, equipping the audience with actionable steps that can change the culture and turn any organization into an innovation machine.
Jim Love
CIO and Chief Content Officer IT World Canada (ITWC)
Jim Love, FCMC, brings with him an impressive five-decade career across diverse roles in technology, marketing, consulting, broadcasting and more. In his current role, he oversees both technology and content strategies, reflecting his unique combination of technical acumen and creative prowess. Known for his expertise in technology, cybersecurity and digital marketing, Jim is also emerging as an expert in the application of Generative AI.
As a broadcaster, Jim goes to air five days a week with daily news, as well as a weekend interview show called Hashtag Trending, one of North America’s leading technology podcasts. He also hosts Leadership in the Digital Enterprise, featuring in-depth interviews with industry leaders. In addition, Jim hosts major national events, including MapleSEC, Canada’s premier national online security event, and Analytics Unleashed, another national event focussing on how companies can derive greater value from analytics and AI.
Before coming to IT World Canada, Jim worked as a consultant, serving clients spanning various industries, including telcos, financial services companies, mining, natural resources and governments around the world. Prior to his consulting career, he held senior IT positions in financial services and insurance. He also served as VP for the former DMR Group and worked at Ernst & Young as a Principal in Toronto.
Jim has trained and mentored hundreds of management consultants. This and his other outstanding contributions to the consulting industry earned him the title of Fellow of the Institute of Certified Management Consultants As an educator, he has taught at the University of Waterloo and York University. He has also designed and implemented private training programmes in technology, change management, lean process transformation, and consulting.
Jim is a prolific writer, with publications in leading journals within Canada and internationally. Most notably, the book he co-wrote, “Digital Transformation in the First Person” and his invitation to present a paper for the 2021 IEEE summit in Europe are just a couple of examples of his thought leadership. His current project is a book titled “Data-Driven” that explores how businesses can transform to deliver exceptional customer experiences and compete as digital enterprises. This stems from Jim’s experience building the analytics engine at ITWC and fostering a data-driven culture.
Jim’s multifaceted career, innovative thinking and pursuit of excellence establish him as a sought-after expert in the technology industry. His ability to bridge technology and creativity cements his status as a thought leader, guiding businesses in navigating the complexities of the digital age.
Caitlin MacGregor
CEO and Co-Founder, Plum
Caitlin is passionate about helping people reach their true potential. That’s why, after building two businesses for other people, she founded Plum – to help organizations fully leverage the human potential within their workforces. Plum equips business leaders with the talent data needed to match employees’ talent to roles where they’ll thrive, so that the business can thrive too.
Caitlin is a regular speaker at global events including CES, Human Resource Executive HR Technology Conference & Exposition, Americas’ SAP Users’ Group Women Connect, HRCI Higher Standards Summit and more. She also is a sought-after guest on podcasts including, Recruiting Daily, The Recruitment Flex Podcast and 3Sixty Insights. In addition, she has been quoted in the NY Times, Financial Post, The Globe and Mail, The Record, Global News, Human Resource Executive, and Benefits Pro. Caitlin is a gold GLOBEE® Women World Awards winner for Achievement in Innovation and was named an Inspiring Leader by InspiringTM Workplaces.
Dr. Helen Papagiannis
World-Leading Expert on Augmented Reality, Author of Augmented Human
A pioneer in the world of augmented reality, Dr. Helen Papagiannis is a globally recognized authority on immersive technologies and spatial computing. She has dedicated nearly two decades of her life towards this ever-evolving technology, exploring its potential to expand human intelligence and amplify human possibility. With great gusto, Papagiannis offers a fascinating and cutting-edge look at how today’s business leaders can prepare for the many “realities” ahead. The bestselling author of Augmented Human: How Technology is Shaping the New Reality, Papagiannis is also the founder of XR GOES POP, a consulting firm focused on AR, XR, and immersive technologies across retail and popular culture. She is also a member of The World Economic Forum’s invite-only Global Future Council on Augmented and Virtual Reality, and a Metaverse Initiative Partner. Prior to this, Papagiannis was the Chief Innovation Officer at Infinity Augmented Reality Inc. (acquired by Alibaba) and a senior research associate at York University’s Augmented Reality Lab. She also worked for the internationally acclaimed Bruce Mau Design studio, where she was the project lead on “Massive Change: The Future of Global Design”.
