DEAM
Idea Conference 2026
Celebrate Disability Employment Awareness Month with AEFN October 6 - 8 at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton Alberta.
October 6-8th 2026 in Edmonton Alberta
In 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.
Hosted this year in Edmonton at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
As 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.
This 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.
The 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.
What This Year Focuses On
Across three days, programming explores the intersection of workforce needs and inclusive employment practices, including:
- Mentorship approaches that strengthen retention and employee success
- Mental health and navigating workplace change
- Talent pipeline development and sustainable recruitment strategies
- Tapping into opportunity populations to address labour shortages
- Practical approaches to inclusive hiring that strengthen organizational performance
Each session is designed to translate learning into real, actionable workforce strategies that can be applied across sectors and roles.
2026 Speakers
We are thrilled to announce three of our guest speakers this year:
Zachary Weeks will be joining us as this year's event MC
Marco Pasqua will be this year's opening keynote speaker
Erin Davis will be this year's closing keynote speaker
Diana Dimmock will be facilitating a session titled, "Accessibility for Every Body."
Alberta Human Rights Commission will be facilitating a session titled, "Human Rights and the Duty to Accommodate in the Workplace."
MentorAbility Alberta are a featured session facilitator
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) - Session on inclusive apprenticeship and employment in the trades
Event Schedule
October 6 | Networking Event (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
An 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.
October 7 | Full Conference Day (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
A 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.
October 8 | Capacity Building + Job Fair
Morning: Job seeker capacity-building focused on workplace readiness and confidence
Afternoon: Job fair connecting employers directly with diverse, skilled talent
This final day creates a bridge between learning and action, supporting direct connection between talent and opportunity.
Hotel Accommodations
There are rooms blocked at three different hotels for conference guests, accessible rooms also available:
Matrix Hotel
Wyndham Edmonton
Double Tree by Hilton
Please note that the room blocks are available until September 7th
