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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://aefn.ca/
X-WR-CALNAME:Alberta First Employment Network (AEFN)
X-WR-CALDESC:Building Employment Pathways with Purpose
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UID:MEC-3a824154b16ed7dab899bf000b80eeee@aefn.ca
DTSTART:20261006T220000Z
DTEND:20261008T230000Z
DTSTAMP:20260817T201300Z
CREATED:20260817
LAST-MODIFIED:20260817
PRIORITY:5
SEQUENCE:1
TRANSP:OPAQUE
SUMMARY:DEAM IDEA Conference 2026
DESCRIPTION:DEAM IDEA Conference 2026\nIn celebration of Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Alberta Employment First Network (AEFN) presents the 5th annual DEAM IDEA Conference — a multi-day learning and workforce development experience focused on strengthening inclusive employment practices across Alberta.\n📍 Hosted this year in Edmonton at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology\nAs workforce pressures continue to grow across sectors, organizations are looking for sustainable ways to attract, retain, and support talent. Inclusive hiring is increasingly recognized as a key driver of workforce stability and organizational strength — not only expanding access to skilled talent, but improving retention, team performance, and long-term business resilience.\nWe are thrilled to announce three of our guest speakers:\n\nZachary Weeks willl be joining us as this year’s event MC\nMarco Pasqua will be this year’s opening keynote speaker\nErin Davis will be this year’s closing keynote speaker\n\nThis year’s programming also comes at a pivotal time, with significant changes to disability supports underway. Understanding these shifts, and how they intersect with employment practices, will be essential for organizations planning for the future of their workforce.\nThe DEAM IDEA Conference brings together practical tools, sector insights, and real-world experiences that support stronger recruitment strategies, healthier workplaces, and more sustainable employment outcomes for people experiencing disability and mental health-related barriers.\nWhat This Year Focuses On\nAcross three days, programming explores the intersection of workforce needs and inclusive employment practices, including:\n\nMentorship approaches that strengthen retention and employee success\nMental health and navigating workplace change\nTalent pipeline development and sustainable recruitment strategies\nTapping into opportunity populations to address labour shortages\nPrime Contractor requirements and ADAP updates and implications\nPractical approaches to inclusive hiring that strengthen organizational performance\n\nEach session is designed to translate learning into real, actionable workforce strategies that can be applied across sectors and roles.\nEvent Schedule\nOctober 6 | Networking Event (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM)\nAn evening of connection with employers, HR professionals, community partners, and workforce leaders. A space to share experiences, explore approaches, and build relationships that support inclusive employment practices.\nOctober 7 | Full Conference Day (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)\nA full day of learning and connecting designed for employers to explore practical, actionable approaches to inclusive recruitment and workplace development. Hear from industry leaders, subject matter experts, and lived experience speakers while gaining strategies that support stronger hiring, retention, workplace culture, and long-term workforce success.\nOctober 8 | Capacity Building + Job Fair\nMorning: Job seeker capacity-building focused on workplace readiness and confidence\nAfternoon: Job fair connecting employers directly with diverse, skilled talent\nThis final day creates a bridge between learning and action, supporting direct connection between talent and opportunity.\nWho This Is Event For\n\nEmployers and business owners\nHR leaders and hiring managers\nOperations and team supervisors\nEDI, People & Culture, and workforce development professionals\nOrganizations focused on strengthening recruitment and retention strategies\n\nWhy It Matters\nInclusive employment practices are increasingly recognized as a core workforce strategy — supporting stronger teams, improved retention, and access to a broader and highly capable talent pool. As labour shortages continue across industries, organizations that expand how they think about talent are gaining a clear advantage.\nWith upcoming changes to disability supports and shifting workforce conditions, understanding inclusive employment practices is becoming even more important for sustainable workforce planning.\nRegistration Deadline for regular ticket sales: September 30th 2026\nIf you are a self advocate or person with a disability who would like to request support with purchasing a ticket to the DEAM IDEA Conference, please email Mariebelle at comms@aefn.ca.\nHotel Accommodations\nThere are rooms blocked at three different hotels for conference guests, accessible rooms also available:\n\nMatrix Hotel\nWyndham Edmonton\nDouble Tree by Hilton\n\nPlease note that the room blocks are available until September 7th\n \nGET YOUR TICKETS HERE ( https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1987060863533?aff=oddtdtcreator )\n
URL:https://aefn.ca/events/deam-idea-conference-2026/
CATEGORIES:In-Person
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