The 15th annual WBE Canada Conference & Expo began November 12, 2024, in Toronto with a VIP Meet & Greet. Events revved up November 13 with a full agenda and lively Expo that continued through November 14. With the theme “Inspiring Diversity & Inclusion in Canada’s Supply Chains,” this event focused on creating opportunities for Canadian Women's Business Enterprises to network with top corporations and accelerate their businesses. The agenda included workshops, social and business networking, and speakers and panels. The first full day opened with a supplier diversity acceleratory idea exchange that addressed techniques for preparing information to present to a manager on diversity topics. Cassie Campbell-Pascall, former captain of the Canadian Women’s Hockey Team and Olympic Champion, was the keynote speaker.

Numerous breakout sessions offered over 375 attendees a wealth of options. From 'Competition to Collaboration: Leveraging WBE to WBE Business' to 'How to Increase Your Capacity to Deliver on Large Corporate and Government Contracts ', these sessions provided insights and strategies for business growth and success. Attendees also browsed 46 Expo booths featuring WBEs and Partner and Member organizations. Organizations of all sizes had booths, like BMO, Manulife, BG Communications International Inc., RBC, Gray Matter Health, The Nova Scotian Cookie Company, Pomp & Sass Inc., and Ladder HR Solutions Inc., among others.

Another highlight was the 15th Anniversary Excellence Awards Lunch. The people and companies winning the WBE Canada 2024 Excellence Awards demonstrated excellence in the supplier diversity space. Some of the awardees included Manulife Financial for Most Improved Supplier Diversity Program, Strathmore Landscape Contractors for WBE Rising Star, AGS Rehab Solutions for WBE Leadership, and Kayla Maduk at Bell Canada for WBE Canada Champion for Top WBE Supplier. RBC was named the WBE Canada Advocate Award.

Also celebrated were Certified WBEs and WBE corporations that have excelled as champions in diversity and inclusion. The 2024 Top Supplier Diversity Leader was Arun Nair with TD Bank, the 2024 Award of Distinction went to Janice Tee with Magna International, and the 2024 Top WBE Exporter was Catherine Beach with Export Development Canada.

This fantastic event is an excellent opportunity for people and companies to share achievements and learn from experts in the diversity field. Mark your calendars to attend in 2025!