GROWING YOUR WORKFORCE
2026 CONFERENCE
May 28, 2026 | Brantford, Ontario
Bringing employers, educators, and community leaders together to build a stronger workforce for today and tomorrow.
2026 SPEAKERS, FACILITORS & TOUR GUIDES
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
From Downtown Renewal to Workforce Readiness: The Power of Experiential Learning
Summer Burton
Executive Director
Literacy Link South Central
PRESENTATION
The Get Set System:
Connecting Learners, Employers
and Opportunity
Karen Matthews
Executive Director of Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce
EMPLOYER PANEL FACILITATOR
Partnerships That Work: Employers Building the Future Workforce
Maria Scovino
Six Nations of the Grand River member
WPBGE Board Member
STUDENT PANEL FACILITATOR
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
