Attention Employers: Get ready for the next era of work at the Employer Summit

Employers are being challenged like never before.

In an era defined by constant change, from lingering remote work models to the rise of AI, business executives, managers, and HR professionals need real life talent strategies to succeed.

To help local leaders navigate the “Next Era of Work,” the Ottawa Business Journal is hosting the Best Places to Work Employer Summit on Oct. 7th at the Rogers Centre.

This half-day event is designed to provide actionable solutions and strategies for building resilient and engaged workplaces.

The summit will begin with a luncheon that celebrates the top-20 Best Places to Work 2025 award recipients.

Featured speakers

During the lunch celebration, one of Canada’s leading thinkers in education and workforce development will participate in an interactive discussion with OBJ publisher Michael Curran.

Dr. Alastair Summerlee, an internationally renowned researcher, past president of the University of Guelph and past interim president of Carleton University, will address the “upskilling paradox” and challenge leaders to rethink their approach to training. Alastair believes workforce development must be seen as an investment that can dramatically boost organizational resilience and unleash better performance.

Later in the day, summit attendees will gain insights from the Best Places to Work 2025 recipients as Karen Brownrigg of iHR Advisory Services. A veteran of Ottawa’s HR community, Brownrigg will share new research and moderate a panel discussion with award recipients. The session promises to offer real-world recommendations on how to foster a better workplace culture that boosts employee engagement and productivity.

The summit will conclude with an important session on trends in employment law. Samara Belitzky of Emond Harnden LLP will provide an “Employment Law Update” to help businesses stay compliant and mitigate legal risks in the post-pandemic environment.

Bonus access to DisruptHR

As a bonus, those who book a full-day pass will receive access to DisruptHR, an event valued at an additional $85. This high-energy, fast-paced event features eight speakers sharing bold, innovative ideas on talent, culture, and technology in five-minute talks. It’s the TEDx of talent.

The Employer Summit offers a unique opportunity to learn from award-winning leaders and cross-functional experts, engage with peers from local organizations, and develop a strategic plan for what comes next.

Don’t just react to change; prepare for it. Secure your team’s spot today and get ready for the future of work.

Bring your work team to the Employer Summit by reserving a table or purchase a full-conference pass.