

In-Person 2 Day event.
Case Competition.
Guest Speakers.
Professional Workshops.
Delegate bags.
Ted Rogers ACE presents Elevate Conference. Our theme this year "Elevate" represents "elevating" delegates in the business world and the building blocks for success. Our 11th annual conference will take place from November 12th - November 13th. Get ready for two days filled with top notch industry professionals, innovative workshops, compelling speakers, giveaway prizes and case competitions!
Every delegate will have the opportunity to showcase what separates them from the pack and learn about how industry leaders before them have done such. Ted Rogers ACE encourages delegates to be diverse and think creatively as they shape their career.

SPEAKERs & Workshops
.png)
Chris Hoquis
Founder of
saberblitz
Workshop:
Pave Your Way: Building a Passion-Driven Career
Chris Hoquis has been an Information Technology professional for over 10 years. He attributes many of his personal accomplishments primarily to his involvement with case competitions, from serving as a JDC West Co-Captain at the University of Winnipeg and hosting case competition workshops to serving as a judge for a variety of Canada-wide case competitions and mentoring students in soft / technical skills development.
Chris is a Lead Instructor at the University of Manitoba, teaching topics in project management, Canadian business, business analysis and a variety of soft skill workshops. His passion for bringing people together through meaningful connection led to creation of Saber Blitz, an e-learning company that connects credible & passionate Experts with people who want to learn skills via one-day live online classes.

JULIA REITER
Workshop:
Land a Role in Half the Time: Lessons from a Former Recruiter
After 3 years in recruitment, where she helped North America's hottest companies hire hundreds of students, Julia learned what separated successful candidates from the rest. She now teaches the principles of job search success to students and new grads in search of their first gig.
Having worked with the hiring managers at North America’s hottest companies, and trained hundreds of young professionals on how to succeed in job interviews, Julia learned that job seekers who get rejected all have ONE THING IN COMMON: they do not address the needs of the company they are applying to.
At Julia’s workshop, you will learn:
1. How to determine the goals of the company you are applying to
2. How to sell yourself as a solution to their challenges so they are invested in hiring you

Joel Hansen
Vancouver's top 30 tech influencer
Keynote:
"Stop Waiting, Start Creating"
Whether it’s helicoptering in speakers to Western Canada’s largest marketing conference or taking the TEDx stage to share an idea, Joel Hansen’s heart for storytelling and empowering others will always be integral to his work. Born and raised on the West Coast, Hansen is now a regularly sought out Marketing Advisor and regular speaker on the topics of Linkedin, Social Media and Personal Branding.
On Linkedin, Joel had the opportunity to help brands such as the LA Clippers, Translink, Best Buy, Vancouver Canucks, Prezi and Adobe develop initiatives that drive brand awareness for younger generations. He's also been notably recognized by Daily Hive as one of Vancouver's Top 30 Tech Influencers to follow and featured by GoDaddy, BetaKit and Forbes in further stories

Michel Falcon
Key Note:
Steer Your Career: Important Steps to Create a Life of Your Dreams
Michel Falcon is an entrepreneur, international keynote speaker and author who leverages his People-First Culture™️ philosophy. He is the author of the best-selling book, “People-First Culture: Build a Lasting Business by Shifting Your Focus From Profits to People” and the creator of the Team Operating System online course. Michel operates a portfolio of restaurants and venues in downtown Toronto. His venues have grown to earn tens of millions of dollars in revenue in less than 2 years.
During this virtual discussion with Michel Falcon, entrepreneur, author, and keynote speaker, will share the valuable career and life lessons he has learned throughout his career; from being promoted five times in five years to operating a hospitality company with 300 employees. Michel will candidly share what he knows now and what he wished he was taught when he was getting his career started.
Past SPEAKERs

TOny
Bagnato
Workshop:
Mastering the Art of Virtual Networking
Tony Bagnato is an accomplished Financial Services Executive with over 30 years experience leading teams, developing leaders, serving customers and driving differentiated results. In 2019, Tony started his own leadership consulting firm, The Confidence Advantage Inc., with the goal of "empowering leaders to be the best version of themselves".
Having an active and engaged network is a key to success in life and business. The pandemic has changed a lot of things including how we interact with people, network and build relationships. While "how" we network may have changed the process and purpose has not. The "Mastering the Art of Virtual Networking" workshop will provide you with a framework and key skills to help you confidently engage new connections and differentiate yourself in the virtual world.

Danielle
fernandes
Workshop:
Think: Entrepreneurship
An entrepreneur, philanthropist, activist, speaker, and writer, Danielle has worked with endless clients from large-scale corporations to smaller scale non-profits. She is the Founder and CEO of Bantr Inc Digital Marketing Agency, the President and Co Founder of Capital Street Media as well as Director/CMO of Thinking North. She also sits on the board of Holy Crap Brands and Project (In) Kind
During this virtual workshop with Danielle Fernandes, you'll get inspired about the journey into entrepreneurship and the benefits of having a side hustle. Learn some key tips on how to get started, build momentum and ultimately live a life of flexibility on your own terms.

