Summit 2017 Agenda

NGLCC Global 5TH LGBT Summit of the Americas
Hosted by the CLGCC

Wednesday June 14 – Friday June 16, 2017
InterContinental Toronto Yorkville
220 Bloor Street West
Toronto, Canada

An event for businesses looking
to expand domestic and global opportunities

SOLD OUT

Summit Agenda

SUMMIT DAY ONE
WEDNESDAY JUNE 14, 2017

10:00 – 18:00 Registration

10:30 - 12:45 CGLCC AGM & Supplier Diversity Corporate Roundtable (by invitation only)

13:00 – 13:30 Opening Remarks

Bruce McDonald, Co-Founder & Chair, CGLCC
Justin Nelson, Co-Founder & President, NGLCC

13:30 – 14:30 Plenary Panel #1: Opportunities for SMEs and Diverse Suppliers in the Current Global Economic Environment
Presented by: Marriott International
Moderator: Elizabeth Vazquez, CEO & Co-Founder, WEConnect International
Panel Speakers:

Dominica Groom, Senior Director, Global Sustainability & Supplier Diversity, Marriott International
Kimberley Messer, Business Development Executive, Workforce Diversity & LGBT Markets, IBM
Maryse Robert, Director, Department of Economic Development, Executive Secretariat for Integral Development, Organization of American States

Corporations’ supplier diversity programs and policies provide powerful business opportunities for LGBT entrepreneurs. As companies of all size increasingly operate (and compete) in a globalized economy, it is important to be aware of the current business environment, and the opportunities and challenges that it brings.

This session looks at the 2017 international economic and trade environment, and the implications that it has on all diverse companies.

14:30 - 15:00 Break
Presented by: Bell

15:00 - 16:00 Plenary Panel #2: Practical Advice for Understanding and Navigating the Complexities of International Markets
Presented by: Global Affairs Canada
Moderator: Jim Rondeau, Systematic Design
Speakers:
Jim Kolbe, Senior Transatlantic Fellow, The German Marshall Fund
Ailish Campbell, Chief Trade Commissioner of Canada and Assistant Deputy Minister, International Business Development, Global Affairs Canada
Business conditions and political environments can vary significantly from one market to the other, particularly at the international level. Therefore, gaining intelligence and advice on foreign markets, and on how these can impact domestic markets, are key to any enterprise, big and small, wanting to expand or just stay competitive.

This panel session brings together experts on international markets who will engage in an open discussion on key foreign markets, and on how these can impact or expand your current and future business potential and activities.

16:00 - 17:00 Plenary Panel #3: Linking LGBT Inclusion and Economic Development
Presented by: Egale Human Rights Trust
Moderator: Helen Kennedy, Executive Director, Egale Canada Human Rights Trust
Panel Speakers:

Lucas Itaborahy, Program Manager, Micro Rainbow International
Lee Badgett, Williams Distinguished Scholar, Williams Institute

International studies reveal a clear and positive correlation between per capita GDP and legal rights for LGBT people across countries. But the benefits of LGBT rights extend beyond purely economic outcomes to improved personal well-being, such as educational attainment and life expectancy.

The panelists will discuss the progress realized in the world, in particular the Americas, and how international business partnerships can contribute to human rights developments and vice-versa.

17:00 - 20:30 Opening Reception
Hosted by: Pride At Work Canada
Location: Brassaii, 461 King Street West
Transportation provided by: Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation
Enhance your network opportunities by attending Pride at Work Canada’s Toronto ProPride 2017. As a delegate of the Summit, you are invited to join Pride at Work Canada and CGLCC to celebrate the commitment made to LGBT inclusion in Canadian workplaces. Network with LGBT professionals and their allies over delicious canapes and cocktails, move to the rhythm of the evening, and bring in the Pride season!

This is an invite only event. Delegates attending the NGLCC Global 5th LGBT Summit of the Americas must bring their reception tickets for admission.

Please Note: this reception is off-site. Shuttle buses will be provided to take delegates to the venue. Return shuttle will not be provided.

SUMMIT DAY TWO
THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017

07:00 - 16:30 Registration

07:45 - 08:45 Breakfast
Sponsored by: Sun Life Financial

08:45 - 09:45 Morning Plenary Session: A Fireside Chat with 3 Leading LGBT Entrepreneurs
Presented by: IBM
Moderator: Charles McKee
Panel Speakers:

Mandy Rennehan, Founder & CEO, Freshco
Jeff Fettes, COO, 24-7 Intouch
John Henning, CMO, Granite Solutions Groupe

Get the day started with a cup of coffee and an open conversation with 3 leading LGBT entrepreneurs. Running companies that employ hundreds and thousands of people, and operating on both sides of the border (and around the world), these leaders will share their story of starting and growing their businesses.

