DEFY 2024, June 12-14, passed by in a whirlwind of networking, connecting, inspirational speakers, panels, breakout sessions, and matchmaking. Credit: Uphouse
CGLCC, the rest of the Supplier Diversity Alliance of Canada (SDAC), and WEConnect International would like to thank all those who attended #DEFYConference2024 that took place on June 12-14 in beautiful Montréal, Quebéc.
It was truly a week to be remembered! The knowledge shared, connections forged, laughs had, and memories made are sure to have a lasting impact on supplier diversity in Canada – we came together as a community to empower each other and #ForgeTheFuture together.
During DEFY’s opening session, we heard that “[t]here is a lot that needs to be done, but it can’t be done unless we’re all around the table”.
DEFY was SDAC’s first time coming together to create an event like this – meant to bring folks to the table – because we feel that connecting all together gives us more power.
DEFY passed by in a whirlwind of inspirational speakers, panels, and matchmaking sessions! We are so thankful to all who attended, supported, and came together to make this event happen.
DEFY by the numbers
- 4 Supplier Diversity certifying bodies joined together as event partners;
- and brought you 3 days packed with programming!
- 445 total attendees joined us in-person at Le Centre Sheraton in Montréal, Quebéc.
- 40 speakers provided fantastic food for thought and enlightening insights.
- 31 sponsors are hugely appreciated for their support of this first-ever DEFY conference.
- 20 sessions offered fantastic opportunities to learn more each day.
Highlights of DEFY 2024
- We had the wonderful Mandy Rennehan as our opening Keynote!
- Attendees and speakers took part in many meaningful conversations through speeches, panels, matchmaking sessions, and breakout workshops and boot camps over the three days.
- Day 1 Sessions:
- Desjardins Presents the Economic Outlook;
- Fireside chat with Host Committees;
- EDC and BDC Present: Elevate your business: Strategies and partners to support growth in Canada and beyond;
- Success in Diverse Procurement;
- From Data to Insight: AI’s Role in Procurement Intelligence;
- More than a trend: Understanding DEI through changing political climates;
- Harnessing Diversity in Business: Maximizing the potential of visible minority founders as global players
- Day 2 Sessions:
- Impact Investing for Supplier Diversity;
- Pride in Practice: Understanding 2SLGBTQI+ Perspectives on Pride Marketing Strategies Across North America;
- The Personal Cost of Values-Led Workplaces;
- How to Land Whales: Using market intelligence to supercharge initial client meetings;
- CBC/Radio-Canada Sustainable Procurement Initiative;
- Find Success beyond Tier 1: Advancing Social, Environment and Economic Inclusion Through Certification;
- Fireside Chat with Bobbie Racette, hosted by Naoufel Testaouni (QueerTech);
- Scope 3 Emissions: Getting it Done;
- Disability Literacy 101;
- Forging a path to Sustainability: Best Practices and the Road Map to Net Zero
- Day 3 Sessions:
- Becoming an Intrepid Leader;
- Leveraging Diversity for Diverse-Owned Businesses;
- Making a Dent in Truth and Reconciliation through Supply Chain Initiatives;
- Closing Fireside chat with Host Committees
DEFY: Captured
Check out these conference photos, courtesy of our friends at Uphouse! Also, be sure to watch the video recap of DEFY 2024 on SDAC’s YouTube channel.
Attendee Feedback
- “This is an excellent, unprecedented model for inclusive economy advancement”
- “I can’t speak highly enough of this experience. I’m so grateful to have been a part of it.”
- “[Highlight was] the coming together of ALL of us and the infusion of confidence and solidarity that it provided.”
- “It was a great conference. I really loved that all the SDAC Chambers were there.”
If you would like to share your own memories of DEFY, please send any photos, stories, or favourite moments to communications@cglcc.ca. You can also check #DEFYConference2024 on social media to see highlights from attendees and host committees.
