TheCanadianSMESmallBusinessMagazineproudlypresentsSmallBusinessSummit2024,"FuelingCanadianSMBswith DigitalTransformation,Inclusion,andAdaptability,"asitsguidingthemeandsubjectofdiscussionthisyear.Thisshow standsasatestimonytotherelentlessspiritofsmallandmedium-sizedbusinessownersandaimstofueltheirdrivefurther
The Small Business Summit 2024, which took place on October 24th at the esteemed Metro Toronto Convention Centre, was an extraordinary success. This year ' s theme, "Fueling Canadian SMBs with Digital Transformation, Inclusion, and Adaptability," established the foundation for a day of networking, innovation, and insights. This was accompanied by the vibrantly positive welcome remarks of our editor and founder, SK Uddin, who set the event’s pace and tone.
As a matter of fact, Frank the Emcee, aka Francis Jr. Idemudia of the Millennium Business Network, was invited to host the action-packed evening. Frank has extensive experience as an Event Emcee and Motivational Speaker, having hosted and spoken at business events, cultural events, weddings, parties, shows, festivals, fundraisers, podcasts, and other venues. Frank, who has over two decades of experience engaging audiences and building inclusive spaces, truly brought the event to life.
The CanadianSME Small Business Summit 2024 was supported by a stellar lineup of sponsors and partners, who also exhibited in the hall. We are grateful to:
UPS,ourShippingPartner,forensuring everythingarrivedsafelyandontime
RBC,ourBankingPartner,forsupporting smallbusinesseswithtailoredfinancial solutionstohelpthemgrowandsucceed
ConstantContact,ourEmail Partner,forkeepingeveryone seamlesslyconnected.
IHG,ourHospitalityPartner,for providingacomfortableand welcomingenvironment
GoogleCanada,ourTechPartner, forconnectinguswithcuttingedgetechnology. Intel,ourDiamondPartner,for empoweringsmallbusinesses withcutting-edgetechnology solutionstodriveinnovation andefficiency
Co-operators,ourPlatinum Partner,forsupportingsmall businesseswithdependable insuranceandfinancialsolutions.
CloudManagedNetworks,our GoldPartner,forempowering smallbusinesseswithsecure networksolutions.
BellCanada,ourKeynoteSponsor, forenablingsmallbusinesseswith innovativecommunication solutionstostayconnectedand competitive.
CSMTech,ourKeynoteSponsor, forempoweringsmall businesseswithadvanced digitalsolutions.
OncoreCloudServices,our LanyardSponsor,for empoweringsmallbusinesses withreliablecloudsolutions.
CDW,ourDiamondPartner,for equippingsmallbusinesses withcomprehensiveITsolutions toenhanceproductivityand supportgrowth
24thOctober,2024, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, Level 100,
Uptown
Totalregistrations
Totalbusinessesengaged
Socialmediaimpressionsonallplatformsfor Showpostsduringthe3monthsperiod Keynoteattendees
PaidpromotionimpressionsonSocialMedia
Averageworkshopattendees
Averagedemosessionattendees
Noofexhibitors
Totalworkshops
Around4950+ 2900+
1.4million 400+persession
2.9million Upto100 Upto25 70+ 7
Fueling Canadian SMBs with Digital Transformation, Inclusion, and Adaptability
This Exclusive One-Day Summit Featured Panel Discussions, Webinars, Workshops And Keynotes Presentations By Canada’s Top Business Leaders And Entrepreneurs.
The event was bustling with activity, with over 3,000 guests and 71 exhibitors, all there to learn and network. People who attended could network with businesses and learn more about their excellent services. In her warm, welcoming speech, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business, emphasized the need to connect enterprises to achieve long-term economic growth digitally. Hamilton West Ancaster Dundas's Member of Parliament, The Honourable Filomena Tassi, also brought a personal touch. Minister Tassi highlighted her vast career in public service, inspiring the community with her commitment words.
Additionally, Karen Svendsen, Senior Director of Small Business Client and Business Strategy at RBC, delivered the welcome remarks. Karen contributed vital insights from client strategy and small business growth, drawing on her 22 years of extensive experience. Paul Gaspar, the Director of Small Business for UPS Canada, our exclusive shipping partner, also shared his expertise in assisting small businesses in utilizing UPS's customized services and technologies to expand domestically and internationally.
3,000 attendees 71 exhibitors
The Honourable Rechie Valdez Minister of Small Business
Karen Svendsen
Senior Director Small Business
Client and Business Strategy, RBC
The event featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers who shared their expertise and insights: Cameron Allen Darcy Richard
Cameron Allen
Partner Account Manager, Intel Canada
In his keynote speech, Cameron highlighted how AI use cases continuously evolve, specifically how to tell them apart from the "AI Whitewash" and the real AI applications He also focused on how Intel's unified industry perspective can help you differentiate between AI fiction and the real-world capabilities and applications that will affect your company now and in the future
Paul Gaspar Director of Small Business for UPS® Canada
In his keynote presentation, Paul discussed how UPS has emphasized e-commerce growth by improving its network and services to enable faster deliveries, increased visibility, and a wider choice of delivery alternatives. He also stresses understanding how to use discounted UPS shipping rates and other shipping and logistics solutions to reduce shopping cart abandonment while maintaining the same high-quality customer experience as large ecommerce enterprises.