With clients such as Louis Vuitton and Adobe, and features in The New York Times, WIRED and Harvard Business Review, Papagiannis has presented at renowned events such as TEDx, SXSW, the International Society for Mixed and Augmented Reality, the Augmented World Expo, and the International Symposium for Electronic Art). Her TEDx talk was named one of the top 10 on augmented reality and gamified life.
Emree Siaroff
Vice President, Leadership and Consulting, Challenge Factory
Emree is a strategic, results-focused and change oriented leader with 30 plus years of domestic and global HR experience in the retail, commodities, manufacturing and professional services industries. He brings with him the wisdom and passion that help drive the importance of culture in an organization, along with an understanding of how HR can engage people and deliver sustainable value by enabling the business.
Emree holds a BA in Administrative and Commercial Studies from the University of Western Ontario, a CHRM, HR from Seneca College, and a Certificate in Strategic HR from Queen’s University. He is actively involved in his community as a board member at Sprint Senior Care and has previously served as a board member for the Canadian Employee Relocation Council. He has also volunteered extensively at his local foodbank and with homeless youth.
At Challenge Factory, Emree and his team strive to do meaningful work, learn, and grow together while enhancing a care-centric work culture that enables everyone to come to work as their authentic selves.
Lisa Taylor
Founder and President, Challenge Factory
Lisa Taylor is an author, entrepreneur, consultant, futurist, and community leader focused on making sense of the changing world of work. She is the President of Challenge Factory, a Future of Work research agency and consultancy (and certified B Corp) that focuses on policy and systems change, convening, and thought leadership. Lisa has published 5 employer-focused books including The Talent Revolution: Longevity and the Future of Work. She is one of the WXN 2022 Most Powerful Women in Canada Top 100 award winners and an associate fellow for the National Institute on Ageing.
Thomas Wardman, LL.M., PMP, CISSP, CIPP/C
Vice President, Information Technology and Operations, HRPA
As VP of IT & Operations, Thomas provides the vision, oversight and execution of HRPA’s IT and business operations strategy. He is also responsible for implementing new business initiatives that support HRPA’s long-term objectives and goals.
Before joining HRPA, w Thomas’ over three decades of experience including having held several senior executive leadership roles at organizations such as CPA Canada, The Royal Conservatory of Music, The College of Family Physicians of Canada, and technology giants Nortel and Hewlett-Packard. In 2020, Thomas was named Canada’s CIO of the Year in the not-for-profit sector for his digital transformation of the Royal Conservatory.
Thomas is a committed life-long learner. He obtained his Master of Laws from the University of Toronto and has his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Lethbridge. He holds additional professional certifications and qualifications, including a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. Thomas is also a member of the Law Society of Ontario’s A2I Advisory Council, helping Ontarians get better access to justice through supporting innovative private sector legal technology innovation.
Thomas resides in the beautiful Niagara region with his wife and two young children. He is passionate about bringing innovation to Ontario’s HR practitioners and building great workplaces.
Imran Ahmad
Partner, Head of Technology, Co-Head of Information Governance, Privacy and Cybersecurity, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
In his role, Imran is the Canadian head of the technology sector as well as the Canadian co-head of the information governance, privacy and cybersecurity practice. He is based in Toronto and Montreal and is recognized as a leading cybersecurity lawyer.
Imran advises clients across all industries on a wide array of technology-related matters, including outsourcing, cloud computing, SaaS, strategic alliances, technology development, system procurement and implementation, technology licensing and transfer, distribution, open-source software, and electronic commerce.
As part of his cybersecurity practice, he works very closely with clients to develop and implement practical strategies related to cyber threats and data breaches. He advises on legal risk assessments, compliance, due diligence and risk allocation, security, and data breach incident preparedness and response.
