Workplace Challenges | Recognition | Professional Development | Job Termination

Workplace Challenges

Workplace issues conference features world's leading thinkers

From functioning within a global business landscape, to addressing critical labour shortages, to dealing with downsizing, this year's annual Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario (HRPAO) conference will cover the most relevant issues facing today's HR executives.

SHARON ASCHAIEK

[ 2008-01-23 ]

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LEADING THINKERS

Taking place Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the 70th HRPAO conference, dubbed "Innovate '08: Evolution. Revolution." will feature presentations by the world's leading thinkers and leaders, including business consultants, executive coaches, project managers, IT trainers and more.

"It's very important for HR people to take the time out now and again to put into perspective what's happening in the HR and business world, and the implications of it," says Bill Greenhalgh CEO of the HRPAO.

Six world-renowned keynote speakers will talk about issues such as creating thriving business teams; making ideas more effective; identifying and developing leaders; understanding the employment needs of Gen Y workers; connecting cultural inclusion with business innovation; and maximizing our potential.

Greenhalgh says conference goers will gain essential insights and information on how to address the most vexing issues in their industry. The first issue, he says, has to do with managing their organization's size, which may be affected by retiring baby boomers, a lack of skilled labour, or downsizing caused by outsourcing.

The other pertinent issue HR people face, he says, pertains to the increasingly integral role they're playing in implementing and achieving key organizational goals.

"FOREFRONT"

"HR people today are very much at the forefront of creating organizations and helping to execute the strategies that senior executives come up with," Greenhalgh says. "HR workers are charged with hiring the right people and creating the right motivation, incentives and culture."

The conference is expected to attract about 4,500 HR executives from across Canada and beyond and will feature about 150 different research papers on HR trends, techniques and processes.

The event's public trade show will include up to 300 exhibitors showcasing products and services that HR workers can use, such as relocation services, publishing materials, insurance packages, training services and more.

Two evening social events will also take place during the conference, including French Twist, a Parisian-inspired discotheque with champagne and hors d'oeuvres, and Cabin Fever, featuring a "wilderness retreat" right in the convention centre.

In keeping with the environmentally-friendly ethos of a growing number of organizations and their HR stewards, the conference will be a zero-waste event featuring event programs printed on chlorine- and acid-free recycled paper, tote bags made out of recycled fabric, and no handouts -- participants can download them online at www.hrpao.org.

"We have a sustainability program under way so that we can have a totally green conference," Greenhalgh says. "Sustainability and environmentalism is very important and is something organizations are starting to focus on."