IN-PERSON

Toronto CHRO Executive Summit

December 13, 2022 | Sheraton Centre Toronto

December 13, 2022
Sheraton Centre Toronto

Collaborate with your peers

Get together with Toronto's top CHROs to tackle shared business challenges and critical priorities facing your role today. Participate in this one-day, local program with peer-driven topics and interactive discussions with your true C-level peers.

Join your peers to discuss the most critical issues impacting CHROs today:

Delivering meaningful experiences for employees at all levels of engagement

Attracting and retaining talent to enable business success

Driving structural change around diversity, equity and inclusion

Toronto CHRO Governing Body


The Governing Body Co-Chairs shape the summit agenda, ensuring that all content is driven by CHROs, for CHROs.

Governing Body Co-Chairs

Sonia Boyle

Gore Mutual Insurance Co.
Chief People Officer

Mohammed Chahdi

Dell
Head of HR Operations - Americas

Barb Keenan

LCBO
Chief People Officer

Marcia Mendes-d'Abreu

Foresters Financial
Global Chief Human Resources Officer

Brigid Pelino

Definity Financial
SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer

Rashid Wasti

Weston Group of Companies
EVP & Chief Talent Officer

What to Expect

Interactive Sessions

Hear from CHRO practitioners and thought leaders on how they're solving critical challenges impacting your role today in Keynote sessions, and join smaller, interactive discussions with your peers in Breakout and Boardroom sessions.

Community Networking

Make new connections and catch up with old friends in casual conversations during dedicated time for networking designed to better acquaint you with your Toronto CHRO community.

Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Connect with like-minded peers in a private, one-on-one setting through Evanta's Peer-to-Peer Meetings. You will be matched with peers in your community based on your shared interests and priorities.

Agenda


December 12, 2022

December 13, 2022

6:00pm - 8:30pm  Governing Body Welcome Reception

Governing Body Welcome Reception

Join Toronto CHRO Governing Body members for an evening of peer networking and an opportunity to give back! We will collaborate with the nonprofit Together We Rise to build kits for foster children, ensuring they can move from home to home with dignity. Together We Rise works to transform how kids experience foster care, striving to give them a brighter future and a sense of belonging.

11:20am - 12:05pm  Breakout Session

Rethinking Workplace Culture to Win the New Contest for Talent

David Drees headshot

David Drees

Senior Culture Consultant

O.C. Tanner

The next normal is emerging following years of crisis that has caused the greatest talent upset of our time, exacerbating the challenge for CHROs to create a fulfilling employee experience.  Join David Drees, Senior Culture Consultant as he shares new insights and strategies from the 2023 Global Culture Report to attract, engage, and retain top talent amid ongoing uncertainty and change.

Session insights include:

  • Rebuilding workplace community
  • Fortifying weary leaders
  • Integrating recognition and symbolism into every-day experiences


11:20am - 12:05pm  Breakout Session

Crowdsourcing the Future of Work

Cindy Bush headshot

Cindy Bush

Chief Human Resources Officer

TMX Group Ltd

The turmoil of the past few years forced a trial-and-error approach to a long list of business priorities, many connected to the implementation of remote, hybrid or flexible work. As organizations compete for talent, HR leaders must constantly evaluate what works. 

Join this interactive discussion ready to: 

  • Share post-pandemic learnings and problem-solve with peers 
  • Learn collectively from failed experiments 
  • Make new connections and explore strategies for building a more resilient organization

11:20am - 12:05pm  Executive Boardroom

Using Employee Experience to Build Agile Organizations

Rebecca Rowley headshot

Rebecca Rowley

Head of HR, SAP Canada

SAP Canada

Mohammed Chahdi headshot

Mohammed Chahdi

Head of HR Operations - Americas

Dell

Brian Henry headshot

Brian Henry

Chief People Officer

Bird Construction Company Limited

To build an agile workforce, companies must attract and retain the right talent, engage high levels of performance, and support employee development and adaptability. This comes from actively managing three different aspects of employee experience — purpose, confidence and belonging.

