Conference Agenda

Conference Agenda

The future of work is on everyone’s agenda. This event brings thought leaders together to share cutting edge ideas on the future, from both a people and technology perspective. It will allow an understanding of the key drivers of change and enablers of innovation that will shape how, where and when work takes place. Our conference programme will explore future technologies, cutting edge award-winning workplaces and people, change and engagement.

Scroll down to explore our Toronto programme and then secure your ticket.

The New World of Work: Challenges & Emerging Trends

The past few years have provoked the re-shaping and re-thinking of the new world of work. We examine what’s on the horizon for the future of work, looking at how business leaders should respond and what should they prioritise in the months ahead?

Powering-Up Employees: Navigating Engagement, Wellbeing, and Productivity in the Modern Workplace

In this cutting-edge session, John Trougakos presents strategies to leverage empowerment, enabling employees to transform burnout into sustained productivity. Drawing from new research, this presentation explores the critical challenges facing employees today, including emotional exhaustion, varying job demands, and the impact of hybrid, remote, and reduced-hour work models. Employers will gain practical tools and actionable insights to enhance engagement, productivity & overall wellbeing.

Iteration to Excellence – How Prototyping, Data and AI Can Lead to Success in Hybrid Design

In this case study of a workplace pilot, Kristopher shares how a flexible approach to hybrid design has created opportunities for optimization and downsizing at ATB Financial. Mapping out human behaviour is challenging. Layer in the complexities of work and it can feel almost impossible. Utilizing smart data sets, AI assistance in analytics and agile prototyping, you can create award winning spaces. This session will share how: AI needs to be added to any space planners toolbelt; Not all feedback is actionable, you need to weed through the noise; Human scale design still requires humans.

Transforming Real Estate into Future-proofed Workplaces

In this real-world, experience-focused session, Bob shares how a robust, data-centered, platform enables key strategic business goals: from attracting and retaining talent to enabling the journey to net-zero. Learn how key tenets such as prioritizing a human-centric workplace, thoughtfully engineering sustainable environmental conditions, and digitally enabling real estate can future-proof your workplaces.

Networking Break

Welcome Back

Data-Driven Workplace Strategies and Transformations

Is your organisation using the right tools and metrics to influence innovations in workplace strategy? We explore how identifying and utilising the most pertinent data sets can help take actions which result in more productive, engaged and motivated team members. Hear examples of data-driven cultures as well as new technologies and innovations helping leading organisations deliver best workplace practice in the GTA as well as further afield.

Expert panel: Tech Horizons: Trends and Insights in Workplace Technology

This session will explore the latest trends in technology innovation, based on the launch of the 2024 WORKTECH Guides to Workplace Technology. We unveil the latest insights and advancements businesses can anticipate, offering a glimpse into how these transformative technologies will revolutionise both work and workplace dynamics across five key industry sectors: visitor management, booking systems, sensors, workplace apps and experience tech.

Beyond Perks: Building a Sustainable Hybrid Strategy for the Future of Work

Amid ongoing debates about whether perks like free lunch or game rooms will drive employees back to the office, Asana offers a more effective approach. Since 2022, their return-to-office strategy has been both intentional and sustainable, adapting to the evolving needs of the workplace. By focusing on clear communication, aligned goals, and leadership support, Asana has created a model that speaks to the future of work, offering insights we can all learn from in designing successful, long-term workplace strategies.

Designing an Inclusive Workplace Ecosystem: A Data-Driven Deep Dive into TD Bank’s Interconnected Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Strategy

Join Yasmien and Jennifer as they explore how TD Bank is setting the standard for inclusivity through an interconnected DEI strategy. This session offers a comprehensive overview of how DEI is institutionalized across TD Bank’s built environments, experience strategies (digital and physical), and talent approaches. Gain valuable insights into the challenges they’ve faced, the successes they’ve achieved, & the opportunities that lie ahead.

Lunch

Welcome Back

Think Tank Sessions

An interactive and collaborative session for delegates to come together to discuss and share insights from the day's presentations, while also providing an opportunity for networking and socializing. Delegates are divided into small, diverse groups to encourage a rich mix of perspectives. Each group is given a specific topic related to the day's themes and/or to local issues here in Toronto, with participants taking turns sharing insights, reflections, and opinions on the topic. Each group has a pre-assigned representative to present a brief summary.

