The Quay, 100 Queens Quay East, 3rd Floor
In Person
Canada is facing new challenges and the University of Toronto is meeting the moment with greater flexibility, deeper connections to partners in industry, and increased and focused collaboration with governments.
In her first major address to Toronto's business community, University of Toronto President Melanie Woodin will make the case for how universities can adapt to serve today’s economic and social needs. At U of T, three presidential commitments are leading the way: preparing graduates for a shifting economy, adopting AI responsibly at scale, and moving research into real economic and societal impact faster.
Woodin's priorities are immediate, urgent, practical and ambitious. In this talk, she'll explain what's already in motion and what's next to help meet the moment for Canada's economy and society.
Join President Woodin and leaders from industry for a keynote address and fireside chat on how business, academia and government can work together to build shared solutions and strengthen Canada’s future.
- Future-Ready Graduates — Why U of T is introducing new degree pathways that respond to employer demand, and what that means for the talent pipeline your organization depends on.
- Responsible AI at Scale — How the university that is home to Nobel winner and AI ‘godfather’ Geoffrey Hinton is using its three campuses as a live testing ground and solving the challenges all organizations adopting AI face.
- Knowledge Into Impact — What U of T is doing to shorten the distance between research discovery and commercialization, and how industry partners ready to move faster can benefit.
- CEOs, Presidents and Senior Executives: Gain executive perspectives on the strategic decisions shaping Canada's future competitiveness and the partnerships required to sustain long-term growth.
- Strategy, Innovation and Transformation Leaders: Explore how collaboration across business, academia, and government can accelerate innovation, improve productivity, and unlock new opportunities for growth.
- Technology and AI Leaders: Hear how responsible AI, research excellence, and industry collaboration are helping human-centered organizations navigate technological change while creating lasting business value.
- Government, Economic Development and Public Policy Leaders: Join a cross-sector discussion on the investments, partnerships, and policy priorities that will shape Canada's innovation ecosystem and economic future.
- Human Resources and Talent Leaders: Learn how organizations can work more closely with leading institutions to develop future-ready talent and build resilient workforces.
Agenda
8:15 AM – 9:00 AM: Registration, Breakfast and Networking
9:00 AM – 9:10 AM: Welcome Remarks
- Giles Gherson, President and CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade
9:10 AM – 9:20 AM: Introductory Remarks
- Blake Hutcheson, President and CEO, OMERS
9:20 AM – 9:35 AM: Keynote Address
- Melanie Woodin, President, University of Toronto
9:35 AM – 10:05 AM: Fireside Chat
- Melanie Woodin, President, University of Toronto
- Giles Gherson, President and CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade
10:05 AM – 10:45 AM: Lightning Talks: Advancing Canada's Competitive Future
Leaders from the University of Toronto and industry will share practical examples of how collaboration is driving innovation, developing future-ready talent, advancing responsible AI, and accelerating research commercialization to strengthen Canada's long-term competitiveness.
- Leah Cowen, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives, University of Toronto
- Damian Lamb, Co-Founder, Managing Partner, Genesys Capital
- Susan McCahan, Associate Vice-President and Vice-Provost, Digital Strategies, University of Toronto
- Michael Pelosi, Country Manager, Canada, Cohere
- Nicholas Rule, Vice-Provost, Academic Programs, University of Toronto
- John Stackhouse, Senior Vice-President in the Office of the CEO, RBC
10:45 AM - 10:50 AM: Closing Remarks
Speakers
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Melanie Woodin
President, University of Toronto
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Leah Cowen
Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives, University of Toronto
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Blake Hutcheson
President and CEO, OMERS
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Susan McCahan
Associate Vice-President and Vice-Provost, Digital Strategies, University of Toronto
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Michael Pelosi
Country Manager, Canada, Cohere
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John Stackhouse
Senior Vice-President, Office of the CEO, RBC
Tickets & Registration
Individual:
- Member: $149
- Non-Member: $199
Table of 10:
- Member: $1,490
- Non-Member: $1,990