Join this interactive boardroom to discuss:

  • Purpose — how much do jobs provide employees with the things they want from work?
  • Confidence — how hard is it for employees to get things done within the organization?
  • Belonging — how much do employees like the people they work with and how they work together?

Executive boardrooms are intimate and interactive sessions designed to foster dynamic dialogue around a specific, strategic topic. These private, closed-door discussions encourage attendee participation and are limited to 15 attendees (seating priority is given to CHROs).

To reserve your seat, please contact: Neiland.Fitzgerald@evanta.com

11:20am - 12:05pm  Executive Boardroom

Generation Gaps – Advancing a Culture of Belonging Despite Differences

David Bator headshot

David Bator

Managing Director, Achievers Workforce Institute

Achievers

Kelly Davis headshot

Kelly Davis

Chief People Officer

Sunwing Travel Group

For the first time in history, five generations of workers are bringing their own set of values and experiences to the table, along with varying expectations about the employee experience. How are organizations enabling a sense of belonging across generational divides to drive retention and organizational success?

Join this session to discuss: 

  • Developing a shared culture to elevate the employee experience
  • Increasing belonging through recognition and listening
  • Tailoring the employee experience to increase engagement and job satisfaction

Executive boardrooms are intimate and interactive sessions designed to foster dynamic dialogue around a specific, strategic topic. These private, closed-door discussions encourage attendee participation and are limited to 15 attendees (seating priority is given to CHROs).

To reserve your seat, please contact: Neiland.Fitzgerald@evanta.com

12:05pm - 12:35pm  Lunch Service

12:35pm - 1:10pm  Keynote

A CHRO’s Guide to People Analytics

Steve Holder headshot

Steve Holder

VP Solution Consulting

Visier

A competitive talent market, higher employee expectations and an increased focus on transparency mean organizations need to become more people focused. People analytics allow CHROs to deliver data-informed insights and predictable talent outcomes. What should you do with this information? How does the data affect your approach as CHRO? 

Join this session for case studies and practical examples around: 

  • Improving transparency and fairness of people decisions 
  • Blending financial, productivity and people data 
  • Changing the CHRO’s rhythm of data use to impact attrition and diversity

1:10pm - 1:25pm  Break

1:25pm - 2:10pm  Breakout Session

Agility as a Means of Survival – Strategies for Transformation

Mike Bobek headshot

Mike Bobek

VP Advisory

Orgvue

Any single geopolitical, economic or social disruption could require businesses to adapt, and more often than not, organizations are now dealing with intersecting challenges on a continual basis. The pace and frequency of change mean CHROs are playing a more integral role than ever in transformation and organizational redesign.

Join this session to explore:

  • Evolving approaches to business transformation amid external shocks
  • Identifying trends and taking preemptive action to ensure organizational survival
  • Leveraging data and technology to drive reorganization and improve efficiency

1:25pm - 2:10pm  Breakout Session

Building Culture When It’s Not From the Ground Up

Diana Valler headshot

Diana Valler

CHRO

Travel Brands

Whether organizations are dispersed across provinces or around the world, developing a shared culture is key in building trust and driving successful teamwork. When a Japanese company acquired TravelBrands shortly before the pandemic, the organization had to merge three established cultures into one shared vision – a challenge compounded by new post-pandemic workplace dynamics. 

Join this case study to hear perspective on:

  • Reshaping existing perceptions of leadership styles and structures
  • Defining shared values and giving employees a voice in the process
  • Presenting ideas to stakeholders to get necessary buy-in

1:25pm - 2:10pm  Executive Boardroom

Group Benefits Through a DE&I Lens

Marie-Chantal Côté headshot

Marie-Chantal Côté

Senior Vice President, Group Benefits

Sun Life

Tyjondah Kerr headshot

Tyjondah Kerr

Director Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation

Janine Pajot headshot

Janine Pajot

VP, Human Resources

Bayer Corporation

HR leaders play a significant role in supporting organizational efforts to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive, and benefits plans can further that goal. How can CHROs approach benefits through a DE&I lens and meet the needs of diverse employees?

