8:30 - 9:00AM

Arrival

9:15AM

Keynote: Future of Work with Sandra McKenzie

10:15AM

Break

10:30AM

Breakout Sessions: Navigating the Modern Workforce

Essential Human Skills for the Future of Work
Michelle Hurlburt, Director-Founder-Coach, 3DLife Inc.
This session will discuss the essential nature of social and emotional (human) skills for the future of work, specifically in relation to the impact they can have on industries in three key areas: Leadership development, teamwork and employee retention, and achieving desired results and outcomes.

NAIL IT!® presents Name It; Reframe It
Bernice Williams, Founder/CEO, Intentional Connection & Karen Kelloway, Founder/CEO, Career Story Project
We had the Great Resignation, then Quiet Quitting, and now we are in survival mode and accepting anyone with a pulse into our workplace.  What's really going on?  Bernice and Karen will share simple tools and exercises to help keep your employees engaged and on track within your business.  Eliminating distractions will help YOU, as the manager, determine important next steps to maintain momentum.    

Embracing Safety Initiatives for Enhanced Workplace Wellbeing
Jennifer Clarke, Manager Outreach Support, Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (Safety Branch)
Learn about the Safety Branch’s exciting tools and resources including the new online mobile safety app, Nova SAFE.  Jennifer will also be exploring the tools and resources through the safety branch and updating on the upcoming public engagement sessions on Harassment and Bullying in the workplace.  These resources will assist businesses and industry with newcomers and youth safety, including an overview of the new Youth and Newcomer training modules that will be available to all industries.   

11:30AM

Lunch

12:30PM

Employer Panel: Unlocking the Secrets of Employee Retention

Facilitator: Búi Petersen
Assistant Professor, Management, Saint Mary's University

Panelist: Robin Walker
Director, Human Capital
Hotel Halifax + The Barrington Hotel

Panelist: Geneve Newcombe
Cornwallis Farms Ltd.

Panelist: Troy Lenihan
Director - Continuous Improvement & Operations, Eden Valley Poultry

1:30PM

Break

1:45PM

Economic Overview with Brian Watson and Mike Milloy

2:45PM

Break

3:00PM

Breakout Sessions: Building a More Inclusive Future

Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace
Travis Woodworth, Health and Safety Planner, Glooscap Ventures
This focused session zeroes in on the critical issue of psychological health and safety within the workplace, particularly within the context of Nova Scotia's workforce. We will discuss the prevalence of stress and harassment, the disproportionate challenges faced by marginalized groups, and the resulting impact on organizational health. The presentation will outline the steps Glooscap Health and Safety has taken to raise awareness and address these issues, including the implementation of psychological safety policies and training programs. Attendees will be introduced to the IDEAL Project's evidence-based practices that support the integration of psychological health into the fabric of workplace culture. This session is designed to equip participants with an understanding of the importance of psychological safety and practical steps to create more inclusive and mentally healthy work environments. 

Allyship in the Workplace
Tonya Paris, Maqtawe’k Productions
Allyship in The Workplace, is a fun, open and informative conversation about how we as individuals can be allies in our professional environments. Specifically, we will discuss the impact leaders have on a workplace culture by highlighting three key areas: Leadership Development, Diverse Hiring and Community Engagement.
"Allyship" is rooted in the belief that it is the everyday kindnesses of ordinary people, that leads to long-term positive change in a community & and culture. Our discussion will focus on tangible ways individuals can be inclusive, and accepting and feel empowered to help disrupt the presence of discrimination in the world.

Navigating the Crossroads of IDEA in the Evolving Workplace
Ann Divine, Ashanti Leadership
In recent years, IDEA has emerged as a prominent buzzwords, sparking varied reactions among individuals. Some feel the pressure of meeting inclusion standards, fearing judgment, while others question the necessity of prioritizing IDEA in the workplace amidst other pressing issues. However, the reality is that our workplaces are undergoing rapid transformations due to global shifts, demographic changes, social justice movements, economic fluctuations, and environmental considerations. Business leaders are now compelled to scrutinize and adapt their organizational cultures, recognizing the complexities of managing diverse groups. These differences not only offer unique perspectives but also foster innovation, creativity, and a competitive edge. The discourse surrounding IDEA elicits both positive and negative responses, with some perceiving a backlash against corporate diversity efforts. This conversation aims to delve into both sides of the issue, exploring how IDEA can be embraced as a guiding lens for everyday business operations. By dismantling systemic barriers, eradicating discrimination, and creating inclusive opportunities, IDEA principles can unleash the full potential of individuals and foster a sense of belonging for everyone within the organization.

