Conference aims to help South Georgian Bay organizations create a culture of innovation

Nov. 7, 2016

Employers in South Georgian Bay can gain meaningful and practical insights into making innovation happen in their business and non-profit organizations at Inspiring Innovation in your Organization.

This half-day business-oriented event takes place at Georgian College’s South Georgian Bay Campus in Collingwood on Monday, Nov. 14.

This is an opportunity for local businesses and non-profits to connect with local municipalities, resources and programs to help move organizations forward.

The fast-paced, jam-packed event schedule includes three plenary sessions, a networking reception with hors d’oeuvres and local wine, a trade show and the opportunity to attend two breakout workshop sessions.

Participants will get tips for hiring and engaging the correct team to create a culture of innovation and learn about funding sources and supports to advance research, hiring and training to drive innovation.

Keynote speaker is Erin Young, Chief Marketing Officer of Well.ca. Her firm has grown rapidly over the past eight years and has succeeded in maintaining a focus on innovation. She will share some of the lessons she has learned along the way.

Charles Plant of materialminds.com will talk about how to trigger innovation and how to overcome barriers to success.

Innovative Georgian College partners will provide examples of how the college supports and serves local businesses. Participants include Gary Crowell of Good Green Earth Company and Georgian College faculty member Rhonda Bell-Allen who are collaborating on proof-of-concept research for Crowell’s business.

A variety of experienced business operators and advisors will lead workshops on a wide range of topics including: using innovation to hire the right team; government funding for small and mid-sized business; technology and tools to spark innovation; and how to use employee engagement to drive innovation.

“Georgian College has assembled an amazing line-up of speakers. They offer business leaders an unprecedented opportunity to hear speakers share global best practices related to organizational excellence and employee engagement while addressing issues faced by organizations here in Southern Georgian Bay,” said Martin Rydlo, Director, Marketing and Business Development, Town of Collingwood.

“”As a leader in entrepreneurship, research and innovation training and supports, Georgian college is eager to help businesses and nonprofit organizations succeed,” said Kevin Weaver, Vice President, International, Workforce Development and Partnerships, Georgian College.

The event partners are County of Simcoe Economic Development Office, Centre for Business and Economic Development, South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre, Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board, Career Solutions, Town of Collingwood Business Development Centre and Georgian College.

Register and learn more details online.