5th Annual DEAM IDEA Conference

Description

DEAM IDEA Conference 2026

In celebration of Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Alberta Employment First Network (AEFN) presents the 5th annual DEAM IDEA Conference — a multi-day learning and workforce development experience focused on strengthening inclusive employment practices across Alberta.

📍 Hosted this year in Edmonton at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

As workforce pressures continue to grow across sectors, organizations are looking for sustainable ways to attract, retain, and support talent. Inclusive hiring is increasingly recognized as a key driver of workforce stability and organizational strength — not only expanding access to skilled talent, but improving retention, team performance, and long-term business resilience.

We are thrilled to announce three of our guest speakers:

• Zachary Weeks willl be joining us as this year's event MC
• Marco Pasqua will be this year's opening keynote speaker
• Erin Davis will be this year's closing keynote speaker

This year’s programming also comes at a pivotal time, with significant changes to disability supports underway. Understanding these shifts, and how they intersect with employment practices, will be essential for organizations planning for the future of their workforce.

The DEAM IDEA Conference brings together practical tools, sector insights, and real-world experiences that support stronger recruitment strategies, healthier workplaces, and more sustainable employment outcomes for people experiencing disability and mental health-related barriers.

What This Year Focuses On

Across three days, programming explores the intersection of workforce needs and inclusive employment practices, including:

• Mentorship approaches that strengthen retention and employee success
• Mental health and navigating workplace change
• Talent pipeline development and sustainable recruitment strategies
• Tapping into opportunity populations to address labour shortages
• Prime Contractor requirements and ADAP updates and implications
• Practical approaches to inclusive hiring that strengthen organizational performance

Each session is designed to translate learning into real, actionable workforce strategies that can be applied across sectors and roles.

Event Schedule

October 6 | Networking Event (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
An evening of connection with employers, HR professionals, community partners, and workforce leaders. A space to share experiences, explore approaches, and build relationships that support inclusive employment practices.

October 7 | Full Conference Day (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
A full day of learning and connecting designed for employers to explore practical, actionable approaches to inclusive recruitment and workplace development. Hear from industry leaders, subject matter experts, and lived experience speakers while gaining strategies that support stronger hiring, retention, workplace culture, and long-term workforce success.

October 8 | Capacity Building + Job Fair

Morning: Job seeker capacity-building focused on workplace readiness and confidence

Afternoon: Job fair connecting employers directly with diverse, skilled talent

This final day creates a bridge between learning and action, supporting direct connection between talent and opportunity.

Who This Is Event For

• Employers and business owners
• HR leaders and hiring managers
• Operations and team supervisors
• EDI, People & Culture, and workforce development professionals
• Organizations focused on strengthening recruitment and retention strategies

Why It Matters

Inclusive employment practices are increasingly recognized as a core workforce strategy — supporting stronger teams, improved retention, and access to a broader and highly capable talent pool. As labour shortages continue across industries, organizations that expand how they think about talent are gaining a clear advantage.

With upcoming changes to disability supports and shifting workforce conditions, understanding inclusive employment practices is becoming even more important for sustainable workforce planning.

Registration Deadline for regular ticket sales: September 30th 2026

If you are a self advocate or person with a disability who would like to request support with purchasing a ticket to the DEAM IDEA Conference, please email Mariebelle at comms@aefn.ca.