The Growing Your Workforce Conference is an annual event organized by the Workforce Boards of Ontario. Each year, the conference is hosted by a different workforce development board. This year, the conference will be hosted by Workforce WindsorEssex, and will take place November 21 from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. and November 22 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at St Clair College Centre for the Arts in Windsor, Ontario.
The conference focuses on addressing workforce development challenges and opportunities across Southwestern Ontario, and is a vital platform for bringing together partners, including employers, service providers, institutions, and decision makers. It is an event where ideas are exchanged, best practices are shared, and solutions are crafted to address the pressing issues facing our workforce, talent pipelines, and local labour markets.
Become a Speaker
Interested in giving a presentation or participating on a panel?
Become an Exhibitor
Consider applying to become an exhibitor at the conference!
Potential conference topics for sessions include:
- Recruiting and retaining apprentices
- Workforce retention
- Innovation in experiential learning
- Multi-generational workforces
- Meaningfully employing newcomers
- Innovative retention practices not focused on compensation
- How to effectively recruit qualified talent (from job postings to onboarding)
- How to partner with non-profits for funding opportunities
- Succession planning/knowledge sharing
- EDID: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization
- Accessibility in the workplace
- Resources for rural employers
Sponsorship Opportunities
Event Agenda:
Agenda Day 1
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Registration Opens
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Doors Open – Snacks and Coffee
- 1:00 PM – Welcome/Land Acknowledgement
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Block A
- 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM – Break – Snacks and Coffee
- 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Block B
- 5:00 PM – End of Day
Add-On Event – Evening Reception 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Agenda Day 2
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM – Doors Open – Breakfast
- 8:00 AM – Welcome/Land Acknowledgement
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Block C
- 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM – Break – Snacks and Coffee
- 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Block D
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Event End – Lunch
Evening Networking Reception
Add-On Ticket – $25
Enhance your conference experience by attending our exclusive welcome reception! In partnership with Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, we invite you to the stunning River Room for an evening of delicious appetizers and locally crafted beverages. This is a perfect opportunity to connect and socialize with fellow attendees in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
Your ticket includes a selection of appetizers, local wine sampling and a complimentary drink. Don’t miss this chance to build valuable connections and create lasting memories. Tickets are limited, so secure your add-on ticket now and join us for an unforgettable evening!
Accommodations
DoubleTree by Hilton Windsor Hotel & Suites – This stunning hotel is located at 333 Riverside Dr W, Windsor, ON N9A 7C5 – right beside the conference venue (St. Clair College Centre for the Arts).
Click for Reserved Discounted Rooms
About the DoubleTree by Hilton Windsor Hotel & Suites: “Our high-rise hotel sits in downtown Windsor, adjacent to Dieppe Gardens on the Detroit River. We’re next to Adventure Bay Family Water Park, within 10 minutes of Caesars Windsor and central Detroit via the D&C Tunnel. Enjoy our 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool with panoramic views of both cities, and a warm DoubleTree cookie at check-in.”
To help us share the news about the conference, please considering visiting the Promotions Page.
For questions related to the Growing Your Workforce Conference, please contact Sarah Robson at srobson@workforcewindsoressex.com.