All Things People Conference 2022 đź“–
The All Things People Conference is an annual event designed to help small businesses and startups refine their people-focused approaches, practices, and policies. Hosted by Venture for Canada, All Things People focuses on new themes each year to discuss what happens when businesses put people first.
Special Thanks to our Sponsors
Opportunity
In 2020, Venture for Canada surveyed 1200 startups and found that many struggled with adapting to the unfamiliar terrains of a post-pandemic workforce. Significant themes that surfaced through these changes included hiring, onboarding, and developing diverse and inclusive people operations policies.
Approach
Launched a virtual multiday conference
To help address these challenges, VFC launched the All Things People Conference.
This virtual and multi-day event brought VFC’s vast network together to openly and candidly chat about practical and system-shifting steps Canadian startups and innovators must take to make the most of the lessons learned from this moment.
Attendees had access to a diverse array of workshops and sessions, covering topics such as recruiting and retaining diverse talent, building a multi-generational workforce, and fostering a culture of belonging.
These sessions provided attendees with practical insights and strategies for developing and implementing people policies that prioritize diversity and inclusion. By adopting these strategies, startups can enhance their workforce's quality and cultivate a welcoming and supportive culture that nurtures creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
That's the kind of forward-thinking that Canada is going to need as we continue to welcome sorely needed diverse talent from around the world in the years to come.”
Impact
The 2022 ATP Conference centered on the effective implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices within SMEs, providing attendees with actionable insights. The conference featured a lineup of 45 speakers from high-growth startups and offered a comprehensive program comprising over 24 sessions, including keynotes, workshops, panels, and stage-talks.
The conference attracted a diverse audience, with over 290 registrants, of whom 90% represented small businesses or early-stage startups. Among the participants, 30% identified as HR Directors, 30% as CEOs or Founders, and 40% as Talent Partners, Recruiters, and DEI Executives.
The conference proved to be a pivotal learning opportunity for attendees, with 73% of participants expressing their willingness to recommend it to a friend.
“...the ATP Conference is a space where like-minded thinkers can share their best practices and accelerate their own vision for positive evolution. It's important to realize that we all have a stake in these conversations because we're dealing with a near future that impacts all of us. Venture for Canada does amazing work in the entrepreneur community, especially through a strong diversity lens. That's the kind of forward-thinking that Canada will need as we continue to welcome diverse talent from around the world in the coming years.”
Doing it again
Building on the success of its inaugural edition in 2022, the second All Things People Conference is scheduled for April 4, 2023.
This year's conference theme revolves around "Unlocking the Potential of Multigenerational Teams." The workplace often experiences intergenerational conflict and disconnect due to cultural differences between Baby Boomers, Gen-X, Millennials, and Gen-Z. The 2023 ATP Conference aims to challenge this narrative and explore strategies for businesses to harness the full potential of their multigenerational teams.
The conference will be held in a hybrid format at Toronto Metropolitan University, offering both in-person and virtual attendance options.