Post-Event Report
Following on the success of the ELO Forum Winnipeg on Oct 25th and the ELO Forum Vancouver on Nov 15th, the ELO Forum Toronto completed the "national sweep" on a high note to a packed house.
Here is some representative feedback from attendees of the ELO Forum Toronto on Nov 29th:
“Excellent lineup of speakers. The event helps reframe my mindset each year on how God wants to use me in the marketplace.”
“ELO event is always a great time to connect with fellow leaders and to be encouraged to live out my Christian faith.”
"That was an amazing day. Your speaker line up was outstanding. Super inspiring! Looking forward to the next one!
“Incredible opportunity to grow professionally and personally in a faith-based leadership setting.”
“Fantastic forum! Left feeling inspired and renewed to carry on my calling as a business leader.”
“Great networking opportunity - Appreciate the hard work and efforts of the entire ELO team.”
“Great speakers to help bring priorities to today’s leaders.”
“Very interesting and information packed day.”
“Great content, inspiring topics that are relevant.”
“God’s kingdom expands through meaningful relationships and ELO Forum is a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded Canadian business leaders and see Gods kingdom expand in Canada.”
"This was my first ELO Forum and it definitely exceeded my expectations. The presenters were excellent, the topics were broad and relevant, and it was a fantastic networking opportunity with faith-driven entrepreneurs and leaders. It was a long, full day, but it flowed so smoothly and was very well organized. Thank you for putting together such a thought-provoking, inspiring event."
The 2023 ELO Forums had a focus on how business leaders can get future ready with great sessions on the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI), changes in the public square, economic developments, and the role of creativity. In addition to a great lineup of speakers, we had an attendance increase of 50% over last year at every location!
The ELO Forums are unique for their focus on Christian business leadership, their ability to connect people from a broad spectrum of the leadership community, and the live Q&As with world-class speakers.
ELO dates back to 2005 when Dr. Richard (Rick) J. Goossen, Chairman, ELO Network, organized the first conference. Since then, we have grown to host about 100 events and conferences across the globe, thanks to a grassroots coalition of speakers, sponsors, advisors, and supporters.
In Toronto, we had a lineup of ten amazing speakers. The first three speakers focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The issues around AI are staggering and there are wide-ranging implications for society and businesses. What is the nature of being human? Can machines think? What is the morality underlying AI? Will AI replace people or make them more efficient?
First was a Q&A hosted by Rick Goossen with Dr. John Lennox, Professor Emeritus, University of Oxford, via Zoom where they discussed “2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity."
Second was a presentation and Q&A with Andy Steiger, Founder & CEO, Apologetics Canada on "An Overview of AI: What Is AI & How Does it Work?"
The last presenter on AI was John Carbrey, Founder & Managing Director, FutureSight Ventures. John presented on "The AI Gold Rush: Seizing Untapped Commercial Opportunities" and talked about his work as a “venture studio” in helping entrepreneurs grow AI-related businesses.
After these three speakers, we had a break for lunch, which is always a great time of networking and connecting with other attendees.
Following lunch was a Q&A with Dave Brereton, Founder, TECSYS, and International Director, YFC International, on "Leadership Lessons from Entrepreneurial Startups to Running a 60,000 Person Global Organization.”
Ron Haik, Client Relationship Manager, Nicola Wealth, discussed the latest “Economic Outlook: What are the Likely Trends & How to be Prepared.”
We also had Steve French, Founder, Lx Partners, present to our guests about how to "Never Waste a Crisis: Lessons from Challenging Times.”
Joining us from Colombia was our guest speaker Mitzi Machado, Executive Director, AGAPE, who participated in a Q&A on "Entrepreneurial Leadership for Non-Profit Organizations.” The session was translated by Camilo Garcia, VP, Strategic Partnerships, Opportunity International Inc., Latin America, and hosted by Dr. Rick Goossen.
Providing a land acknowledgement for Mississauga and participating in a Q&A on "Faith, Passion & Freedom in the Workplace” was speaker Jennifer Ménard-Shand, Founder & CEO, StaffShop.
Concluding our conference was Ray Pennings, Co-Founder & Executive VP, Cardus, delivered a presentation on “Canada’s Troubled Public Square,” highlighting the changing nature of Canadian society, the role of institutions, and people’s approach to faith.
Overall, this year’s ELO Forum in Toronto was a great success. Attendees were able to build and renew relationships. There were many opportunities to be equipped through an exceptional group of speakers. The entrepreneurial spirit was celebrated through hearing great stories from the GTA and elsewhere.
For more information, view the latest edition of our Forum Magazine, the Entrepreneurial Leaders Review, to read about sponsors, speakers, and content from the Forum.
We are incredibly grateful for all the sponsors of this event that help make the ELO conferences possible each year!
G O L D
S I L V E R
B R O N Z E
T A B L E S P O N S O R S
S U P P O R T I N G O R G A N I Z A T I O N S