Join this session to discuss:

  • Employee insight from a survey of over 2,300 Canadians on what they want and expect from their benefits plan
  • Strategies to align benefits offerings with DE&I goals
  • Opportunities to improve the employee experience for diverse Canadians

Executive boardrooms are intimate and interactive sessions designed to foster dynamic dialogue around a specific, strategic topic. These private, closed-door discussions encourage attendee participation and are limited to 15 attendees (seating priority is given to CHROs).

To reserve your seat, please contact: Neiland.Fitzgerald@evanta.com

1:25pm - 2:10pm  Executive Boardroom

The Power of Intentionality in a Remote Environment

Sonia Boyle headshot

Sonia Boyle

Chief People Officer

Gore Mutual Insurance Co.

Katelin Mailer headshot

Katelin Mailer

VP, Human Resources

Lactalis Canada

Keeping employees connected and motivated is more critical—and in some cases—more difficult than ever. With “quiet quitting”, the right to disconnect and work/life balance gaining attention, how can CHROs balance organizational goals with efforts to improve employee engagement and establish healthy boundaries?

Join this session to discuss:

  • How to change leadership mentality on managing a remote workforce
  • Strategies to boost productivity while respecting employees’ time
  • Trends in employee engagement and well-being in hybrid and remote environments

Executive boardrooms are intimate and interactive sessions designed to foster dynamic dialogue around a specific, strategic topic. These private, closed-door discussions encourage attendee participation and are limited to 15 attendees (seating priority is given to CHROs).

To reserve your seat, please contact: Neiland.Fitzgerald@evanta.com

7:45am - 8:45am  Registration & Breakfast

8:45am - 9:30am  Keynote

Maintaining DE&I Momentum Into 2023

Wendy Cukier, Ph.D. headshot

Wendy Cukier, Ph.D.

Professor & Founder, Diversity Institute

Toronto Metropolitan University

Pascale Alpha headshot

Pascale Alpha

Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer

CAE Inc

Momina Javaid headshot

Momina Javaid

HR Director- Canada

Unilever

Vanessa Lewerentz headshot

Vanessa Lewerentz

Chief Inclusion Officer

Bank of Montreal

Significant progress has been made when it comes to DE&I in the past few years, but to create lasting change, the momentum needs to continue even as attention is pulled from one crisis to another. How do you keep your organization focused on DE&I as other urgent business priorities emerge?

Join this panel of HR leaders as they discuss:

  • How to build on existing programs to foster belonging and work toward long-term aspirations
  • The importance of psychological safety in creating an inclusive environment for all employees
  • Ways to tie DE&I to organizational values and prevent losing steam between formal initiatives

9:30am - 10:00am  Networking Break

10:00am - 10:45am  Breakout Session

Energize Your Workforce from Hire to Retire

Chuck Gose headshot

Chuck Gose

Head of Community & Industry Insights

Firstup

We are in a workforce energy crisis driving an increase in employee burnout. Research shows more than 70% of HR leaders recognize the crisis and frequently discuss the corrosive impact of digital overload and its drain on workforce energy.

In this session, CHROs will find solutions for:

  • Identifying the cause of the “Productivity Paradox” and how to break the cycle of information overload
  • Reducing energy drain while building a more sustainable workforce
  • Evolving to intelligent digital communication to help support, promote and retain your people

10:00am - 10:45am  Breakout Session

Leading Through Four Lenses

Louis Gagnon headshot

Louis Gagnon

President & Chief Executive Officer

Foresters Financial

Marcia Mendes-d'Abreu headshot

Marcia Mendes-d'Abreu

Global Chief Human Resources Officer

Foresters Financial

Leaders need to be aware of the multiple dimensions that should be considered when making decisions. The pandemic emphasized this point, and Foresters Financial is taking an intentional approach by using four lenses from which to consider when making decisions.