Imran also often acts as “breach counsel” in the event of a cybersecurity incident and he has extensive experience in managing complex security incidents and cross-border breaches. He also provides representation in the event of an investigation, an enforcement action or a litigation.
Imran is the author of Canada’s first legal incident preparation and response handbook titled Cybersecurity in Canada: A Guide to Best Practices, Planning, and Management (LexisNexis, August 2017).
In his privacy law practice, he advises clients on compliance with Canadian federal and provincial privacy and data management laws. He has a particular focus on cross-border data transfer issues and enterprise-wide governance programs related to privacy and information governance.
Additionally, Imran is the former chair of the Privacy and Access to Information Section of the Ontario Bar Association. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law, where he teaches cybersecurity and privacy law.
Tessa Anaya
Content Analyst, Capterra Canada
Tessa leads method-based investigations to help SMEs in all industries access the insights that can elevate their organizations with the latest technology and software trends. She has been featured in CTV News, the Globe and Mail, Les Affaires, the Financial Post and Yahoo News.
Gren Austin
Head of Wealthsimple Work
Gren is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Wealthsimple’s Group Retirement business. Wealthsimple helps grow wealth, through simple yet delightful human experiences. Gren is a big believer that this philosophy extends into the workplace too.
Passionate about helping Canadians achieve their own version of financial freedom, Gren knows that employer programs like Group RRSPs can help Canadians get started on their retirement plans. Prior to Wealthsimple, Gren spent time at League, supporting the company’s growth at the intersection of health, benefits, and technology.
Paul Cameron (he/him)
Vice President, Talent Acquisition, Scotiabank
Paul is a global leader & human capital solutions professional offering 25+ years of experience. He specializes in building high-performing teams and amplifying engagement, as well as optimizing talent strategy, succession planning, automation, process reengineering and continuous improvement of HR Operations. Paul is a dynamic strategist who inspires people to achieve personal and organizational goals and was featured in LinkedIn’s Our Year of #BuildingTogether Campaign. When not in the office, you can find him at home with his partner Michelle and their four children, two dogs and a cat.
Frincy Clement
Ambassador for Canada, Women in AI, Principal Data Scientist, ADP
Frincy is an award-winning Artificial Intelligence leader, community builder, public speaker and changemaker, with drive and passion for empowering more women to enter careers in AI. She has 9+ years of diverse experience in Telecom, Information & Technology, Consumer goods and Education sectors.
As the Canadian Ambassador for Women in AI (WAI), Frincy leads many strategic initiatives to inspire, connect, mentor and celebrate women AI professionals.
Frincy has received several awards and recognitions for her contributions to AI, including being named 2022 Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100™ by Women Executive Network, 2022 Advocate of the Year by Women in IT Awards and 2022 Women in AI Ambassador of the Year by Women in AI. She was also featured in the 2023 Top 100+ Women Advancing AI and Top 25 Women in AI – Canada Edition by Re. Work.
Frincy is currently working as a Principal Data Scientist at ADP and previously held Data Science roles at AltaML and TELUS Business for three years. She was awarded the “Connection Honors Leaders of Excellence” Award in the category of Emerging Leaders by TELUS in 2021 for her contributions to empowering women in STEM careers.
Dr. Dave Drewery, Associate Director
Work-Learn Institute
David Drewery is the associate director of the Work-Learn Institute (WxL). His research focuses on how organizations can support students in work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences and the benefits organizations gain when doing so. This research agenda includes studies of perceived supervisor support, work engagement, organizational commitment, applicant attraction, employee retention, and talent development–all in the context of WIL.
His research has been published in journals such as Education + Training, Higher Education Research & Development, and Journal of Education and Work. David is also an associate editor of the International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning. In 2022, he earned a PhD from the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo where he studied organizational behaviour and service management.
Alex Goryachev
Strategic Advisor, Speaker, Managing Partner, Pragmatic AI
Alex is a globally recognized technology operations executive, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and an expert in advancing innovation culture and monetizing new technology.
With over 20 years of experience in digital transformation, he has successfully commercialized emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and others.