4:00

Closing Remarks

8:30AM

Arrival

9:00AM

Opening Remarks with Deputy Minister Ava Czapalay

9:15AM

IDEA Panel: Fostering Inclusivity, Valuation, and Belonging

Facilitator: Brady Paul
Truth & Reconciliation and Indigenous Recruitment Specialist, KPMG

Panelist: Kateryna Mokrush
Laundry Manager, Barrington Hotel

Panelist: Alfred Burgesson
CEO & Founder, Tribe Network

Panelist: Alanna Hutchinson
Employment Facilitator, Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work

Stay tuned for exciting panellist announcements!

10:15AM

Break

10:30AM

Breakout Sessions: Empowering Your Personal Growth

Deep Service
Bill Carr, Founder, Atlantic Restorative Company
Every industry is a service industry. Every life is a life of service on some level.  Illumination and a celebration of this deep truth is at the core of this Deep Service keynote. Whether at work, in our community, or in our home life, we do, in fact, as Bob Dylan says “serve somebody”. At work, we serve our company, our fellow employees, our clients, our community, our society and our world. At home, we serve our families, our neighbourhoods, and again our society and the world. The depth and quality of this service are directly affected by how we see ourselves as being “in service”. Perception drives performance.

Developing Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
Fantanesh Attomsa, Regional Consultant, Recreation Nova Scotia
Developing Emotional Intelligence in the workplace is a highly interactive and experiential session designed to enhance participants' understanding and application of emotional intelligence skills in a professional setting. This workshop aims to equip employees, employers and all professionals with the knowledge and strategies necessary to recognize, manage, and leverage their emotions effectively to foster positive workplace relationships, enhance communication, and drive overall team productivity. Through a combination of engaging activities, discussions, and practical exercises, participants will develop deeper self-awareness and learn valuable techniques to build empathy, navigate conflicts, and inspire collaboration among colleagues. 

Becoming a Purpose-Driven Organization
Phil Jewell, Founder, Impact Leadership
Purpose-driven companies have 30% higher levels of innovation, over 40% higher levels of retention, and provide people with a sense of identity and belonging. And yet how many of us can say we attach the bigger meaning and purpose to the work we do? In this workshop, Phil will share the importance of attaching meaning to our work, share examples of the impact it can have, and leave you with strategies to help you and your organization become purpose-driven. 

11:30AM

Lunch

12:30PM

Keynote: Belonging Matters - Framing Contemporary Issues with Concepts of IDEA

During this session, Angela Simmonds will share her journey, her experiences with the many aspects of belonging, and its impact on our lives.  The participants can expect to gain a deeper understanding of systemic barriers and concepts of EDIA and how they intersect in creating an inclusive workplace culture.  We all have a human need to belong, we will discuss influences that can impact our professional and personal relationships, and learn best practices to cultivate connections and understand allyship.

1:30PM

Break

1:45PM

Breakout Sessions: Elevating Workforce Excellence

Effective Time Management: A Productivity Workshop
Temi Ologbenla, Senior Scrum Master, RBC
Unlock Time, Unleash Potential – Strategies & Tools to Elevate Your Efficiency! Temi will channel her wealth of experience into a session on Effective Time Management. She'll share insights that merge her extensive knowledge with her real-life experiences in entrepreneurship, motherhood, and career-building. Attendees will gain valuable tools to balance their ambitious career goals with life’s other passions, all from Temi's unique and practical perspective. 

Unleash the Power of ChatGPT: 10x Your Productivity
Robert Newcombe, Associate Partner, The Barrington Consulting Group
This isn't just another tech talk; it's an immersive journey that will unravel the mysteries of ChatGPT and arm you with the skills to harness its power for unparalleled efficiency, creativity, and innovation. In a dynamic 60-minute session, you'll experience a live, tailored ChatGPT interaction that will showcase the versatility of AI and how it can be honed for your business and your clients. Dive deep into the inner workings of ChatGPT, learn the art of crafting effective prompts, and get a glimpse into the future of AI — including OpenAI’s highly anticipated app store. We will conclude our session with an in-depth Q&A period, complemented by the chance for you to 'test pilot' ChatGPT, ensuring you leave not just informed, but also invigorated by the technology. P.S. — Don't miss the reveal of a thrilling opportunity for your organization to access FREE ChatGPT and AI training in the upcoming year. This is a presentation you will not want to miss!

Retention: It’s About More Than the Money
Jillian Janega-Connell, COO, Anchored Recruiting & HR Solutions Inc.
We will discuss the retention trends for 2024 along with the importance of Employee Engagement, Employee Performance and Employee Recognition.
- What Does It Mean 
- Why Is It Important
- How Do We Achieve It

2:45PM

Closing Remarks