Tarandeep Singh
Director, Small Business, Regional VP – Commercial, Marketing & Revenue Management at IHG Hotels & Resorts
The central theme of this keynote speech was the specific challenges that business travellers face, such as limited funds and last-minute itinerary modifications Join Mark Reeves, Regional VP Franchise Performance Support, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Tarandeep Singh, Regional VP of Commercial, Marketing & Revenue Management, IHG Hotels & Resorts, in discussing common challenges and how IHG Business Edge can assist Participating will provide you with vital knowledge and solutions for efficiently navigating travel-related difficulties within your company
How best to protect your business – and business assets – against new physical and cyberthreats
Jane-Michèle Clark Director of Strategy at Cloud Managed Networks
This keynote speech discusses how hackers nowadays use more sophisticated methods of stealing money from businesses than simply collecting stakeholder data or attempting to hold your network hostage This is why 25 enterprises go out of business every single month The bad guys are currently targeting small and medium-sized enterprises Figure out the reason behind it
Prem Sarit Acharya Director of Strategic Growth at CSM Tech
Prem's illuminating presentation focused on the promise of data and GenAI Businesses understand that leveraging these technologies will provide them with new opportunities for growth and success The keynote address also covered how SMEs can use data and GenAI to deliver value across multiple vital areas Prem also discussed how SMEs may dramatically enhance speed and efficiency by leveraging granular company data and eliminating redundant or manual tasks
Darcy Richard VP, SMB Marketing, Bell
A prominent telecom sector figure, Darcy Richard, is familiar with small companies' possibilities and threats in the modern digital era He strongly believes in using technology to support entrepreneurs and boost the economy To help small businesses access enterprise-grade capabilities, Darcy Richard traced Bell's evolution from telco to techo and discussed recent investments, innovations, and collaborations
VP Mark Feeney delivered a 10-minute speech on behalf of the Co-operators The overarching topic will highlight small businesses' tenacity and adaptability He discussed how more than 120,000 small businesses closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak Those who remained had to adapt, invent, and hold out hope It's time to transition from surviving to thriving; it's time to grow.
Larry Keating President of NPC DataGuard
Larry's presentation focused on the world's rapid transformation by artificial intelligence (AI) He discussed how AI is employed to solve intricate problems, generate a diverse array of media, and compile information from various sources on the internet AI is an impressive instrument, and businesses worldwide are discovering its powerful applications, including cyber threat actors who employ it to simplify their tasks.
David Sinkinson & Chris Sinkinson Co-Founders of AppArmor
The topics Dave and Chris discussed ranged from revolutions and disruptions to pivots, highlighting how the idea of operating a business is exciting but sadly exaggerated. The issue is many misconceptions and myths in the startup world. Dave and Chris discussed the three most common misconceptions new companies should try to dispel. They included anecdotes from their own lives, illustrative instances, and evidence from research and statistics to support their claims.
The event also featured a range of insightful workshops: Parthiban
Procurement Assistance Team Leader at Public Services and Procurement Canada
Parthiban's informative seminar focused on learning how the Government of Canada purchases products and services. He also covered how medium and small firms can supply the federal government. This workshop delved into why culture impedes progress toward positive change and provided executives with a road map for leveraging culture to advance their organizations and achieve their objectives.
Charmin Rockwell
Director Of Learning and Client Relations at The BluePrint Toolset®
This workshop, presented by Charmin Rockwell, delved into the challenging dynamics of choosing between seeking change and stagnation within an organization. Her discussion primarily focused on identifying solutions and initiatives for implementing new technology, adjusting strategies, or expanding through mergers and acquisitions, which tend to fail at a rate of approximately 70%.
