SPEAKER PACKAGE 2017
A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTORS Dear Madam/Sir, On behalf of the Empower McGill Committee, we are delighted to welcome you to McGill University s first Disabilities in Business Conference. Over 1 in 10 adults report experiencing barriers in their daily activities as a result of a disability. Consequentially, whether it is the individual themself that has a disability, or someone who has a connection to them, the amount of people who are therefore touched by disabilities is substantial. Throughout an individual s education and career, there are opportunities to interact, work, and network with individuals and initiatives related to disabilities. While recognizing the positive relationship between a diverse workforce and the overall success of a business, this conference acts to highlight the mutual benefits that can be attained through the development of an environment that adopts a respectful and proactive attitude towards disability inclusion in the workplace. This conference will be an opportunity for employers to promote their organization, values, progressive culture, initiatives, and innovation, while simultaneously learning through exposure to one another s experiences and perspectives. In doing this, we hope attendees will lead by example to encourage organizations and firms to be more proactive in initiating much needed change. Through the combined experience of our keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops and the opportunity to network with industry leaders, we hope to empower not only future business leaders but all students attending the conference to achieve their full potential. We would be honoured by your support in executing one of the most impactful conferences at McGill. As a partner, we are committed to showcasing your company and organizational brand to our students and invited guests. We look forward to working with you. Warm Regards, Grace Apps & Chris Bolombo 2
Our three main objectives are: ABOUT US The Empower McGill: Tools for Success in Business Conference is a student run initiative to provide the tools necessary to promote disability inclusion in the workplace. Recognizing the capabilities within all individuals, the conference strives to break down barriers set intrinsically by students themselves and extrinsically, in the work environment. To do so, we aim to build an event that is inclusive, diverse, and accessible to all participants, redefining the perceptions associated with disabilities and empowering individuals to build confidence. The conference will provide the knowledge, experience and skills necessary for students, employees and employers alike to succeed in a workforce where the standards of diversification are rapidly increasing. 1 To create a forum for discussion in the purpose of actively raising awareness and provide a template for college campuses nationwide. 2 To educate students, employees and employers about the implications of disabilities in business, the opportunities they create, and the challenges they present in and out of the workplace. 3 To create a dependable and secure platform, where students and participating firms can connect, share and learn from and with others. 3
THE CONFERENCE Empower McGill is a 6 hour conference, bringing together 150 to 200 students, guests, and participating firms, that promises to be one of the most impactful event of the year. Speakers The conference will honour the presence of approximately 16 to 20 guest speakers, through keynote and panel discussions, who will cover a variety of topics such as: building confidence, managing disabilities in and out of the workplace, relationship management. Panel discussion themes may change pending speakers experiences and preferences, as well as sponsors directed interests. Workshops Workshops and the Interactive Group Exercise will give attendees practical insight and experience to further develop their tools to build successful careers. Audience Our desired target audience includes: Individuals interested in business Individuals living with a disability Individuals directly or indirectly connected to a person with a disability Individuals interested in learning more about disabilities, their impact and implications 4
LOGISTICS The conference is booked for March 24, 2017 with a tentative schedule of 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. The event will take place in Downtown Montreal; the venue is to be determined. The times are subject to change. Tentative Schedule 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Check-In & Light Breakfast 10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Introductions Introduction and background of project presented by team. 10:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Speaker Panel I 11:20 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. Speaker Panel II 11:55 a.m. - 12:35 a.m. Keynote Speaker Speaker & Topic: TBD. 12:40 a.m. - 1:10 p.m. Interactive Interactive Group Excercise: TBA 1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Lunch 2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Speaker Panel III 2:35 p.m. - 3:05 p.m. Speaker Panel IV 3:10 p.m. - 3:50 p.m. Workshops/Keynote 2 TBD. 3:50 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Closing Remarks 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Networking Networking cocktail event. Drinks and snacks provided. 5
Elena Poulakis Director of Speaker Relations elena.poulakis@mail.mcgill.ca (514) 518-2101 CONTACT US Zoe Skindilias Director of Speaker Relations zoeskindilias@gmail.com (514) 660-8445 Grace Apps Executive Director grace.apps@mail.mcgill.ca (705) 313-2971 Chris Bolombo Executive Director chris.bolombo@mail.mcgill.ca (905) 962-9558 6