GROWING YOUR WORKFORCE
2026 CONFERENCE
Wednesday, October 28
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Six Nations Polytechnic
411 Elgin Street, Brantford, Ontario
Bringing employers, educators, and community leaders together to build a stronger workforce for today and tomorrow.
The Countdown Is On. Register now to hold your early-bird rate.
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OVERVIEW
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This year we focus on Hands-on and experiential learning, Work-Integrated Learning and other practical approaches to skills and talent development.
Future-Proof Your Workforce Strategy!
The Growing Your Workforce Conference is an annual cornerstone event in Southwestern Ontario that brings together employers, workforce development professionals, service providers, educators, community leaders, and policy makers to tackle pressing labour market challenges, exchange innovative ideas, and share practical solutions that strengthen regional workforce systems.
Organized by the collaborative network of Ontario’s Workforce Planning boards, this conference builds on years of impactful gatherings where attendees connect, learn from subject-matter experts, and explore trends shaping how we attract, retain, and develop talent across industries and communities.
In 2026, the conference will be hosted by the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie in Brantford, Ontario. This year’s event will place a special focus on the role of hands-on and experiential learning—including Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), mentorship, co-operative education placements, on-the-job training, and other practical approaches to skills and talent development—in strengthening workforce systems. Attendees can expect a rich lineup of presentations, keynote sessions, interactive panels, and networking opportunities that reflect the structure and purpose of previous years’ events, all designed to support workforce strategy and regional economic growth.
The Conference will take place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Six Nations Polytechnic, 411 Elgin Street, Brantford, ON, in the Athletic Lounge (Athletic Building).
The world is changing quickly. Get up to speed with:
- Hands-on workforce solutions that actually work
- Game-changing ideas in co-op, mentorship, and on-the-job training
- Actionable tools and new connections for a rapidly evolving workforce
- Proven approaches to workforce development and retention
- Meaningful networking that leads to real opportunities
This one day conference event will help you:
- Build stronger talent pipelines with WIL and experiential learning
- Align education and industry for better outcomes
- Explore scalable training models for your organization
- Connect with leaders driving regional economic growth
REGISTER NOW!
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This event has a limited number of seats.
Register now to guarantee your spot and take advantage of early-bird pricing!
Labour Challenges Demand New Workforce Solutions
2026 SPEAKERS, FACILITATORS & TOUR GUIDES
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Gain from the Insight, Experience and Success of these presenters!
Christina Han
Associate Professor
Wilfrid Laurier University
PRESENTATION
Community as Classroom: Advancing Work-Integrated Learning Through the Laurier Hub for Community Solutions
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Leo Groarke
Author, Professor, Philosopher, & 8th President and Vice-Chancellor of Trent University. Former Principal and Vice-President of the Wilfrid Laurier University Brantford campus
PRESENTATION – KEYNOTE
Ready to Work and Ready for the Future? Experiential Learning for Everyone.
Summer Burton
Executive Director
Literacy Link South Central
PRESENTATION
The Get SET System:
Connecting Learners, Employers
and Opportunity
Karen Matthews
Executive Director
Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce
EMPLOYER PANEL FACILITATOR
Partnerships That Work: Employers Building the Future Workforce
Maria Scovino
Employment Counsellor
Six Nations Polytechnic Career Hub
STUDENT PANEL FACILITATOR
Building Skills, Building Confidence: The Student Experience
Connor Webb
Business Resource Assistant
Brantford-Brant Business Resource Enterprise Centre
CO-Master Of Ceremonies
TOUR GUIDE
Brantford-Brant Employment Lands
Brandon Webb
Research and Marketing Economic Development Officer
County of Brant
CO-Master Of Ceremonies
TOUR GUIDE
Brantford-Brant Employment Lands
Mason Braga
Marketing Coordinator
Workforce Planning Board
Of Grand Erie
LIGHTNING ROUND FACILITATOR
Wynona Mendes
Lightning Round Facilitator
Research Lead
Workforce Planning Board
Of Grand Erie
LIGHTNING ROUND FACILITATOR
CONFERENCE AGENDA
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A full day of knowledge, connections, and actionable ideas.
TIME
ACTIVITY
LOCATION
SPONSOR
8:00 A.M. – 8:45 A.M.
REGISTRATION
Sign-in and get name tags
SHOWCASE LOUNGE
Networking, meet the sponsors
BREAKFAST
Breakfast wraps, fruit and coffee/tea
FIRST LEVEL
MAIN ENTRANCE
FIRST LEVEL
ATRIUM
ATHLETIC LOUNGE
SECOND LEVEL
VIA STAIRS & ELEVATOR
8:45 A.M. – 9:15 A.M.
