{"id":60476,"date":"2024-04-18T19:03:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-18T23:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev-cglcc-multisite.pantheonsite.io\/fr\/news\/forge-the-future-at-defy-2024-canadas-largest-supplier-diversity-conference\/"},"modified":"2025-10-22T15:13:22","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T19:13:22","slug":"forge-the-future-at-defy-2024-canadas-largest-supplier-diversity-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/queerchamber.ca\/fr\/news\/forge-the-future-at-defy-2024-canadas-largest-supplier-diversity-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"Forge the Future at DEFY 2024 \u2013 Canada\u2019s Largest Supplier Diversity Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Canada\u2019s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/queerchamber.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CQCC)<\/a><\/strong>, Canadian Aboriginal and Supplier Minority Council (<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/camsc.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CAMSC<\/a><\/strong>), and Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada&nbsp;(<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/iwscc.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IWSCC<\/a><\/strong>), (Supplier Diversity Alliance of Canada \u2013 SDAC), together with&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/weconnectinternational.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WEConnect International<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;as the event partner, join forces to bring you <strong>DEFY Conference 2024, Canada\u2019s largest Supplier Diversity event.<\/strong> Happening June 12 \u2013 14, 2024, at Le Centre Sheraton Hotel in Montr\u00e9al, QC, Canada!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DEFY 2024 is SDAC\u2019s first EVER 3-day conference, bringing together diverse entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, government, and ecosystem partners to learn, connect, and drive change through business through workshops, keynotes, matchmaking sessions, and fun-filled events. <strong>It promises to be an unmatched diverse supplier experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we navigate the rapidly changing waters in both political and economic spheres, we often ask ourselves how to DEFY the odds. How do we challenge tradition and encourage new and innovative solutions? How do we channel our companies in the right direction? Ultimately, how do we support and facilitate our companies to grow and expand their footprint across borders?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The DEFY conference welcomes hundreds of suppliers and corporations from across four vibrant networks, giving you unprecedented opportunities for learning, connection, and growth.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.accelevents.com\/e\/defy-conference-2024\" style=\"background-color:#0693e3\">Join us in Montr\u00e9al!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What to expect at DEFY 2024?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Inspirational Keynotes:\u00a0<\/strong>Hear from industry leaders and gain insights that will help shape your growth in meaningful ways;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Diverse Networking Opportunities:\u00a0<\/strong>Forge connections with like-minded entrepreneurs and corporate leaders, and open the door to valuable new partnerships;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interactive Workshops:<\/strong>\u00a0Sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve with engaging breakout sessions. Expand on topics such as AI, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Sustainability to take your knowledge to the next level;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trade Show Floor:<\/strong>\u00a0Showcase your business and connect with new partners through a dynamic trade show featuring sponsors, corporations and suppliers from all industries and tiers;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Exclusive Matchmaking Sessions:<\/strong>\u00a0Tailored specifically for certified suppliers and corporate partners, these sessions open the door to strategic collaborations across the SDAC network.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Learning Tracks: Boost your career with diversity specialists<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re coming to DEFY 2024 to accelerate your career in diversity, we\u2019ve got you covered! With plenty of content divided into three learning tracks, you\u2019ll have your hands full for the three days. Take a look at this overview of topics for the conference!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>AI in the Spotlight<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How do you integrate AI into the procurement process \u2013 Using Generative AI to improve processes\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What are the best practices for leveraging AI in procurement\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AI in procurement \u2013 Value of AI and Data\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Sustainability in the Supply Chain<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Forging a Path to Sustainability \u2013 Best Practices and the road map to a net zero\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scope 3 Emissions \u2013 Getting it done\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carbon Credits \u2013 Compensating for GHG\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Diversity and Inclusion<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Defining experience (Supplier Perspective) \u2013 How can a diverse supplier communicate their collective (i.e. pro &amp; lived) experience to overcome barriers to entry in procurement?\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Defining experience (Buyer Perspective) \u2013 What are effective\/creative strategies for guiding requirements in procurement to recognize the collective experience of a diverse-owned, possibly small or young business?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Embracing Authenticity \u2013 Branding Workshop for 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurs designed specifically for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs seeking to develop and enhance their brand identity while staying authentic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moving Economic Reconciliation beyond Token Gestures\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gender Equality, Breaking The Bias, Women\u2019s Economic Empowerment, The Funding Gap, and others.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why DEFY?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Attending DEFY 2024 helps your company&nbsp;<strong>increase the impact of your event budget<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>DEFY 2024 unites attendees from across all SDAC networks;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More suppliers and corporations attending means more business opportunities! By attending DEFY 2024, you will network with attendees from CAMSC (Indigenous, racialized groups and minority-owned and refugee\u2013owned businesses), CQCC (2SLGBTQI+-owned companies), IWSCC (Veterans and people with disabilities who own businesses), and WEConnect International (women-owned businesses);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connect with both suppliers and corporations\/governments in the same event.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Getting to DEFY 2024 \u2013 Travel and Accommodation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We are pleased to present<strong> travel discounts on air and rail transit <\/strong>for DEFY 2024. To learn more about these options, please contact&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:events@supplierdiversityalliance.ca\">events@supplierdiversityalliance.ca<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for accommodations in Montr\u00e9al? <strong>Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel is offering a special group rate.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>$279 CAD per night<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Start Date:\u00a0 June 11, 2024<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>End Date: June 14, 2024<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u200b\u200bLast Day to Book:\u00a0May 17, 2024<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marriott.com\/event-reservations\/reservation-link.mi?id=1701285366805&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink\">Book your group rate now!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Looking for more ways to put your company in the spotlight? <strong>For DEFY sponsorship opportunities, please contact Seema Kapoor at <a href=\"mailto:seema@queerchamber.ca\">seema@queerchamber.ca<\/a><\/strong>.<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Canada\u2019s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CQCC), Canadian Aboriginal and Supplier Minority Council (CAMSC), and Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada&nbsp;(IWSCC), (Supplier Diversity Alliance of Canada \u2013 SDAC), together with&nbsp;WEConnect International&nbsp;as the event partner, join forces to bring you DEFY Conference 2024, Canada\u2019s largest Supplier Diversity event. Happening June 12 \u2013 14, 2024, at Le Centre Sheraton Hotel in Montr\u00e9al, QC, Canada! DEFY 2024 is SDAC\u2019s first EVER 3-day conference, bringing together diverse entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, government, and ecosystem partners to learn, connect, and drive change through business through workshops, keynotes, matchmaking sessions, and fun-filled events. It promises to be [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":60486,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_tec_requires_first_save":true,"_trash_the_other_posts":false,"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","editor_notices":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-60476","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/queerchamber.ca\/fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/defyconference_webbanner_themepicture_700x350.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/queerchamber.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60476","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/queerchamber.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/queerchamber.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queerchamber.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queerchamber.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=60476"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/queerchamber.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60476\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":60485,"href":"https:\/\/queerchamber.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60476\/revisions\/60485"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queerchamber.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/60486"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/queerchamber.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=60476"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queerchamber.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=60476"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queerchamber.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=60476"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}