As the former General Manager of Global Innovation Centers and Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at Cisco, a $50B technology giant, Alex pioneered the concept of ecosystem co-innovation. He created and led a global network of emerging technology innovation centers in North and South America, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific, unifying and advancing strategic co-innovation partnerships and advanced technology programs with internal and external stakeholders. In addition to his senior leadership roles in the Office of the Chief Architect and Technology Officer, Emerging Technology Group, and Corporate Development, Alex has also created award-winning employee innovation and development offerings.
His extensive track record includes leading global cross-industry business and technology teams, focused on revenue and market share growth, customer acquisition and profitability through new digital products and offerings.
Today, Alex is an Innovator-in-Residence at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Tulane University, and a Technical Advisory Group member in the International Standards Association (ISO), defining global standards for innovation management. He is also a regular contributor to Forbes, Entrepreneur and Chief Executive Magazine, and an Editorial Advisory Board Member for Innovation Leader Magazine. Alex has received numerous industry awards for innovation and culture transformation and is a sought-after expert for audiences ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
He equips Senior Leaders, as well as HR, Operations, Strategy & Planning teams with pragmatic and actionable steps to understand and accelerate technology adoption, optimize processes, change culture, and turns any organization into an evergreen innovation machine.
Alex is a dynamic, keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, with a wealth of experience in technology and innovation. He has delivered 257+ speaking engagements on 4 continents. His candid, thought-provoking, yet entertaining speeches demystify innovation, and encourage the audience to re-think corporate norms. Alex masterfully combines best industry practices with his own international startup and corporate experience, equipping the audience with actionable steps that can change the culture and turn any organization into an innovation machine.
Jim Love
CIO and Chief Content Officer IT World Canada (ITWC)
Jim Love, FCMC, brings with him an impressive five-decade career across diverse roles in technology, marketing, consulting, broadcasting and more. In his current role, he oversees both technology and content strategies, reflecting his unique combination of technical acumen and creative prowess. Known for his expertise in technology, cybersecurity and digital marketing, Jim is also emerging as an expert in the application of Generative AI.
As a broadcaster, Jim goes to air five days a week with daily news, as well as a weekend interview show called Hashtag Trending, one of North America’s leading technology podcasts. He also hosts Leadership in the Digital Enterprise, featuring in-depth interviews with industry leaders. In addition, Jim hosts major national events, including MapleSEC, Canada’s premier national online security event, and Analytics Unleashed, another national event focussing on how companies can derive greater value from analytics and AI.
Before coming to IT World Canada, Jim worked as a consultant, serving clients spanning various industries, including telcos, financial services companies, mining, natural resources and governments around the world. Prior to his consulting career, he held senior IT positions in financial services and insurance. He also served as VP for the former DMR Group and worked at Ernst & Young as a Principal in Toronto.
Jim has trained and mentored hundreds of management consultants. This and his other outstanding contributions to the consulting industry earned him the title of Fellow of the Institute of Certified Management Consultants As an educator, he has taught at the University of Waterloo and York University. He has also designed and implemented private training programmes in technology, change management, lean process transformation, and consulting.
Jim is a prolific writer, with publications in leading journals within Canada and internationally. Most notably, the book he co-wrote, “Digital Transformation in the First Person” and his invitation to present a paper for the 2021 IEEE summit in Europe are just a couple of examples of his thought leadership. His current project is a book titled “Data-Driven” that explores how businesses can transform to deliver exceptional customer experiences and compete as digital enterprises. This stems from Jim’s experience building the analytics engine at ITWC and fostering a data-driven culture.
Jim’s multifaceted career, innovative thinking and pursuit of excellence establish him as a sought-after expert in the technology industry. His ability to bridge technology and creativity cements his status as a thought leader, guiding businesses in navigating the complexities of the digital age.
Caitlin MacGregor
CEO and Co-Founder, Plum
Caitlin is passionate about helping people reach their true potential. That’s why, after building two businesses for other people, she founded Plum – to help organizations fully leverage the human potential within their workforces. Plum equips business leaders with the talent data needed to match employees’ talent to roles where they’ll thrive, so that the business can thrive too.