Merely 30% of change initiatives achieve the initial goals outlined in their plans
Cory York
Co-Founder & CEO of Webware.ai
This seminar, sponsored by Bell and presented by Webware, showed how to unleash AI's potential and turn data into money to gain a competitive edge in the digital age During the workshop, Cory extensively discussed AI's transformational power in small business marketing He also stressed the need to employ AI to discover ideal clients and understand their requirements and preferences The session taught attendees how to use AI to craft engaging communications that resonate with their target audience
Odoo: All your business on one platform. Simple, efficient, yet affordable
Nicholas Cooper
Business Analyst at Syncoria
In this presentation, Nicholas emphasized the integration of Odoo’s over 60 core applications spanning CRM, Manufacturing, Accounting, inventory, project management, eCommerce, and more to provide robust, enterprise-level software solutions for businesses of all sizes Moreover, the workshop focused on the dynamic landscape of small and medium-sized enterprises, highlighting the need for a versatile, scalable, and user-friendly solution to succeed
Manan Sharma
Associate Consultant, ALTA Consulting
This workshop was designed to address the distinct challenges encountered by SME leaders It provided the knowledge and tools to optimize operations, reduce costs, and accelerate growth During his session, Gord dealt with the following topics: Real-Life Demonstrations
How to Implement AI in Your SME Future-Proofing Your Business
Hassan Patel
Director for Global AI Compliance Engineering at Fairly AI
This workshop focused on enhancing businesses and revolutionizing workflow through the experience of AI Hassan, the Director of Global AI Compliance at SMBoost, discussed how business owners can master advanced prompt engineering to enhance their business outcomes significantly He delivered an insightful presentation on understanding AI trust, safety, and compliance without the need for coding
Darian Kovacs
Founder of Jelly Digital Marketing & PR and Jelly Academy
This engaging session led by Darian focused on offering connections and insights from one of Canada’s foremost digital marketing leaders Darian also discussed the various actionable resources and insights that can be utilized during the workshop (directly from your phone) or when you return home that evening Additionally, the workshop addressed comprehensive funding and grant information to assist businesses in accelerating their growth process
The Event Featured Three Exclusive Panel Discussions:
EmbracingDigitalTransformation: NavigatingtheFutureofCanadian SmallBusinesses
Thispanelgatheredindustryexpertsandforward-thinkingsmall businessownerstoexploreadoptingandintegratingdigital technologiestoenhanceoperationalefficiency,improvecustomer engagement,andsustainacompetitiveadvantageinthemarketplace
FosteringInclusion:BuildingDiverseand EquitableWorkplaces
Theexpertpanellistsexaminedoptimalstrategiesforpromoting inclusivity,tacklingunconsciousbias,andexecutingimpactful diversitypoliciesthatalignwiththecontemporaryworkplace landscape
LeveragingAIforSmallBusinessGrowth: UnlockingOpportunitiesandEfficiency
Ourprofessionalpanellists,includingseasonedindustryleadersand AIexperts,presentedideasonpracticalAItechnologies,automation, anddataanalyticsthatsmallbusinessescouldapplytoachievea competitiveadvantage
This panel discussion illuminated the subject of Canadian SMEs adopting digital transformation. Participants gained insights from real-life case studies, examined the advantages of AI and automation, and discovered effective strategies to address common challenges in the digital era. After this session, participants acquired practical insights on utilizing digital tools to ensure their businesses are prepared for the future.
Manraaj Mand
Miki Velemirovich (Moderator) HeadofProductAlexa TranslationsAI ManagingDirectorof
Sina Sadeghian
Todd Luckasavitch CEOBusinessSherpaGroup
Adam Kupsta Shoaib Naqvi FounderandCEOofOncore
This session highlighted the benefits of inclusive practices on employee satisfaction, innovation, and overall business success. Attendees received valuable insights on fostering a workplace prioritizing diversity and equity, enabling them to cultivate a more robust, unified workforce. The expert panellists examined optimal strategies for promoting inclusivity, tackling unconscious bias, and executing impactful diversity policies that align with the contemporary workpla
Dr Wendy Cukier FounderandAcademic
Laurel Stroz SeniorManager IDEA andWellbeingStrategy atCo-operators
Andria Barrett CommunityAdvocate &FounderofThe DiversityAgency
This panel highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) could fuel growth, streamline operations, and offer new opportunities for Canadian small and medium-sized businesses. Our professional panellists, including seasoned industry leaders and AI experts, presented ideas on practical AI technologies, automation, and data analytics that small businesses could apply to achieve a competitive advantage
Natasha Walji
Angela Podolsky (Moderator) ManagingpartnerQuantumSmartFounderKinesics ManagingDirectorat GoogleCanadaforGoogle CustomerSolutions
Kree Govender SMBAreaLeadat MicrosoftCanada
Cameron Allen PartnerAccount Manager,IntelCanada
Chris Greenfield ManagingDirectorof OneEleven
The Business Mixer Networking event provided attendees with a vibrant atmosphere to connect, share, and develop both personal and business relationships. This prime gathering for SMB owners fostered collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth in a lively and engaging environment.
The demo stage featured innovative presentations from industry leaders:
Mark Loewen
Steven Wright Director of Product Development,
Telpay President & CEO, Focus
Mark Loewen Director of Product Development at Telpay
Mark headed this demo session and showed how Telpay can help: Streamline your accounts payable and receivable
Enhance and simplify payment procedures
Ensure immediate insight and management of your cash flow
Effortlessly connect with your accounting software
Strengthen security measures and safeguard against fraudulent activities.
Steven Wright
President & CEO at
Focus
This demo session highlighted the significance of developing a scalable Sales Operating Engine for businesses of various sizes, particularly small, owneroperated companies Steven Wright, President and CEO of Focus, showcased how this strategy allows business owners to enhance their sales operations effectively while pinpointing essential resource requirements and accountability measures