9:15 A.M. – 9:45 A.M.
9:45 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.
WELCOME
Danette Dalton, Executive Director
WPBGE Board Member
CHRISTINA HAN, WLU
Community as Classroom: Advancing Work-Integrated Learning Through the Laurier Hub for Community Solutions
KEYNOTE – DR. LEO GROARKE
Ready to Work and Ready for the Future? Experiential Learning for Everyone.
AUDITORUM
FIRST LEVEL
AUDITORUM
FIRST LEVEL
AUDITORUM
FIRST LEVEL
10:30 A.M. – 10:45 A.M.
BREAK
FIRST LEVEL
ATRIUM
10:45 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
SUMMER BURTON
The Get SET System: Connecting Learners, Employers and Opportunity
EDUCATOR PANEL
facilitated by Summer Burton
AUDITORUM
FIRST LEVEL
AUDITORUM
FIRST LEVEL
12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.
LUNCH
ATHLETIC LOUNGE
SECOND LEVEL
VIA STAIRS & ELEVATOR
1:00 P.M. – 1:15 P.M.
1:15 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M. – 2:15 P.M.
2:15 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
3:00 P.M. – 3:15 P.M.
LIGHTNING ROUND 1: GRAND ERIE EMPLOYERONE & WORKFORCE SURVEY RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
Danette Dalton, Executive Director
Wynona Mendes, Research Lead
EMPLOYER PANEL – PARTNERSHIPS THAT WORK: EMPLOYERS BUILDING THE FUTURE WORKFORCE
Employer Panel facilitated by Karen Mathews
LIGHTNING ROUND 2: BUILDING THE JOB READINESS BRIDGE: SPOTLIGHT ON CAREER COACHING
Danette Dalton, Executive Director
Wynona Mendes, Research Lead
Mason Braga, Marketing Coordinator
Guangming Gao, Research Assistant
Josha Yang, UX Developer
STUDENT PANEL – BUILDING SKILLS, BUILDING CONFIDENCE: THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Student Panel facilitated by Maria Scovino
LIGHTNING ROUND 3: THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
AUDITORUM
FIRST LEVEL
AUDITORUM
FIRST LEVEL
AUDITORUM
FIRST LEVEL
AUDITORUM
FIRST LEVEL
AUDITORUM
FIRST LEVEL
3:15 P.M. – 3:45 P.M.
BREAK
FIRST LEVEL
MAIN FOYER
3:45 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
FEET ON THE GROUND: EXPERIENCING INDIGENOUS INNOVATION AND LEARNING AT SIX NATIONS POLYTECHNIC
SNP BRANTFORD
CAMPUS TOUR
3:30 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
ON THE ROAD:
EXPLORING BRANTFORD-BRANT’S EMPLOYMENT LANDS
CITY OF BRANTFORD
EMPLOYENT LANDS
BUS TOUR
Agenda
8:00 A.M. – 8:45 A.M.
REGISTRATION
Sign-in and get name tags
FIRST LEVEL
MAIN ENTRANCE
SHOWCASE LOUNGE
Networking, meet the sponsors
FIRST LEVEL ATRIUM
BREAKFAST
Breakfast wraps, fruit and coffee/tea
SECOND LEVEL
VIA STAIRS & ELEVATOR
8:45 A.M. – 9:15 A.M.
WELCOME
Danette Dalton – Executive Director
WPBGE Board Member
AUDITORIUM – FIRST LEVEL
9:15 A.M. – 9:45 A.M.
CHRISTINA HAN, WLU
Community as Classroom –
Advancing Work-Integrated Learning
Through the Laurier Hub for Community Solutions
AUDITORIUM – FIRST LEVEL
9:45 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.
KEYNOTE – DR. LEO GROARKE
Ready to Work and Ready for the Future?
Experiential Learning for Everyone.
AUDITORIUM – FIRST LEVEL
10:30 A.M. – 10:45 A.M.
BREAK
FIRST LEVEL – MAIN FOYER
10:45 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
SUMMER BURTON
The Get Set System: Connecting Learners, Employers and Opportunity
AUDITORIUM – FIRST LEVEL
11:00 A.M. – 12:00 Noon
EDUCATOR PANEL
facilitated by Summer Burton
AUDITORIUM – FIRST LEVEL
12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.
LUNCH
SECOND LEVEL
VIA STAIRS & ELEVATOR
1:00 P.M. – 1:15 P.M.