Caitlin is a regular speaker at global events including CES, Human Resource Executive HR Technology Conference & Exposition, Americas’ SAP Users’ Group Women Connect, HRCI Higher Standards Summit and more. She also is a sought-after guest on podcasts including, Recruiting Daily, The Recruitment Flex Podcast and 3Sixty Insights. In addition, she has been quoted in the NY Times, Financial Post, The Globe and Mail, The Record, Global News, Human Resource Executive, and Benefits Pro. Caitlin is a gold GLOBEE® Women World Awards winner for Achievement in Innovation and was named an Inspiring Leader by InspiringTM Workplaces.
Dr. Helen Papagiannis
World-Leading Expert on Augmented Reality, Author of Augmented Human
A pioneer in the world of augmented reality, Dr. Helen Papagiannis is a globally recognized authority on immersive technologies and spatial computing. She has dedicated nearly two decades of her life towards this ever-evolving technology, exploring its potential to expand human intelligence and amplify human possibility. With great gusto, Papagiannis offers a fascinating and cutting-edge look at how today’s business leaders can prepare for the many “realities” ahead. The bestselling author of Augmented Human: How Technology is Shaping the New Reality, Papagiannis is also the founder of XR GOES POP, a consulting firm focused on AR, XR, and immersive technologies across retail and popular culture. She is also a member of The World Economic Forum’s invite-only Global Future Council on Augmented and Virtual Reality, and a Metaverse Initiative Partner. Prior to this, Papagiannis was the Chief Innovation Officer at Infinity Augmented Reality Inc. (acquired by Alibaba) and a senior research associate at York University’s Augmented Reality Lab. She also worked for the internationally acclaimed Bruce Mau Design studio, where she was the project lead on “Massive Change: The Future of Global Design”.
With clients such as Louis Vuitton and Adobe, and features in The New York Times, WIRED and Harvard Business Review, Papagiannis has presented at renowned events such as TEDx, SXSW, the International Society for Mixed and Augmented Reality, the Augmented World Expo, and the International Symposium for Electronic Art). Her TEDx talk was named one of the top 10 on augmented reality and gamified life.
Emree Siaroff
Vice President, Leadership and Consulting, Challenge Factory
Emree is a strategic, results-focused and change oriented leader with 30 plus years of domestic and global HR experience in the retail, commodities, manufacturing and professional services industries. He brings with him the wisdom and passion that help drive the importance of culture in an organization, along with an understanding of how HR can engage people and deliver sustainable value by enabling the business.
Emree holds a BA in Administrative and Commercial Studies from the University of Western Ontario, a CHRM, HR from Seneca College, and a Certificate in Strategic HR from Queen’s University. He is actively involved in his community as a board member at Sprint Senior Care and has previously served as a board member for the Canadian Employee Relocation Council. He has also volunteered extensively at his local foodbank and with homeless youth.
At Challenge Factory, Emree and his team strive to do meaningful work, learn, and grow together while enhancing a care-centric work culture that enables everyone to come to work as their authentic selves.
Lisa Taylor
Founder and President, Challenge Factory
Lisa Taylor is an author, entrepreneur, consultant, futurist, and community leader focused on making sense of the changing world of work. She is the President of Challenge Factory, a Future of Work research agency and consultancy (and certified B Corp) that focuses on policy and systems change, convening, and thought leadership. Lisa has published 5 employer-focused books including The Talent Revolution: Longevity and the Future of Work. She is one of the WXN 2022 Most Powerful Women in Canada Top 100 award winners and an associate fellow for the National Institute on Ageing.
Not sure of your schedule? Register virtually for on demand access!
Whether you attend the virtual sessions live or not, registering will give you access to the conference recordings. On-demand viewings qualify for CPD hours and recordings are made available for one year post-event date.
Individual
| Virtual | Members | Non-Members | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Bird October 1 – October 26 | $100 | ||
| Regular October 27 onward | $295 | $395 | $100 |
Virtual Event Pricing Inclusions
All registration fees include access to the live, virtual streamed sessions as well as access to the conference recordings post-event.
