19th Annual Vaughan Business Expo presented by Allstate Canada

Now in its 19th year, the Vaughan Business Expo is an annual event bringing together Vaughan’s business community and beyond. This year will be the first ever virtual expo, and the event’s purpose remains to help businesses grow by providing them an opportunity to make connections across the City and Region, as well as providing an opportunity to hear from industry leaders and experts across different areas.

Vaughan Business Expo 2021 will feature key programming:

Keynote address | The importance of going global: tapping into international markets in the growing digital economy

In today’s digital economy, your potential audience isn’t just in your own backyard, but a potential 7 billion people around the world. Join Paul Gaspar, Director of Small Business with UPS Canada to learn why now more than ever it’s important to future proof your business no matter the size by looking at expanding your business beyond your immediate borders. You’ll take away where to start and real life examples of what to think about as you begin or improve the way you’re doing business globally.

Presented by Paul Gaspar, Director of Small Business – UPS Canada

Your business grows here | How to do business with the government

An information session highlighting how to become a vendor and do business with different levels of government. Featuring representatives from the City of Vaughan and Office of Small and Medium Enterprises – Ontario Region, part of Public Services and Procurement Canada, followed by themed tables to get support for your business and general networking.

Your business tomorrow | The future of fulfillment

The supply chains of the future have arrived; consumers are growing to expect same-day deliveries or pickups at the click of their fingers. We live in an increasingly online world, driven in part by the changes created from COVID-19, has shown the need for modernized processes and cutting edge technology for businesses remain competitive. Hear from industry leaders on what this means for the future of fulfillment, what they’ve seen change from previous years, how they’ve adapted and continue to adapt to an ever changing world, and how businesses can begin to prepare themselves for what this future will look like.

Moderated by Spencer Musset, VP with CBRE – Toronto, and featuring esteemed panelists Lea Bottoni, Director, HR Operations, E-Commerce, Sobeys; Paul Gaspar, Director of Small Business, UPS Canada; and Moses Akingbade, Senior Director, Quality Management Systems, VersaCold Logistics Services

Transformative technology: trends and opportunities shaping our smart cities

By 2025, the global smart city market is expected to grow to over $800 billion USD. The demand for smart city solutions continues to grow, as both cities and businesses need to better manage scarce resources, increase efficiencies, and elevate the quality of life for residents. During this panel, hear from industry leaders as they share about current opportunities, trends and challenges in the smart city market and make connections to what this may mean for your business. Plus, get access to support networks and learn from other innovators in the networking period to follow.

Moderated by Kitty Yung, Project Manager, Smart City Business Program at City of Vaughan, with esteemed panelists Lucy Casacia, Vice President - Smart Solutions of WSP Canada; Angus Ho, Innovation Consultant at Mackenzie Innovation Institute; and John Chiappetta, Advanced Technology Platforms Lead at Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).

How to participate

You must purchase a ticket to receive access to this event.

Prior to the event, registrants will receive information and tutorials on how to use the platform, day-of expectations, and attendee information via e-mail.

Tickets for this event are $10 + HST, with a portion of sales being donated to the United Way Greater Toronto.

Register today! Space is limited.

For more information, contact Vaughan Economic and Cultural Development at ecd@vaughan.ca.

AGENDA

7:30 – 8:30 a.m. | Pre-event: Platform exposure and set up your networking card.

8:30 – 8:45 a.m. | General networking and morning mingle ​

8:45 – 8:50 a.m. | Welcoming Remarks: Mayor’s Address, City of Vaughan Economic Development, FedDev Ontario, and Presenting Sponsor Allstate Insurance Company of Canada

8:50 – 9:20* a.m. | Keynote Address​ – The importance of going global: tapping into international markets in the growing digital economy presented by Paul Gaspar, Director of Small Business, UPS Canada

9:25 – 9:55* a.m. | Your business grows here: How to do business with the Government

10:00 – 10:30 a.m.* | Themed tables to get support for your business and general networking​

10:35 – 11:15 a.m.* | Your business tomorrow: The future of fulfillment

11:20 – 11:50 a.m. | Themed tables to get support for your business and general networking​

11:50 – noon | Room open for general networking ​

Noon – 1:30 p.m. | BREAK​

1:30 – 2:15* p.m. | Transformative technology: trends and opportunities shaping our smart cities

2:20 – 3:05 p.m. | Themed tables to get support for your innovative business and general networking

3:05 – 3:30 p.m. | Free Networking ​

*5-minute breaks

Agenda subject to change.