The 2024 Connectivity Conference – From a Male Perspective

The 13th annual Connectivity Conference, formerly Connect Women was a stellar event. This year’s theme was “Maximizing Outcomes” and the speakers provided incredible insight and inspiration. The crowd enjoyed every moment of it.

I was asked to write a blog providing the male perspective of the event and happily obliged.

I could write about all the amazing speakers and great content. I could write about what I learned, like community over competition, the crying couch and setting up guard rails. The content from the event was incredible, but what I’m going to speak about is being a male at a predominantly female dominated function.

It is good to expand your horizons and go to events that are not necessarily catered to your demographic. It allows you to see other people’s perspectives, which is forever important in understanding the world we live in.

This was my fourth year attending the Connectivity Conference and I am always pleased with the improvement of my outlook on women in the workplace. Learning from women and helping me understand the challenges women face in the workforce is important for my growth. It is important to get differing points of view in life and step outside the comfort of my bubble.

I hope to see you all at the 14th annual Connectivity Conference. Female, Male and/or non-binary folks, it is of no consequence, can all get inspiration from it.

In case you missed connectivity this year…

Here was the Connectivity itinerary:

10:00 a.m.
Registration, coffee break, networking
Opportunity to visit business expo

10:35 a.m.
Opening Remarks and Kick off

10:40 a.m.
Business Panel: Saying No, How to Manage Work Package and Efficiency
Moderator,  Daisy Raudales, Owner, DRPR Inc.
Jenny Porter, CEO, Three Sparrow Balloons
Danielle Pineda, Policy Advisor | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, The Regional Municipality of Durham
Melissa Knight-Johnson, Head of School, Trafalgar Castle School
Amelia Yiu, Lawyer Elm Law

11:40 a.m.
Lunch
Opportunity to visit business expo

1:00 p.m.
Keynote Speaker: Nadine Spencer,
Founder and CEO, BrandEQ Agency

Get unstuck. Bring your business outcomes and let’s learn how to re-focus our energy and activities to win! Winning could be advancing your business, your career or personal goals; none of which comes easy if you’re not clear on what you’re trying to achieve.

2:00 p.m.
Stretch and Mobility-by Women’s Health Physio

2:10 p.m.
Coffee Break
Opportunity to visit business expo

2:30 p.m.
How to Develop Effective and Measurable Objectives Workshop
Chris-Beth Cowie, CEO of Empowered 4x

3:30 p.m. 
Networking
Opportunity to visit business expo

I encourage all Whitby Chamber of Commerce members to attend next year’s event, but I especially encourage my male counterparts to go. It is eye-opening and definitely gets you thinking.

Have fun until I see you at the next event.

 

In service,

– Joel Davies – Whitby Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors – CEO, Render Developments.