10:00 - 11:00 Concurrent Sessions #1
Concurrent Session #1A: Opportunities in the Americas: Leveraging a Global Network of LGBT Chambers of Commerce
Presented by: Higgins & Burke Naturals
Moderator: Tyler Brent, Program Manager, NGLCC Global, NGLCC
Panel Speakers:

Felipe Cardenas, President, Camara de Comerciantes LGBT de Colombie
Julio Cesar Calvo Murillo, President, Camara de Comercio Diversa de Costa Rica

Thanks to years of political stability, enhanced market integration resulting from the establishment of many free-trade agreements, and the development of an impressive network of LGBT Chambers of Commerce, the Americas offer significant potential for new business opportunities.

This panel explores the market potential and challenges of doing business in the Americas, and how SMEs (and corporations) can leverage the support and resources offered through an extensive network of LGBT Chambers of Commerce to grow business.

Concurrent Session #1B: Supporting Your Ambitions - Tips & Tools on Growing Your Business
Presented by: RBC
Panel Speakers:

Adam Leroux, Account Manager, Small Business, TD Bank
Sharon Connolly, Vice President, Financing & Consulting, BDC
Lisa Drolet, Managing Director, National Commercial Programs Leader, Marsh Canada Limited

This panel will explore various tools and programs from public and private sources that are designed to support and assist entrepreneurs looking to take their business to the next level. The panelists will explore topics and issues related to developing business partnerships, financing, risk management, and more.

11:00 - 11:30 Break
Presented by: Sodexo

11:30 - 12:30 Concurrent Sessions #2
Concurrent Session #2A: Creating Value: Leveraging Innovation for Business Growth
Presented by: BMS
Moderator/Facilitator: Akbar Alinani, Director, Global Procurement - R&D Operations, Bristol-Myers Squibb
Panel Speakers:
Raghu Viswanathan, Director - Procurement, TELUS
Benjie Nycum, CEO, Nycom + Associates
To remain competitive and grow, suppliers need to understand market trends, anticipate needs, and find new ways to solve customers’ problems. In other words, suppliers need to embrace innovation.

Innovation is an important component in creating value for both organizations and customers. Innovation can make you faster, stronger, more profitable, and perhaps even more exciting.

This session will look at the importance of innovation within the supply chain, and how diverse suppliers can leverage technology as one way to provide new solutions to meet the needs of customers.

Concurrent Session #2B: Effectively Enabling Supplier Diversity, A Cultural Transformation
Presented by: Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada
Speakers:

Tim Morton, Managing Partner, Prompta Consulting Group
Steve Tower, Principal Consultant, Prompta Consulting Group
Debra Quade, Supplier Diversity Manager, Kellogg Company

Launching a Supplier Diversity program is a lot like launching a ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ program. It’s not effective if only a few select employees know and care about it. Supplier Diversity is a cultural transformation that needs to engage all departments and stakeholders. It also requires active, visible and ongoing leadership support to be truly successful.

Through discussing real world examples of how organizations successfully implement cultural transformations, attendees will learn the barriers to effectively launching and growing their Supplier Diversity program, gain an understanding of the effort required to ensure transformational success and leave the session with practical approaches to take their Supplier Diversity program to the next level.

12:30 - 14:00 Luncheon
Presented by: TD Bank Group
Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 Issues, will provide remarks during lunch.

13:45 - 14:00 Supplier Diversity Awards Presentation
Presented by: Kellogg Company
Presentation of the Ambassador of the Year and the Supplier of the Year awards.

14:15 - 15:15 Concurrent Sessions #3
Concurrent Session #3A: Opportunities for SMEs and Diverse Suppliers - How to be Part of the Corporate Supply Chain
Presented by: RBC
Moderator: Cassandra Dorrington, President & CEO, Canadian Aboriginal & Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC)
Panel Speakers:

Lori Benson, Global Procurement Leader, Operations, EY
Jen McAvoy, Director of Client Engagement, Cotton Candy
Molly Lenore, Co-Founder & President, Moey Inc.

An increasing number of large corporations are developing and implementing sustainable supplier diversity chains as part of their domestic and international procurement practices. While the economic benefits can be huge, small businesses usually feel that their size exclude them automatically from large corporate’s procurement structures. This session is intended to address those concerns and realities and help change that impression.

This session provides background information on large corporations’ procurement practices and policies and how these accommodate small- and medium-size businesses.

Concurrent Session #3B: The Future of Inclusion
Presenter: Annemarie Shrouder, International Speaker, Consultant & Facilitator, annemarieshrouder.com
We know that inclusion supports engagement, productivity, creativity and innovation. But how do we get there? Why are we still having many of the same conversations we have been having for years?

What if inclusion wasn't the focus, but an outcome?

Join Annemarie Shrouder to explore the broader building blocks that support inclusion and the creation of environments where people thrive.

15:15 - 15:45 Break
Presented by: TELUS

15:45 - 17:30 Supplier Diversity Forum: Facilitated Roundtable Networking
Presented by: TD Bank Group
This is your chance to explore direct business opportunities with major Canadian and international corporations, tier 1 companies, and governments, while also seeking out possible international trade connections.

