Logistics in Manufacturing
The talk will focus on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in manufacturing from a logistics perspective, especially in the food sector. In addition, the talk will explore the value that dedicated and professional logistics firms can provide. This extends beyond cost savings, aiming to optimize value for manufacturers by entrusting logistics to professionals with specialized knowledge that small, medium, and even large manufacturing facilities need help to acquire. This keynote, a significant part of the event, will be 30 to 35 minutes long, followed by a Q&A session.
Becoming an Employer of Choice
Jeff Poapst, Chief Manufacturing Officer at Emmy Award-winning Ross Video, will speak to the company’s dedication to people- leveraging technology and addressing the unique challenges of attracting and retaining technical talent in rural eastern Ontario. “Our key focus is on cultivating a thriving company culture that positions us as the "employer of choice," featuring elements such as ongoing training and development, fostering a workplace free of fear, prioritizing unwavering support for both our customers and staff, extending care to their families and the community, championing sustainability, embracing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and ensuring that every single member of our team feels valued”. These deliberate efforts are strategically aligned to propel Ross as our customers' ultimate and most trusted global supplier.
Canada's Productivity Puzzle: Solutions for Entrepreneurs
Productivity growth has declined in Canada since the pandemic. Average annual productivity growth dropped to 0% from 2019 to 2023, while labour costs have been increasing faster than labour productivity.
This crisis in productivity is even more dire for small and medium-sized businesses that have seen their productivity drop to 58% that of large firms.
This has important consequences for Canadian entrepreneurs. More productive firms, generate more sales, profits and are more valuable in the event of a sale. An unproductive company is leaving a lot of money on the table!
The good news is that you can take actions to curb this trend. Business investments in machinery, equipment and technology, for instance, are key drivers of productivity, but other solutions exist as well.
Learn what it means for your business by attending this session.
Legal Update with Hicks Morley
Canada’s top-rated law firm for labour and employment law will address the unique legal challenges that manufacturers are expected to face in the coming years, including proposed legislative changes, key arbitrations, and relevant legal decisions. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an in-depth Q&A session with some of the country’s leading labour and employment lawyers, providing valuable insights and expert guidance tailored to the manufacturing sector.
Supporting Women in Manufacturing Skilled Trades
Does your company have experience or interest in hiring, onboarding and retaining women in skilled trades positions?
Join us for an insightful session focused on enhancing your company's approach to hiring and retaining women in skilled trades positions. EMC's HerJourney project is dedicated to fostering success, support, and retention among women apprentices and journeywomen in Canada's manufacturing sector.
In this workshop, we will:
- Gain insights into the specific challenges encountered by women apprentices and tradeswomen.
- Explore EMC's initiatives aimed at driving positive change.
- Discover valuable resources.
- Engage in guided discussions to exchange insights and share wise practices.
This session will be a great opportunity to enhance your strategies and contribute to a more diverse and supportive workforce environment.
The Future of Group Benefits: Adapting to a Changing Workforce
In this session, our friends at People Corporation will be covering:
- The multi-generational workplace: What employees are looking for in 2025.
- Incorporating accessible mental health support into group benefits plans.
- Understanding the increasing costs of group benefits and the effective strategies Employers are using to reduce financial risk and keep costs sustainable.
Health & Safety Update
Representatives from the WSIB, along with Kelly Killby, will discuss the upcoming changes for 2025 and beyond, including the ongoing digitalization of the WSIB. This session will offer a refresher on the claims process, address challenges related to modified work, and include a Q&A session. Additionally, Kelly Killby will provide an update on EMC's Health & Safety Excellence program, outlining upcoming rebates and recommended safety topics for the year ahead.
Also, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) will present the latest findings from their site visits, including an overview of orders issued, common complaints, and work stoppage requests. They will also provide a forecast of workplace visits and key focus areas for the 2025/2026 period.
Navigating the Funding Landscape: A Panel Discussion
Are you a manufacturer looking for new ways to fund growth, innovation, or expansion? Don’t miss this panel discussion where industry experts from Northbridge Consulting, FedDev Ontario, BDC, MEDJCT and EMC will break down the latest funding opportunities specifically designed for manufacturers, like you.
Join this session to:
- Discover grants, loans, and incentive programs available to manufacturers
- Learn about the application process and how to increase your chances of securing funding
- Get tips on navigating government and private funding options
Green Manufacturing for Leaders - Doing More with a Smaller Carbon Footprint
Join EMC and our Green Manufacturing team to explore how today's manufacturers can lead the charge toward a sustainable and profitable future.
This session will provide an overview of the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities for sustainable, greener manufacturing and clean technology adoption, drawing from EMC’s research and real-world case studies. We will also discuss what Green manufacturing means and how to engage and align senior leadership, peers and operations staff in sustainability.
In addition, learn what skills, tools and strategies are needed to deploy a credible path to Net Zero - quantify strategic opportunities, increase employee alignment, engagement and culture, and achieve energy and water/resource efficiencies and GHG emission reduction targets while improving the production ecosystem.
Outline:
- Green Manufacturing Essentials
(Overview, Current Challenges, What sustainable manufacturing means) - Issues Affecting Green Manufacturing and Clean Technology Adoption
(Share results from EMC’s 2024/2025 Green & CleanTech and 2025 Advanced Manufacturing Studies) - Green Skills and Capabilities
(Developing talent necessary for reducing carbon footprint and transitioning to Net Zero) - Best Practices / Discussion:
Case studies and examples of how manufacturers are developing and sustaining green initiatives
Understand how manufacturers are driving meaningful change, by engaging senior leadership, developing green skills, and deploying strategies that not only reduce environmental impact but also improve operational efficiency and competitiveness. Don't miss this opportunity to discover how to take the next steps toward net-zero emissions while fostering innovation and growth.
