This year’s 8th annual ELO Forum in Toronto features an outstanding lineup of speakers. This event, recognized as one of the premier gatherings each year for Christian marketplace leaders in Canada, will take place on Monday, November 25th at the Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel. 

The evening keynote speaker is Jordan Raynor, Author & Serial Entrepreneur, Tampa Bay, FL.  His book, Called to Create, became an instant bestseller when it was released in November 2017.  In addition to his writing, Jordan serves as the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech start-up that has built the world’s largest library of 360° experiences of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. His topic will be: "Called To Create:  A Biblical Invitation to Create, Innovate & Risk." Jordan has twice been selected as a Google Fellow and served in The White House under President George W. Bush. A highly sought-after public speaker on the topic of faith and work, Jordan has spoken at Harvard University, SXSW, TEDx, and many other high-profile events around the world.  

The afternoon keynote speaker is Richard Blackaby, President, Blackaby Ministries International, Atlanta, GA.  Richard is author and co-author of 35 books, most notably a co-author of Experiencing God, which has sold over 9 million copies, and author of, God in the Marketplace: 45 Questions Fortune 500 Executives Ask about Faith, Life, and Business.  Richard will be speaking on "The Disciplines of Spiritual Leadership:  Knowing and Doing the Will of God in the Marketplace."  Richard's presentation will provide practical take-aways for how each marketplace leader can be more effective in living their calling.  

The balance of the speaker’s roster is likewise outstanding.  Ben Burmaster, Founder & CEO, Snuggle Bugz, Mississauga, ON will address the topic, “Mentoring:  The Why and How of Raising Future Leaders” (Q & A With Rick Goossen).  A born entrepreneur, Ben Burmaster founded five successful companies before pursuing his passion project with his wife, Tanya.  Ben and Tanya started Snuggle Bugz in 2006, based on their shared vision of instilling confidence in Canadian parents navigating the early stages of parenthood. 

Brian Grim, President, Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, Washington, DC will speak on, "Why Religion & Religious Freedom is Good For Business." The mission of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation is to, “educate the global business community about how religious freedom is good for business and engages the business community in joining forces with government and non-government organizations in promoting respect for freedom of religion or belief.”   

Eva Lau, Managing Director & Co-Founder, Two Small Fish Ventures, Toronto, ON, will address, “My Faith & Entrepreneurial Journey:  Small Fish, Big Ocean” (Q & A with Rick Goossen).  Eva is a well-respected entrepreneur-turned-investor.  Before starting Two Small Fish Ventures, she was Head of Community for Wattpad.  She helped nurture and scale the Wattpad community from its infancy to become one of the largest online communities with tens of millions of monthly users around the world.   

Shant Mardirosian, Founder, The Burger’s Priest, Toronto, ON, will speak on “Beyond The Burger’s Priest: My Entrepreneurial & Life Journey" (Q & A).  Shant was born in Los Angeles and raised in Toronto.  He received a Bachelor of Religious Studies from Tyndale University College.  Israel was called a “kingdom of priests” and that became an inspiration for the name of his restaurants.  He built up The Burger’s Priest chain to 14 locations and then sold to Cara Foods.  He is now working on his next big idea.     

Ray Pennings, Co-founder, Cardus, Ottawa, ON will speak on “Private Business, Public Faith.”  Ray co-founded Cardus in 2000 and currently serves as Executive Vice President, working out of the Ottawa office. Cardus exists as an independent think tank located in Hamilton, ON. Initially founded as the “Work Research Foundation,” Cardus emerged from a desire to translate the richness of the Christian faith tradition into the public square for the common good.  Part of the focus of Cardus relates to “Work + Economics.”    

The ELO event is a "forum" which means that all our speakers are live and in person; there is interaction with and among attendees during presentations and throughout the day.  There is no better place to "connect"--you will be among like-minded peers.  You will be "equipped" by being able to learn first-hand from an all-star roster of presenters.  Lastly, we will “celebrate” the call of leaders to the marketplace.  

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  http://www.entrepreneurialleaders.com/Toronto2019