Main Stage

Main Stage

Robert Laufer, CFO of Browns Shoes, sits down with RCC President and CEO Diane J. Brisebois to explore the art of building a strong business case for HR investments. They’ll explore how to align with leadership priorities, effectively balance qualitative and quantitative factors in decision-making, and demonstrate HR’s value to secure the necessary support for driving growth and change within your organization.

Main Stage

Retail workers are looking for more than “competitive pay”. How can retailers make a real difference in their employees’ daily work life and contribute positively to their overall experience? John Mortimer and Shelly Patel, seasoned voices from LabourWatch, bring you frontline insights from conversations with team members at every level. They’ll share the actionable strategies that resonate with employees, boost engagement, and in turn, enhance customer loyalty and business performance.

Fast Five Sponsor Highlight

Main Stage

Discover the promise AI holds for HR functions, alongside critical pitfalls and risks for your business. Bay Ryley, uncovers the legal landscape governing AI in the workplace, from existing regulations to upcoming developments. This includes a close look at the indispensable role of human emotion and creativity, highlighting their irreplaceable essence amidst technological advancements.

Main Stage

Explore transformative DEI strategies, designed specifically for retail HR leaders. Rochele Padiachy, Learning Manager at the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion will guide you on what the journey to successful DEI integration entails. Gain a deeper understanding of how to weave DEI into the fabric of your business plans and recognize the incremental yet pivotal changes you are making that will shape a more inclusive future. Discover practical steps for embedding DEI into your organization’s culture for lasting and meaningful impact.

Main Stage

Dive into the future of retail HR with AI, where streamlining tasks becomes almost effortless, and gaining deeper, actionable workforce insights is the norm. Imagine a world where AI not only simplifies your most complex processes but also amplifies your understanding of your unique team dynamics. As demographics shift and technologies accelerate, embracing the potential in AI for savvy decision-making, effectively bridging skill gaps, and bringing workforce efficiency to new heights will become an imperative that will also make your role more impactful and fulfilling.

Foyer

Be sure to visit the exhibit hall during the networking break.

Lyra

Join us for an engaging fireside chat dedicated to exploring the critical aspects of talent attraction, development, and retention. In this insightful session presented by, Schulich ExecEd and PetValu industry experts will share valuable strategies, actionable insights, and best practices aimed at helping you build and retain a high-performing talent. This fireside chat promises to provide the knowledge and tools necessary to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.

Main Stage

In the rapidly evolving landscape of retail, the role of frontline managers is becoming increasingly critical. Enter the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence. This session dives into how AI-driven coaching is empowering managers from the ground up and elevating the role of HR in retail. Featuring a compelling case study with La Vie en Rose, we’ll delve into the strategic benefits of AI for retail, showcasing the tangible benefits these innovations bring to businesses. Join us to learn how you can integrate AI coaching in your organization, one step at a time.

Foyer

Take a break, enjoy a delicious lunch, and network with your industry peers. Don’t miss the chance to connect with leading solution providers in the Exhibit Hall.

Main Stage

Share, steal and swap ideas with your fellow HR professionals. Connect with industry colleagues in these small group discussions to discuss the most important topics keeping HR professionals up at night. 

Small groups will discuss the changing employee experience and expectations. Groups will discuss the importance on employee wellbeing and safety, the roadblocks to talent attraction in corporate and front line roles, and how HR leaders can influence culture and adhesion.

Lyra

Share, steal and swap ideas with your fellow HR professionals. Connect with industry colleagues in these small group discussions to discuss the most important topics keeping HR professionals up at night. 

This group will explore discussions on the DEI influence on employer branding, Automation and AI for HR, and how retailers can create the workforce they need with upskilling and education.

Foyer

Be sure to visit the exhibit hall during the networking break.

Fast Five Highlight

Main Stage

The Canadian Business Disability Network is a national network of businesses championing a barrier-free Canada for all. Our mission is to empower member organizations to adopt best practices to promote disability inclusion that benefit their businesses, employees, and customers. Learn more about how this network is inspiring collaboration on solutions for disability inclusion that benefit Canadian businesses, their employees, customers and the broader economy.

Main Stage

Longo’s President Deb Craven chats about propelling employee engagement and the groundwork Longo’s took on to discover practical and meaningful ways to improve daily employee experiences. Deb shares what they learned, the importance of accountability, and how it has led increased engagement reflected in safety, attendance, and job satisfaction.