Business Summit

2024 Business Summit:
Leading For The Future

Location:
Fleming College Kawartha Trades & Technology Centre

Join us for the 2024 Business Summit, presented by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce. The Summit will focus on leading for the future, from how to recruit the right team members to supporting and fostering growth with your team.

Make your business more competitive through connection and exclusive training, gaining knowledge from speakers, curated information, and expert panelists.

The 2024 Business Summit kicks off on Thursday, May 2nd at 9am with our keynote speaker.

The Business Summit

The Business Summit is a half-day conference featuring a keynote speaker and four panel discussions. It’s geared to business owners looking to take the next step with their business and in the past has included a variety of topics such as how to increase your personal and business visibility to grow your business, content marketing workshops to tell your story and sell your product or service, and advanced networking skills to grow your referral base.

The Business Summit is a natural extension of the role of the Chamber of Commerce: Strengthening the business community while empowering business owners and leaders to strengthen their own businesses. The Summit offers a platform for structured learning, networking opportunities and personal access to community thought–leaders and experts.

Keynote Speaker- Bill Lett, Unity Design Studio Inc. (Formerly Lett Architects Inc.)

With 25 years of experience leading complex projects, Bill Lett
is a registered architect in the province of Ontario and in 2018
was convocated into the College of Fellows of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Bill carries
memberships in multiple organizations - local to national
and has sat on numerous boards and committees related to design and construction.

In his personal life, he is a husband, the father of two daughters and enjoys sailing, mountain biking, hiking, motorcycling, and alpine skiing.

Get Tickets

Workshop Block One (Choose One)

You Should Know More About Your Customers Than They Do

Understanding your audience and why it’s important. Identifying and understanding your target customers is the first step in the buyer's journey however it's often the last thing that is considered when devising a marketing strategy and campaigns. Heather Watson from acorn30 and wedesign's Matt Stimpson will share why it's important, how to do it and the impact it has on your entire sales and marketing efforts.
Featuring:

Heather Watson, acorn30
Matthew Stimpson of We Design Group

Unleash the Power of AI

In today's rapidly evolving market, AI for business is not just an option—it's a necessity. Without it, you risk becoming obsolete within three years. This workshop is designed to demystify AI, showcasing its potential to significantly outperform competitors, and penetrate new markets. Attendees will gain practical knowledge, empowering them to harness the transformative impact of AI in SEO, Marketing, Customer Service and Business Development.
Featuring:

Sofie Andreou, Your AI Coach

Unlocking Potential: Employment Strategies for Immigrants and Diverse Abilities

A dynamic workshop tailored for business employers seeking to tap into the rich talent pool of immigrants and individuals with diverse abilities. Participants will explore innovative strategies to attract, retain, and empower these often underrepresented groups in the workforce. This workshop delves into best practices for creating inclusive hiring processes, accommodating diverse needs, and fostering a supportive work environment. Attendees will gain practical insights into how embracing diversity can drive innovation, enhance team dynamics, and boost overall business performance. Led by experts in diversity and inclusion, "Unlocking Potential" equips employers with the knowledge and tools to unlock the full potential of their workforce, fostering a culture of inclusivity and success.
Featuring:

Andy Cragg, New Canadians Centre Peterborough
Agnes Wojewoda, Ontario Disability Employment Network

Workshop Block Two (Choose One)

Leading Through Uncertainty

This workshop is tailored to equip leaders with essential strategies for navigating economic and social turbulence. Nancy will guide participants in pivoting and adapting effectively, Nicole will illuminate the importance of establishing agile business processes, and Anthony will offer insights into making prudent financial decisions to prepare for the unknown. Don't miss this opportunity to empower yourself with the tools needed to lead confidently through uncertain times.
Featuring:

Nancy Wiskel, Dan Joyce Clothing
Anthony Evelyn, Scotia Wealth Management
Nicole Cooke, Organized by Design

Copilot for Microsoft 365 - Achieve more than ever with AI

Unlock the power of AI with Copilot for Microsoft 365! Discover how to leverage cutting-edge artificial intelligence to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and revolutionize your Microsoft 365 experience. From automating repetitive tasks to generating creative content, Copilot empowers you to achieve more, faster.
Featuring:

Adam Bishop, Shaw Computer Systems Inc.

Meeting the Media: How to Best Share Your Business Story

Join an experienced panel of local news experts who will share invaluable insights on navigating the dynamic landscape of media engagement. From crafting compelling narratives to best practices for gaining press coverage, this session will equip businesses with advice on how to harness the power of local media effectively to elevate your brand’s media presence.
Featuring: