Want to add purpose-driven events to your summer schedule? Sparx has compiled a list of networking and learning opportunities taking place this July, August, and September.
July
Indigenous Innovators in Tech Showcase
Date: July 4, 2024, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM MDT
Location: Social Innovation Hub, Calgary, Alberta
Description: Part of the BIPOC and Rural Tech Founders event series, this showcase is dedicated to spotlighting and empowering Indigenous innovators, providing insight into the barriers Indigenous innovators face, and championing Indigenous perspectives and groundbreaking solutions within Alberta’s tech ecosystem.
Social Innovators Breakfast Club
Date: July 8, 2024, from 9:00 AM –10:30 AM MDT
Location: Social Innovation Hub, Calgary, Alberta
Description: Enjoy breakfast while connecting with social purpose innovators and learn about RadiCare’s purpose-driven journey during an inspiring presentation and Q&A session.
CCDI Webinar: Glottophobia
Date: July 11, 2024, from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
Location: Online
Description: This Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) webinar will help attendees learn more about linguistic discrimination in Canadian workplaces.
Brands for Better Summer Party!
Date: July 13, 2024, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
Location: The Beaumont Studios, Vancouver, British Columbia
Description: At this fun summer gathering, celebrate the Brands for Better impact-driven community, connect with purpose-minded brands and individuals, and make a positive difference.
Reconciliation: When History Becomes Truth
Date: July 14 – 19, 2024
Location: Charles Street West, Toronto, Ontario
Description: Part of the Toronto Pursuits festival, this seminar will explore how contemporary writing lends itself to thoughtful investigations of the struggle of Indigenous communities with the legacy of the Indian Act and the role of non-Indigenous Canadians in the process of reconciliation.
Indigenous Paths and Presence
Date: July 21, 2024
Location: Bedford Park Community Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Description: Presented by Heritage Toronto and TD Ready Commitment, this tour will engage with pre-colonial Indigenous histories in understanding the natural creeks and park systems in the Bathurst and Lawrence area.
Impact Red: Suit Up and Sparkle with United Way BC
Date: July 24, 2024, from 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM PDT
Location: McCarthy Tétrault, Vancouver, British Columbia
Description: Enjoy a night of fireworks, food, and festivities and discover how to make a positive impact in British Columbia and support United Way BC and its communities.
Carbon Literacy Training
Date: July 25, 2024
Location: Online
Description: Become “Carbon Literate” certified with this virtual workshop, hosted by The Better Business Network, an inclusive UK-based network for purpose-driven business owners and leaders looking to grow their impact.
SDG Impact Reporting: Understanding and Sharing Local SDG Impact
Date: July 26, 2024, from 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM EDT
Location: 10C Shared Space, Guelph, Ontario
Description: Hosted in partnership with SDG Cities and 10C Shared Space, this workshop will help purpose-driven organizations communicate how their work aligns with the SDGs, use tools to describe their SDG impact, plan data collection and interpretation for SDG reporting, and more.
August
Annual Anti-racism University Forum 2024
Date: August 1, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM ADT
Location: École des Bâtisseurs, Fredericton, New Brunswick
Description: Combat systemic racism, gain insight into the challenges faced by Black communities, discover initiatives that promote racial equality and social justice, and engage in meaningful discussions at this annual forum, organized by New Brunswick Provincial Council for People of African Descent, in collaboration with local partners.
CCDI Webinar: Voices of strength: Supporting mental health in the DEI space
Date: August 8, 2024, from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
Location: Online
Description: Attend this CCDI webinar for a discussion around priorities, challenges, implementation strategies, and lived experiences that connect mental health and effective DEI practices and initiatives.
The HeadLamp Awards
Date: August 11, 2024, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
Location: City Hall, Brampton, Ontario
Description: Celebrate the inspirational work of social enterprises, individuals, and projects that are forging impactful change, addressing critical challenges, and fostering significant progress within African communities.
Floatable Waste Collaborative Action in Toronto’s Inner Harbour: Clean-up
Date: August 11, 2024, from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM EDT
Location: Queen’s Quay, Toronto, Ontario
Description: Help work toward swimmable, drinkable, fishable water in Toronto and improve your water literacy by taking part in this water and shoreline cleanup.
Workforce & Newcomer Summit 2024 and Diversity Gala
Date: August 16, 2024, from 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM ADT
Location: Fredericton Convention Centre, Fredericton, New Brunswick
Description: Centred around the theme, “Bridging Borders: Building a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce,” this event aims to support newcomer integration into the workforce, celebrate the contributions of newcomers and immigrants, and provide a platform for diverse voices.
2nd Global Conference on Climate Change and Global Warming
Date: August 16 – 18, 2024
Location: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
Description: Join a diverse and multidisciplinary group of experts, researchers, social activists, and community advocates from across the globe at this conference focused on fostering collaboration, championing solutions, and tackling pivotal climate change issues.
B Corp Certification Readiness – Preparing for Your B Corp Journey
Date: August 22, 2024, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PDT
Location: Online
Description: Interested in becoming a certified B Corporation? This webinar will help you understand the path to certification, including requirements, barriers, timeline, and process, and determine if you’re submission-ready.
BREAKING THE SILENCE ON HIV/AIDS STIGMA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2024
Date: August 23 – 24, 2024
Location: The Parkdale Hall, Toronto, Ontario
Description: Challenge the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in African Communities, gain insights into building a more inclusive and supportive society, uncover the latest research and treatment advancements, and connect with like-minded individuals at this empowering conference.
