Eight Ontario-based conferences to attend to boost your skill set 

Conferences can be a great way to develop your professional and personal skills, and with so many in Ontario, there’s bound to be one that fits your interests.

Attending conferences is an excellent way to enhance your professional skills, network with professionals and stay updated on industry trends. Ontario hosts a variety of conferences each year, catering to different professional interests. Whatever you may be curious about, there is probably a conference for you. Check out some well-known conferences to attend to boost your skill set.  

1. TechTO 

• Location: Toronto, Ontario 
• When: Monthly events throughout the year 
• Focus: Technology, startups, and innovation 
• Why it’s useful: TechTO regularly brings the Toronto tech community together. Each of its events features presentations from successful entrepreneurs and tech leaders, providing insights into the latest technological innovations and startup strategies. It’s a great place to network with like-minded professionals and potential collaborators. 

2. Public Sector Conference 

• Location: Ottawa, Ontario 
• When: October 21-22, 2024
• Focus: Latest trends, issues, and insights in public sector accounting and finance. 
• Why it’s useful: This conference is beneficial for public sector professionals to stay updated on best practices, network with peers, and gain valuable knowledge from experts to improve their organizational performance and public service delivery. 

3. Collision Conference 

• Location: Toronto, Ontario 
• When: June each year 
• Focus: Technology, startups and networking 
• Why it’s useful: Known as the “fastest-growing tech conference,” Collision brings together a diverse group of innovators and entrepreneurs. Attendees can expect keynote speeches, workshops, and networking opportunities that cover a broad spectrum of tech-related topics. It’s a premier event for anyone involved in the tech industry, from startups to established companies. 

4. Niagara Leadership Summit for Women 

• Location: St. Catharines, Ontario 
• When: Varies year to year
• Focus: Leadership, women empowerment and professional development 
• Why it’s useful: This summit focuses on empowering women through leadership training, networking opportunities, and inspirational talks. It’s an excellent event for women looking to enhance their leadership skills and connect with like-minded professionals. 

5. DesignThinkers Conference 

• Location: Toronto, Ontario 
• When: November 7-8, 2024
• Focus: Design, creativity, and marketing 
• Why it’s useful: Organized by the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD), this conference brings together creative professionals to explore the latest trends and innovations in design and marketing. Attendees can participate in hands-on workshops and keynote sessions to enhance their creative and strategic skills. 

6. The Ontario Colleges’ Marketing Competition (OCMC)

• Location: Windsor, Ontario 
• When: November 14-15, 2024
• Focus: OCMC brings together marketing students from Ontario colleges to compete in various marketing challenges and cases. 
• Why it’s useful: This competition provides students with practical experience. It gives them the opportunity to showcase their skills, network with industry professionals and enhance their employability through real-world marketing challenges. 

7.  Canadian Conference on Artificial Intelligence 

• Location: Guelph, Ontario 
• When: Every May 
• Focus: This conference brings together researchers and practitioners in AI from various sectors to showcase innovation, research, and leadership in intelligent systems. 
• Why it’s useful: This conference is valuable for networking, learning about cutting-edge AI research and applications, and contributing to the growth and development of the AI community in Canada. 

8. BizCon 

• Location: Mississauga, Toronto, Oakville, Hamilton 
• Date: Dependent on location 
• Focus: This premier business-to-business trade show, conference and networking event connects business owners with innovative business development products and services. 
• Why it’s useful: BizCon offers opportunities to network, learn from industry-leading keynote speakers and discover the latest in business products and services through a large exhibitor trade show. 
   

These Ontario-based conferences provide excellent opportunities for professional growth, networking and skill development. Whether you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills, personal brand or stay up-to-date on the latest tech trends, there’s a conference tailored to your needs.