Through a series of 4 facilitated roundtable sessions, will meet with other diverse suppliers and procurement specialists from several corporations and all three levels of government, including: TD Bank Group, RBC, Kellogg Company, BMO, EY, Sodexo, Bell Canada, TELUS, Sun Life Financial, DATA CM, BDC, Global Affairs Canada, Province of Ontario, Government of Canada, and more.

18:00 - 19:00 VIP U.S. Delegation Briefing with the U.S. Consulate Toronto (by invitation only)

17:30 – 20:00 Cocktail Reception
Presented by: EY
LGBT Tourism Awards 2017 - Presented by Travel Gay Canada

SUMMIT DAY THREE
FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017

07:00 - 12:30 Registration

7:30 - 8:30 Canadian Council of Chambers & Business Organizations (CCCBO) Meeting (by invitation only)

07:45 - 08:45 Breakfast
Presented by: KPMG

08:45 - 09:15 LGBT Youth Entrepreneur Program Announcement
Speakers:

Bill Pallett, President, WJ Pallett & Associates
Jose Bansil, WJ Pallett & Associates
Zenia Wadhwani, Executive Director, Ontario150 Secretariat, Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport

The CGLCC, in collaboration with Ontario150 and partners from across the Province of Ontario, has developed a program framework to support and mentor LGBTQ Youth Entrepreneurs who are interested in starting or growing a business. Learn about how we are working to support the next generation of entrepreneurs, business leaders and innovators from the LGBTQ community.

09:15 - 09:45 Morning Keynote - The Preservation of Personality
Presented by: Flight Centre Travel Group
Speaker: Mandy Rennehan, Founder & CEO, Freshco
Mandy Rennehan, the Blue-Collar CEO & Founder of Freshco (Canada’s top retail maintenance and construction provider), will share her entrepreneurial journey and how the 3 P’s (PURPOSE, PERSPECTIVE, PERSONALITY) have been central to her success. Freshco boasts an impressive list of Fortune 500 clients including Apple and Nike. Mandy has won countless entrepreneurial awards, is a passionate advocate for mentoring in the trade industry, and has recently launched a second company, RennDuPrat, based in Nova Scotia. It is impossible to remain unchanged after coming into contact with this quintessential powerhouse. Follow Mandy on Twitter @MandyRennehan

10:00 - 10:45 Concurrent Sessions #4
Concurrent Session #4A: Social Media Marketing: Tips & Techniques for Effective Use in Business
Speaker: Matt Skallerud, President, Pink Banana Media
We live in a world of posting, tweeting, ‘gramming. But is your company leveraging these tools in the best way to ensure that your message is really being received... and is driving business?

This session will show you how you’re able to micro-target consumers using programmatic advertising technology, and will touch on the integration of an ad campaign with social media. We’ll delve into the worlds of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and also discuss the role of LGBT influencers and how their social media activity can be leveraged to enhance and bring business to your company.

Concurrent Session #4B: Managing Finances 101 - Advice for Entrepreneurs and SMEs
Panel Speakers:

Mark Schollenberg, Senior Commercial Account Manager, RBC Royal Bank
Ian Edmonds, Director, Edmonds Professional Corporation
Sabrina DeMarco, Executive Director, Windsor/Essex Small Business Centre

Financial knowledge and strategic planning are essential for long-term success. While this applies to any type of business, this is particularly true for small businesses. Knowledge can give small businesses the courage to overcome common and often unforeseen financial problems. This session will provide tools and expertise on how to best manage financial resources. This session will be of particular interest to young and new entrepreneurs.

10:45 - 11:15 Youth Summit Networking Break
Funded by the Government of Ontario | Subventionné par le gouvernement de l'Ontario

11:15 - 11:30 Plenary Session: Make Me Famous
Funded by the Government of Ontario | Subventionné par le gouvernement de l'Ontario
Speaker: Jordan Whelan, Founder & President, Grey Smoke Media
Media mastermind Jordan Whelan will explain how PR mavericks, and even Donald Trump, are using artful tactics to take top spot in the headlines and how your brand can gain millions in free advertising. Learn how the perfect “recipe” of this dark arts media hijacking, tactful ad buys and flawless SEO can catapult any business in a mere 3 months.

11:30 - 12:15 Plenary Panel #5: The Next Generation: LGBTQ Entrepreneurs Share Perspectives and Strategies on Building Business in the New Millennium
Presented by: Freshco and Spearhead Brewery
Moderator: Katrina White, Partner Relations, CGLCC
Panel Speakers:

Chad Molleken, Co-Founder & CEO, AnyCard
Bobbie Jo Racette, Founder & COO, Virtual Gurus
Federico Arellano, Director General, MiChochinito.com

Hear from 3 inspiring and successful LGBTQ youth entrepreneurs in this fireside chat. Learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur in today’s world, tips to overcoming obstacles that are thrown at us... and their secrets to business growth and success.

12:15 - 12:30 Concluding Remarks