In this fireside chat, CEO Louis Gagnon joins CHRO Marcia Mendes-d'Abreu to discuss how they are: 

  • Providing a holistic leadership model for personal growth and business success
  • Leveraging the model throughout the talent eco-system to build a well-rounded workforce

10:00am - 10:45am  Executive Boardroom

Creating a Healthy Workforce – the Impact of Accessible Care

Dr. Joby McKenzie headshot

Dr. Joby McKenzie

Managing Director, Canada

Teladoc Inc

Geoff Smith headshot

Geoff Smith

SVP Human Resources, Health and Safety

Shawcor

Stephen Fletcher headshot

Stephen Fletcher

CHRO

Canada Cartage

Only 15% of Canadians report feeling satisfied with their access to healthcare. Inaccessible or delayed care can lead to mental and physical complications, absenteeism and low productivity. As the whole-person health of employees is vital to a strong workforce, CHROs are challenged to deliver high-quality holistic programs now more than ever before.

Join this session to discuss:

  • The impact of mental health programs on physical conditions
  • The employee demand and employer ROI for virtual-first care
  • The importance of strengthening resilience with stepped care, offering mental health support to the entire population

Executive boardrooms are intimate and interactive sessions designed to foster dynamic dialogue around a specific, strategic topic. These private, closed-door discussions encourage attendee participation and are limited to 15 attendees (seating priority is given to CHROs).

To reserve your seat, please contact: Neiland.Fitzgerald@evanta.com

10:00am - 10:45am  Executive Boardroom

Culture, Connection and Belonging in Today’s World of Work

Mike Dolen headshot

Mike Dolen

Vice President, Strategy and People Science

Wisq

Peter Watson headshot

Peter Watson

Senior Director, HR & Labour Relations

Capgemini

With fewer opportunities for spontaneous socialization and organic connection, employees are feeling increasingly isolated, company culture at numerous organizations has eroded significantly and sense of belonging has been impacted. Why do work relationships matter? Strong cultures, effective collaboration and meaningful levels of belonging rely on trustworthy relationships. In today’s world of work, how can HR strengthen culture, deepen a sense of belonging, reinforce a people-first mentality and build trust through meaningful relationships?

Join this session to discuss:

  • Building happy and connected teams
  • Keeping workforce strategies, whether in-person, hybrid or remote, human-centered and personal
  • Strengthening company culture and increasing belonging

Executive boardrooms are intimate and interactive sessions designed to foster dynamic dialogue around a specific, strategic topic. These private, closed-door discussions encourage attendee participation and are limited to 15 attendees (seating priority is given to CHROs).

To reserve your seat, please contact: Neiland.Fitzgerald@evanta.com

10:45am - 11:20am  Networking Break

10:50am - 11:15am  Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Connect with like-minded peers in a one-on-one setting through Evanta’s Peer-to-Peer Meetings. You will be matched with peers in your community based on your shared interests and priorities.

2:10pm - 2:40pm  Networking Break

2:15pm - 2:40pm  Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Connect with like-minded peers in a one-on-one setting through Evanta’s Peer-to-Peer Meetings. You will be matched with peers in your community based on your shared interests and priorities.

2:45pm - 3:30pm  Breakout Session

Streamlining Health and Well-Being Solutions

Daniel Martz headshot

Daniel Martz

Vice President, Virtual Care

TELUS Health

AnnMarie Mercer headshot

AnnMarie Mercer

Chief People Officer

Walmart Canada

Jamilah Zuzarte headshot

Jamilah Zuzarte

Senior Manager, Associate Wellbeing

Walmart Canada

Holistic, personalized health and well-being programs are now a baseline expectation for many employees, but CHROs are still challenged with moving the needle when it comes to finding the right programs and increasing employee adoption. Organizations must simplify the process, ensuring workers can easily navigate wellness offerings and get support when they need it.  

