Join us for the 2026
Growing Your Workforce Conference!
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Six Nations Polytechnic
Brantford, ON
The Countdown Is On. Pre-Register now to hold your early-bird rate.
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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 26, 2026, at Six Nations Polytechnic, 411 Elgin Street, Brantford, ON, in the Athletic Lounge (Athletic Building).
Check back frequently for event details and registration information — you won’t want to miss this chance to be part of the conversation shaping the future of work in Southwestern Ontario!
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
Conference Info
Click on any topic in the dropdowns below to reveal more information
Accommodations
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.
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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 |
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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 |
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Additional Options
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
Directions & Parking
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.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring the Growing Your Workforce Conference provides a meaningful opportunity to show your commitment to workforce development in the Grand Erie region and to support practical, community-driven solutions. Your sponsorship will directly contribute to the success of a conference designed to address the real workforce challenges and opportunities facing our local labour market. With approximately 150 attendees— including employers, service providers, postsecondary partners, and decision-makers from across Grand Erie— your organization will receive visible recognition through on-site signage, conference materials, and digital promotion. This exposure positions your organization as an engaged partner in strengthening local talent pipelines and supporting employers and workers alike. By investing in this conference, you are helping build a stronger, more resilient workforce that supports the long-term economic health of our communities.
Download Our Sponsorship Package
Pre-register Now!
Pre-register now and reserve your spot for our 2026 conference event. Pre-registrants are under no obligagtion and you’ll be the first to know as soon as offical registration opens for Growing Your Workforce, 2026!