LIGHTNING ROUND 1: GRAND ERIE
EMPLOYERONE & WORKFORCE SURVEY
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
Danette Dalton, Executive Director
Wynona Mendes, Research Lead
AUDITORIUM – FIRST LEVEL
1:15 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
EMPLOYER PANEL –
PARTNERSHIPS THAT WORK: EMPLOYERS
BUILDING THE FUTURE WORKFORCE
Employer Panel facilitated by Karen Mathews
AUDITORIUM – FIRST LEVEL
2:00 P.M. – 2:15 P.M.
LIGHTNING ROUND 2 –
BUILDING THE JOB READINESS BRIDGE:
SPOTLIGHT ON CAREER COACHING
Danette Dalton, Executive Director
Wynona Mendes, Research Lead
AUDITORIUM – FIRST LEVEL
2:15 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
STUDENT PANEL –
BUILDING SKILLS, BUILDING CONFIDENCE:
THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Student Panel facilitated by Maria Scovino
AUDITORIUM – FIRST LEVEL
3:00 P.M. – 3:15 P.M.
LIGHTNING ROUND 3 –
THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
Danette Dalton, Executive Director
Wynona Mendes, Research Lead
AUDITORIUM – FIRST LEVEL
3:15 P.M. – 3:45 P.M.
BREAK
FIRST LEVEL
MAIN FOYER
3:45 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
FEET ON THE GROUND –
EXPERIENCING INDIGENOUS
INNOVATION AND LEARNING AT SIX
NATIONS POLYTECHNIC
SNP BRANTFORD CAMPUS TOUR
ALTERNATIVE AGENDA
3:30 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
ON THE ROAD –
EXPLORING BRANTFORD-BRANT’S
EMPLOYMENT LANDS
EMPLOYMENT LANDS BUS TOUR
ACCOMODATIONS
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The best places to stay and special conference rates for a limited time.
A range of hotel accommodations are available in Brantford, with several convenient options located within a short drive – typically 5–10 minutes (3–5 km) from the venue, offering easy access by car or taxi.
Best Western Brantford Hotel & Conference Centre
CLICK HERE to take advantage of the special conference rate.
Guests are also welcome to call the hotel directly and mention they are apart of the Conference and book a room that way.
The discount rate is only available until Sept 18th so book now!
19 Holiday Dr, Brantford
Phone 519-53-8651
Days Inn by Wyndham Brantford
CLICK HERE to take advantage of the special conference rate.
Conveniently located near Highway 403, this hotel provides easy access to the venue and surrounding area.
460 Fairview Drive, Brantford
Phone 519-759-2700
Additional Accomodation Options
DIRECTIONS & TRANSPORT
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All roads lead to Brantford, Ontario (but some routes are better than others.)
Click here for directions to Six Nations Polytechnic from your location
The conference will take place at the Athletic Lounge inside the Athletic Building at Six Nations Polytechnic, located at 411 Elgin Street, Brantford, Ontario.
Event Location
The Athletic Building is located on campus and is easily accessible from the main entrance.
Parking
Free parking is available on-site. Upon arrival, enter through the main campus driveway off Elgin Street.
Location & Transportation
411 Elgin Street is situated in Brantford’s east end, with direct access to major routes including Highway 403. Most hotels listed above are within a short driving distance, making commuting to the venue quick and convenient. Visitors can expect travel times of approximately 5–10 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
For attendees without a vehicle, taxi and rideshare services are readily available throughout Brantford, and many hotels offer assistance with transportation arrangements.
VIA Rail
Positioned along the Toronto–London–Windsor route, Brantford benefits from multiple daily departures, making it an ideal hub for both business and leisure travel. Passengers can enjoy direct rail service to major centres such as Toronto, London, and Windsor, with seamless connections to the wider national network.
With its central location and modern amenities, VIA Rail’s Brantford service offers a comfortable, efficient alternative to highway travel—connecting the community to key economic and cultural destinations across the region.
The Brantford station, located at 5 Wadsworth Street, is a staffed and accessible facility with ticketing services, passenger assistance, and links to local transit, taxis, and rideshare options.
GO Transit
While Brantford does not currently have direct GO train service, the city is served by a dedicated GO bus network that acts as a vital bridge to the rail system. From the central hub at the Brantford Bus Terminal, passengers can board GO buses that connect to key rail corridors—most notably at stations such as Aldershot—where frequent train service continues into Toronto and beyond.
Brantford Transit
Locally, Brantford Transit further strengthens this connectivity by feeding riders into GO bus routes from across the city. Brantford’s municipal bus service is quick, clean and effecient.
https://www.brantford.ca/en/transportation/brantford-transit.aspx