Join this session to explore:

  • Improving employee experience by streamlining digital access to wellness solutions
  • Increasing awareness of offerings to boost effectiveness
  • Diversifying programs while maintaining ease of use

2:45pm - 3:30pm  Breakout Session

The Role of the CHRO in Times of Crisis and Change

Michele Hoff headshot

Michele Hoff

VP, Human Resources, Americas

Epson America

Stephen Fletcher headshot

Stephen Fletcher

CHRO

Canada Cartage

Diana Elder headshot

Diana Elder

Vice President People and Culture

University Health Network

In the past few years, CHROs have been at the center of crisis after crisis. As society feels the effects of a pandemic, social injustice, geopolitical turmoil, and now recessionary concerns — responsibility is falling on HR’s desk. How can CHROs navigate the current challenges, while also remaining adaptable for future disruptions?

Join this panel of CHROs as they discuss:

  • The impacts of disruption on HR strategy, overall business goals and the CHRO role itself
  • How to balance responding to immediate crises while still focusing on long-term strategic work
  • Ways the CHRO can set the organization up for resilience to navigate global shocks

2:45pm - 3:30pm  Executive Boardroom

HR as a Recessionary Problem-Solver

Nicole Desloges headshot

Nicole Desloges

SVP, People

LifeLabs

Karen Scott headshot

Karen Scott

SVP, People & Growth

Softchoice

Lloyd Van Wersebe headshot

Lloyd Van Wersebe

Major Account Executive

Qualtrics

The HR role has evolved dramatically since the last recession, with HR leaders now serving from a higher altitude and recognized as critical business partners instead of services providers.

Amid concerns of another recession, join this session to discuss:

  • Lessening the impact of inflation and economic instability on employees
  • Ensuring stable leadership and developing succession plans in uncertain times
  • Providing transparency to your workforce

Executive boardrooms are intimate and interactive sessions designed to foster dynamic dialogue around a specific, strategic topic. These private, closed-door discussions encourage attendee participation and are limited to 15 attendees (seating priority is given to CHROs).

To reserve your seat, please contact: Neiland.Fitzgerald@evanta.com

3:30pm - 3:45pm  Networking Break

3:45pm - 4:35pm  Keynote

Exhaustion to Enthusiasm – Leading Through Rapid Change

Cassandra Worthy headshot

Cassandra Worthy

CEO & Founder, Change Enthusiasm

Guest Speaker

90% of change adoption stems from employee motivation and willingness to embrace the change. 15 years in corporate mergers and acquisitions made Cassandra Worthy one of the world's leading experts on sparking Change Enthusiasm® in an organization, delivering insights to transform your organizational culture from surviving change to growing through change.

Join this interactive keynote to gain:

  • A new perspective on the skills required to effectively lead through change
  • Practical framework to quantify your strengths and areas of growth when addressing, working and leading through change
  • An instantly applicable action plan to improve critical leadership behaviors and effectively lead change movements

4:35pm - 5:00pm  Closing Reception & Prize Drawing

December 12, 2022

December 13, 2022

We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming in-person gathering


Location


Venue & Accommodation

Sheraton Centre Toronto
MORE INFORMATION

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Sheraton Centre Toronto at a reduced conference rate. Reservations should be made online or by calling 1-888-627-7175 . Please mention Toronto Executive Summit to ensure the appropriate room rate.

Deadline to book using the discounted room rate of $199 CAD (plus tax) is November 28, 2022.

Your Community Partners


CHRO Thought Leader
Key Partner

Community Program Manager


For inquiries related to this community, please reach out to your dedicated contact.

Neiland Fitzgerald

Program Manager

5415148756

neiland.fitzgerald@evanta.com