The CGLCC would like to thank all those who attended the 2023 Global 2SLGBTQI+ Business Summit & Supplier Diversity Forum that took place on June 14-16 virtually and in beautiful Kingston, Ontario.
It was truly a journey that will be remembered! The magic and connections that can be made when we come together as a community to empower others is magnificent.
Summit by the numbers
- 332 total attendees joined us virtually and in-person.
- 170 attendees made the journey to the Holiday Inn Kingston-Waterfront in Kingston, Ontario.
- 34 speakers provided fantastic food for thought and enlightening insights.
- 27 sponsors are appreciated for their wonderful support for this year’s event.
- 39 sessions offered fantastic opportunities to learn more each day.
Summit online
- 1,165 new social media followers found and followed us online.
- 29,153 post impressions says that quite a few folks saw something said about the Summit.
- 1,541 post engagements means y’all actually like what we’re saying – Yay!
- 21,112 webpage views – with our thanks to you for stopping by to find out more.
Summit Winners:
- The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, announced that the Government of Canada selected CGLCC to administer Canada’s first-ever 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program.
- 2023 Supplier Diversity Award Winners were announced – Congratulations Kayla Maduk from Bell, Margaret Coons of Nuts For Cheese, and Stanley Wu from Canvasea!
- EY Pitch Competition Winners for 2023 were announced – Congratulations Ivy & Dean Consulting, Finale Winner!
Highlights of Summit 2023:
- Guests were treated to rides from select cities thanks to VIA Rail – everyone was definitely all-aboard for these fun train trips!
- Drag star Rowena Whey positively SLAYED the crowd on a stunning sunset cruise courtesy of Kingston 1000 Islands Boat Cruises and Tourism Kingston.
- Poignant opening and closing ceremonies by Pytor Hodgson of Three Things Consulting set the tone for heart-centered connections and experience sharing.
- Keynote speeches included an informative economic update from Katherine Dudtschak and Brett House. Jade Pichette, Kevin McShan, Dr. Leland Harper, Mandy Farmer, and Deirdre Pike showed us how to build and support an inclusive labour force. Anne-Marie Pham and Dr. Sara Skidmore informed guests on how to break down DE&I roadblocks. Joël Dickinson and Marissa Leon-John shared their personal stories of overcoming their own obstacles to success. Justin Taylor, Michelle Albanese and Rachel Guthrie spoke on putting ESG into action.
- Diverse Suppliers pitched to attendees and judges in the annual EY & CGLCC Pitch Competition, with Ivy & Dean Consulting taking the finale win. Congratulations to ALL the amazing businesses who participated!
Attendee Feedback:
- “With the rainbow express, the event itself, the boat, this was one of the best events I have attended for networking opportunities.”
- “From the keynotes to the workshops, I was able to gather so much information to help with my business. It was also super easy to chat with the presenters after their workshops and throughout the event. I also found great value in the networking events!”
- “The sessions I attended provided valuable information that participants could use in their business to improve the odds of success when striving to do business in a mindful way that not only assures financial success but honours our values as a community.”
- “The historic announcement by Minister Ng was great to witness, the opening and especially the closing by Pytor were moving. I appreciated Kate and Brett’s economic update. I enjoyed Marissa’s story as well as the workshop events by Dr. Sarah and Anne-Marie.”
- “Right from the first session the speakers were well prepared, knowledgeable and capable communicators.”
- “Thank you SO much for creating a safe and affirming space for queer business folks, for the wonderful travel logistics (including the train and trolley!), and for doing amazing work.”
- “Excellent job, flawlessly executed. Interesting and relevant agenda, loved Kingston!”
- “I really enjoyed the conference. I’ve been to a lot of similar events but the unique perspective of the CGLCC meant a program that was well aligned with my values as a business owner. I’ll definitely attend again.”
Videos
If you missed the keynotes, major announcements, and fantastic pitch sessions, you can now find them all on CGLCC’s YouTube channel.
Photos
You can view and download some of the memories captured at Summit 2023 on our photo site. More will be added throughout the weeks ahead, so please check back often.
If you would like to share your own memories of CGLCC’s Summit 2023, please send any photos, stories, or favourite moments to communications@cglcc.ca. You can also check #CGLCCSummit2023 on social media to see highlights and continue the conversation.
A huge thank you to all the sponsors of Summit 2023
