Ontario Economic Series

September 15, 2020 - November 17, 2020

In light of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce has redesigned our annual Ontario Economic Summit. For 2020, the letters in ‘OES’ will instead stand for the Ontario Economic Series, a collection of virtual forums that connect participants with some of the most influential people from across the globe.

As it has been for nearly 20 years, OES 2020 will be the forum for visionary leaders in the public, private, education and not-for-profit sectors to shape Ontario’s future growth and role in the global economy. We will continue to value inclusivity, collaboration, and the sharing of ideas from around the world to achieve greater prosperity here in Ontario.

UPCOMING #OES2020 SESSIONS

November 17 – Business Diversity Economic Expo

Get your tickets to our virtual trade show event focused on diversifying supply chains & celebrating inclusivity. Click here to apply to book a booth or get your tickets.

November 17 – De-Brief on the 2020 US Presidential Election

Join us for a keynote with political strategist and former acting Chair of the Democratic National Committee, Donna Brazile following the 2020 US presidential election.

Click here to get your tickets to our upcoming sessions and virtual trade show event.

Ticket price is per day - includes virtual networking, sessions, and the Business Diversity Economic Expo.

Business Diversity Economic Expo

Virtual Trade Show Event for Diversifying Supply Chains & Celebrating Inclusivity

This year, the OCC is using its convening power to address the equity gap in business with the Business Diversity Economic Expo, a business to business virtual trade show and networking event, putting a spotlight on businesses which are Black-owned, Indigenous-owned, People of Colour-owned, Women-owned, LGBTQ2+-owned, and businesses owned by People with Disabilities. The OCC will be inviting procurement officers and supply chain leaders from large private sector, public sector and academic institutions to attend and meet with business owners.

None of us could have anticipated the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on businesses of all sizes in every corner of the province. This impact has been even greater for Black-owned businesses, Indigenous-owned businesses, People of Colour-owned businesses, Women-owned businesses, LGBTQ2+-owned businesses, and business owned by People with Disabilities.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has long recognized the issue of equity in hiring practices, but equally important is ensuring that purchasing decisions do not overlook businesses owned by under-represented groups, as wealth creation is the key to long-term equality.

The business case for supplier diversity in Canada is clear and has many benefits including more robust supply chains and increased economic development. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce will be working with our partners to spotlight business diversity in the Business Diversity Economic Expo as part of the virtual 2020 Ontario Economic Series.