Gloria
annable
Workshop:
Cutting it as an Independent Consultant in the Real World; 5 Tips to Getting it Right
Gloria Annable is the Student Recruiter for Eastern and Northern Ontario with CPA Ontario. Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs) are business leaders, strategic thinkers, trusted advisers and financial experts. Gloria is responsible for building awareness of the CPA Designation and the numerous opportunities it provides to students across campuses in her region
During this virtual workshop with Gloria Annable, you'll learn 5 tips that will help you become an Independent Consultant in any industry you choose. Learn to identify your unique marketable skills that can help you become part of the gig economy and become your own boss.
Past SPEAKERs

Anna
Hu
CEO and Co-Founder of Brizi
Brizi, is a sponsorship platform that lets fans tap into nearby cameras in sports stadiums and arenas, to capture group memories and share them at scale. Anna was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2018. Prior to Brizi, Anna worked in enterprise sales operations in the financial services and education sectors at Microsoft, and worked in business innovation at Apple, Lexus / Toyota, BMO Financial, and Genentech / Hoffmann La-Roche.

Karen Rowe
CFO of
CIBC Mellon
Karen has more than 25 years of experience in leadership roles providing financial, strategic and operational management. Prior to joining CIBC Mellon, Karen served as Managing Director, Head of Investment Finance for Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB)

Anna Klimbovskaia
COO & Co-Founder of
Diversio
Diversio is a technology company that leverages data to analyze, improve, and track diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She led RBC’s thought leadership on the Future of Work and developed RBCUpSkill, a digital tool helping Canadians build resiliency in an age of AI and workplace automation.

Alexander Michael Gittens
Alexander Michael Gittens is an acclaimed strategist who has provided billions of dollars worth of solutions to over 400 businesses worldwide. A recent TEDx speaker, Alexander has delivered inspirational speeches to thousands of ambitious people in the USA, Canada, and Europe. As an acclaimed thought-leader, thousands worldwide have been empowered by Alexander’s articles. He received several awards for leadership and community dedication, including an exclusive Citizenship Award from the Federal Government of Canada.

David Schlanger
Associate Professor
Ryerson University
David Schlanger has enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a professor and as an administrator at the Ted Rogers School of Management. A tenured business faculty member since 1984, David is known for is innovative approach curriculum, development and delivery.

Kevin Peesker
President
Microsoft Canada
Kevin Peesker is President of Microsoft Canada responsible for leading a world class team who delivers transformative outcomes for Canadians. Through Microsoft's partner ecosystem, citizenship efforts and employee engagement programs, Kevin's objective is to empower every person and organization across Canada to achieve more.

Hamza Khan
Co-founder
Splash Effect and SkillsCamp
Hamza Khan is a multi-award winning marketer & entrepreneur. He’s the co-founder of both Splash Effect, a boutique marketing & creative agency, as well as SkillsCamp, a soft skills training company. Hamza has spoken at more than 50 events (including 2 TEDx events) across 20 cities and 8 countries, to more than 15,000 people. He is a faculty member at Seneca College and Ryerson University, teaching courses on digital marketing and social media. Through his consulting, writing, teaching and speaking, Hamza empowers people and businesses to transform ideas into reality.

AlICE
li
PWC Associate and SOS National Ambassador
Alice works as a Senior Associate in Audit at PwC Canada. Outside of her full-time job, she is the national ambassador for SOS Children's Villages Canada and she also sits on the non-profit board for three local hospitals in Toronto. She has now raised over $11,600.00 for children in need. Alice is the reigning Miss Global International 2019.

RON
tsang
Leadership
Communication Expert
Following a successful career as a stock analyst on Bay Street, Ron Tsang became a professional speaker who teaches leadership communication and is the incoming President of the Toronto Chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS). Has an Amazon bestselling book, "From Presentation to Standing Ovation: 15 Actionable Ideas to Achieve Massive Influence,". Some of his clients include RBC, TD, CIBC, Manulife, Honda, Shopify, and SickKids Foundation.

TONY
BAGNATO
Financial Services
Executive
Is an accomplished Financial Services Executive with over 30 years experience leading teams, serving customers and driving differentiated results. Tony has a passion for coaching and mentoring. He is actively involved with DECA U as a keynote speaker, competition judge and workshop facilitator focused on helping grow and develop Canada’s future business leaders.
DELEGATE
TESTIMONIALS

I learned how important communication is with a teammate when it comes down to cutting a case with Karim Eletry. Conference was super fun! I think a lot of people are going to say "expand my case competition skills" and "network" which is true, but I think what I learned is how to improve my critical thinking. DECA really pushed me to be creative and open minded when solving problems. It's a super useful skill to have, especially when doing a work term.
- Nicole Petroff, 2018
CONTACT
For any inquiries about the Emerge Conference please contact Celine or Helen and they will be able to assist you.