Register for Corporate Group Rates
Benefit from team, department or company registration with our corporate rates. Corporate rates are applicable to virtual participation and individuals from the same company and may include members or non-members.
| Corporate Rates | Pricing |
|---|---|
| Up to 5 team members | $735 Average price per person: $147 |
| Up to 10 team members | $1,325 Average price per person: $132.50 |
| Up to 20 team members | $2,385 Average price per person: $119.25 |
| Unlimited | $3,325 |
Corporate Event Pricing Inclusions
Pricing is for virtual participation only and includes access to the live, virtual streamed sessions as well as access to the conference recordings post-event.
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CANCELLATIONS, TRANSFERS and REFUNDS
All cancellation requests or inquiries must be emailed to professionaldevelopment@hrpa.ca.
Refund Schedule
- Event Date: November 28, 2023
- Cutoff Date (7 days before the event date): November 21, 2023
| Cancellation Request Date | Online Participant Refund |
|---|---|
| 14 days or more before the event date | 100% refund |
| 7 – 13 days before the event date | 100% refund, less $75 admin fee. |
| Less than 7 days before the event date | 50% refund, less $75 admin fee. |
Whether you attend live or not, your registration grants you access to the on-demand recordings. If you cancel your registration, you do not gain access to the recordings.
HRPA reserves the right to change/modify or cancel any event. HRPA’s liability is limited to the paid registration fee and does not include liability for incidental costs including (but not limited to) hotel and airfare.
Check out our sponsor resources!
Capterra is the #1 destination for organizations to find the right software. Our marketplace spans 95,000+ solutions across 900 software types, and offers access to over 2 million verified reviews— helping organizations save time, increase productivity and accelerate their growth.
Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases, built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines and working to prevent and ultimately cure the diseases we treat. Novo Nordisk employs more than 59,000 people in 80 offices around the world, and market our products in 170 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.com, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube.
Realize is a leader in research, advocacy and action addressing the range of complex barriers to inclusion people living with episodic disabilities experience, with a strong focus on employment. Realize convenes the Episodic Disabilities Forum — a pan-Canadian forum comprising people with living experience, national disability organizations, federal policy-makers, and researchers – and also leads a network of businesses focused on episodic disabilities in the workplace.
Corporate meal perks to feed your team and fuel your business.
Skip For Business (by Skip) is on a mission to become the preferred corporate meal perks solution for Canadian businesses. Flexible and easy to manage, it’s a new way to drive employee productivity, wellness and recruitment — without eating through your time or budget. With access to 47K+ restaurants nationally, Skip’s platform services millions of Canadians each year by saving them time to do the things they love through convenient delivery. Get started with Skip For Business today!
The University is home to the world’s largest co-operative education program with more than 25,000 active students enrolled in 120+ accredited co-op programs across six faculties. Co-op opportunities come from our global hire waterloo network of 7,500 employers in more than 65 different countries and are an important way to help students develop critical skills for a complex future workforce.
Workleap is a simple employee experience software, streamlining talent management and productivity tools adoption so your people can perform at their best. Built for today’s leaders and their teams, Workleap products foster engagement, performance, growth, and productivity within organizations.
With over 20,000 happy customers in more than 100 countries, Workleap is a must-have for businesses looking to create a more engaging and successful workplace.
Founded in 2013, BetterUp® is the human transformation company driving peak performance in individuals and organizations through unparalleled access to coaching, content, community, and AI. BetterUp is the inventor of virtual coaching and the largest mental health and coaching startup in the world, with the world’s largest network of over 4,000 Coaches offering support in 64 languages across over 70 countries. Trusted by more than 600 organizations including NASA, Google, Chipotle, Salesforce, Hilton, and other leading Fortune 1,000 companies, BetterUp delivers on key impact areas – transformational leadership, resilience and readiness, and manager effectiveness – all with the vision to inspire people everywhere to live with greater clarity, purpose, and passion. BetterUp’s Science Board is composed of leading researchers and luminaries in the fields of positive psychology and human performance including Martin Seligman, Shawn Achor, Quinetta Roberson, and Adam Grant who also serves as the Chairman of the BetterUp Center for Purpose & Performance.
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