Think Tank topic - Getting to Net Zero: The ESG Imperative in Real Estate

With Canada accelerating its efforts toward Net Zero, the impact on real estate and workplaces cannot be overstated. From energy-efficient building designs to green certifications and beyond, how can companies lead the charge in transforming their spaces to meet Net Zero targets? What challenges and opportunities do these shifts present for the workplace of the future?

Think Tank topic - Resistance to RTO: The Where and When of Work

As Toronto grapples with the challenges of high construction volumes, transit delays, and insufficient routes, the issue of commuter accessibility has become a critical concern for organisations. Beyond the commuting challenges, we must also explore a broader discussion around the where and when of work, as many are grappling with these questions. The resistance to RTO is influenced by more than just commuting difficulties. How are businesses and city planners addressing these challenges? Can technology and policy changes ease the burden on commuters and make the daily journey to work more manageable? And how can flexible work arrangements complement efforts to resolve the commuter chaos?

Think Tank topic - Talent of the Future: The New Employee Value Proposition

As organisations strive to attract and retain tomorrow’s workforce, a new challenge has emerged: the erosion of pre-pandemic workplace culture, exacerbated by the hiring of many employees during the pandemic. How do we rebuild a cohesive culture in a hybrid work model? What strategies are most effective, and who should be involved in this cultural transformation? Moreover, how does the built environment play a role in shaping this new employee value proposition, helping bridge organizational needs with the aspirations of the next generation?

Think Tank Knowledge Exchange

An interactive session for us to come together in breakout groups to explore a topic related to the day's themes and to local issues here in Toronto, with participants taking turns sharing insights, reflections, and opinions on the topics:

Getting to Net Zero: The ESG Imperative in Real Estate

Resistance to RTO: The Where and When of Work

Talent Of The Future And The New Employee Value Proposition

Future-proofing the Workplace with Better Data

While most employers recognize the power of data to drive problem-solving and better decision-making, more than half of businesses lack the data they need to make smart decisions about one of their largest investments: the workplace. Accurate, unified data is not only core to the survival of the physical workplace but also to overall business success. With workplace data in hand, employers can prove—or improve—any workplace strategy, measure the success of their in-office policy, stay on top of regulatory requirements, optimize their space, and anticipate real estate needs with confidence.

Sparking Collaboration & Innovation at OTPP

This session will explore how transforming office spaces to foster collaboration and innovation using powerful Collaboration tools. Discover best practices, success stories, and practical tips on creating dynamic work environments that enhance teamwork and productivity. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to ignite collaboration and drive success in your organization!

Networking Break

Welcome Back

Sustainable Futures: Rethinking Work, Architecture and Design

In the wake of the global pandemic, we have accelerated shifts in our understanding of how we work, where we work, and the impact of our work on the planet. These sessions explore the pivotal challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as we envision a more sustainable, resilient, and purpose-driven future.

The Superhuman Office: Workplace Design in an AI-Enabled World

Don't miss this inside look at how AI will shape the future of workplace design. We will dive into which human skills will remain crucial, why they are irreplaceable by AI (for now), and how workplace design can enhance them. Leave with strategies to future-ready your office and boost human potential in the age of AI.

Financial Futures: Real Estate Strategies for Hybrid Work, ESG, and Workplace Transformation

With Toronto as the second-largest financial services centre in North America, this panel invites banking giants and other real estate leaders to share how they are transforming their workplaces. Our panellists will discuss strategies for implementing hybrid work models while addressing the economic, environmental, and cultural impacts on commercial real estate. Learn how to balance flexibility with operational needs, leverage under-utilised spaces, and advance ESG goals, including the journey to net zero.

Chairpersons Closing Remarks

Happy Hour, Sponsored by Envoy

WORKTECH delegates are invited to join us at a local bar for our Happy Hour, sponsored by Envoy. Catch up with industry friends and unwind in an informal setting, where you can share insights from the day over drinks and good conversation

Conference Closes

EVENT SPONSORS

Host Partner

Platinum Sponsor

  • Cisco
  • Logitech

Gold Plus Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Supported By

  • WORKTECH-Academy