Victoria Forum 2024
Date: August 25 – 27, 2024
Location: Business and Economics Building, Victoria, British Columbia
Description: Exploring the theme “Building Trust for a Shared Future,” this forum, hosted by The Victoria Forum and co-hosted by the University of Victoria and the Senate of Canada, serves as a collective call for action to combat the erosion of trust across various divides so we can forward unified action, promote reconciliation, and build a regenerative economy. Be sure to catch the keynote from Dr. Victoria Hurth, global thought expert and collaborator on the Wellbeing Economy issue of Make The World Better Magazine, and say hello to the Sparx team! We are proud to be a community partner for this event.
September
Sustainable Finance Summit 2024
Date: September 12, 2024, from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM EDT
Location: EY Tower, Toronto, Ontario
Description: This summit brings together over 250 banks, credit unions, lenders, investors, and fintechs to advance Climate Risk Stress Testing and Sustainable Finance in Canada, and explores a range of purpose-driven topics, including ESG ratings, Canada’s net-zero journey, and supporting SMEs on the path to decarbonization.
International Workshop on Financial System Architecture and Stability (IWFSAS) 2024
Date: September 13 – 14, 2024
Location: UBC Robson Square Theatre, Vancouver, British Columbia
Description: Advance the dialogue on the great energy transition, spotlight innovative financial solutions and economic policies, identify opportunities and challenges, and propose solutions to help overcome financial barriers to sustainable energy adoption at this forum.
Women Empowerment Awards
Date: September 13, 2024, from 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM EDT
Location: Park Hyatt Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
Description: Honour and celebrate the women entrepreneurs, professionals, and changemakers who have made remarkable contributions to their communities and diverse industries at this inspiring awards show.
Global Conference on Autism and Disability Studies (GCADS)
Date: September 13 – 15, 2024
Location: 9850 King George Boulevard, Surrey, British Columbia
Description: Gain valuable insights from leading experts, share experiences with peers, and discover effective strategies for supporting individuals with autism and disabilities at this global conference.
The New Face of Inclusion Summit 2024
Date: September 14, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT
Location: Online & In-Person, Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto, Ontario
Description: Focused around the theme, “Being Intentional About the Business of Inclusion,” this leadership development summit will help attendees enhance their inclusive leadership abilities, acquire practical tools and frameworks, drive organizational change, and expand their professional network.
CCDI Webinar: Ageism: Building age-inclusive workplaces
Date: September 17, 2024, from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
Location: Online
Description: This CCDI webinar will help participants question assumptions about age and will introduce an intersectional lens to better understand ageism, define the impacts of ageism in the workplace, and share inclusion strategies.
2024 Atlantic Indigenous-Led Energy Symposium
Date: September 18 – 20, 2024
Location: Fredericton Convention Centre, Fredericton, New Brunswick
Description: Discover Indigenous-led projects that are defining the energy landscape in Atlantic Canada and join leaders from First Nation communities, utilities, government, and industry, for conversation and collaboration focused on advancements in the energy sector.
11th Annual Untapped Workplace Inclusion Awards
Date: September 19, 2024, from 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM PDT
Location: PARQ Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia
Description: Enjoy engaging presentations, thought-provoking discussions, and networking opportunities while celebrating BC’s employers and individuals who are leading the way in disability inclusion and accessibility.
The Global Conference on Substance Use, Addiction, Suicide & Mental Resilience
Date: September 20 – 22, 2024
Location: 237 Sackville Street, Toronto, Ontario
Description: Following the theme “Navigating Paths to Wellness,” this conference aims to provide a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and learning; address complex challenges; promote mental resilience within the African Canadian community; and harness shared knowledge and experiences to foster a culture of understanding, support, and wellbeing.
UN Global Compact Leaders Summit
Date: September 24 — 25, 2024
Location: The Nest Climate Campus, Javits Center North, New York City, New York, United States
Description: At the UN Global Compact’s dynamic conference, meet with hundreds of sustainability leaders, participate in targeted actionable breakouts, engage with peers, discover companies driving impact on accelerating the SDGs, and access the tools, network, knowledge, and inspiration you need to scale up your impact and shape the future of responsible business. Plus, stick around for Forward Faster Acceleration Day and join high-intensity workshops that will help you meet targets in five action areas: gender equality, climate action, living wage, water resilience, and finance and investment.
Canadian Stewardship Conference
Date: September 24 – 25, 2024
Location: Fairmont Royal York, Toronto, Ontario
Description: Attend this extended producer responsibility (EPR) conference to uncover the latest EPR trends, equipment, services, emerging programs, and regulations; promote dialogue and understanding; and learn from and connect with industry experts, waste management and recycling professionals, government representatives, stewardship program operators, and all segments of the EPR community.
Make The World Better Day
Date: TBD
Location: Online & In-Person, Vancouver, British Columbia
Description: Sparx’s annual in-house purpose-driven event. More information coming soon!
SPC Advance 2024
Date: September 30 – October 2, 2024
Location: Hilton Chicago Hotel, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Description: This SPC Advance members event will explore the theme, “Further & Faster Carbon Reduction with Better Packaging,” and will include sessions based on innovation, recovery, and packaging design and policy, bringing together attendees from across the packaging supply chain to accelerate sustainability and reduce emissions.
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