EVOLVE Benefits and Workforce Strategies Summit

KEYNOTE: Radical Relationship Building: The Future of Human Connection

People save time at work by skipping human interaction wherever possible. This is a short-term gain that makes for long-term pain. People need to feel connected, engaged and appreciated. Something that begins as a time-saver can often lead to apathetic, unmotivated or even angry clients, customers and colleagues. Lack of recognition is the leading reason why people quit their jobs. Now is the time to rebuild strong relationships at work by creatively blending life in person and life online. Pulling from his 15+ years of community-building experiments in his backyard and his world travels, Blake gives audiences a selection of ways to implement their versions of radical relationship building that will lead to a tighter sense of community at work, actionable appreciation throughout the organization and simple selling techniques that will boost the bottom line.

Tailoring Pensions and Benefits for a Changing Workforce

Organizations are challenged to design pension and benefit programs that appeal to multiple generations. Explore how employers can adapt their total rewards strategy to attract, retain and engage employees in an increasingly competitive and global talent market.

At a Crossroads: Innovations, Costs and the Future of Drug Plans

Examine the latest trends shaping the pharmaceutical landscape, including new specialty medications, biosimilars, and evolving regulatory and pricing models.

Safeguarding Data in the Digital Age

Discuss emerging cybersecurity threats, evolving regulatory expectations and best practices for protecting sensitive employee, pension and benefits information.

Adapting to New Rules, Realities and Rising Trends

From the introduction of the Canada Disability Benefit and new documentation rules to the growing impact of mental health claims, employers and plan sponsors are being challenged to rethink how they support and manage their workforce. This session unpacks the latest legislative, regulatory and market changes shaping disability and absence programs in 2025.

Flexibility, Hybrid Work and Talent Value Proposition

As hybrid and flexible work become the new standard, organizations are rethinking how their benefits and pension plans create value for a diverse and mobile workforce. Employees now expect choice, personalization and support that align with their lifestyles—whether they’re working from the office, home or anywhere in between.

Think Tank: Mental Health Benefits Talk

(Following the presentation, participate in interactive roundtable Think Tanks.) Join an in‑depth discussion on resilience and mental health benefits and learn practical strategies to enhance employee well-being. Collaborate with peers, share insights and walk away with actionable ideas to strengthen your mental health benefits and build a resilient, engaged workforce.

• Multigenerational mental health strategies
• Psychological safety at work
• Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB)
• Financial wellness.

Redefining Retirement: Innovative Approaches Employers Should Know

This session explores bold, forward-thinking strategies to modernize retirement planning and empower members to thrive in a 100-year life.

• Gain leadership buy-in to prioritize longevity-focused initiatives
• Build innovative, holistic programs that address evolving member needs
• Leverage collaboration and shared learning to drive industry-wide progress.

Simple Strategies to Boost Financial Literacy and Improve Financial Wellness in the Workplace

Studies show that finances are the number one source of stress for employees. One in five employees surveyed admitted their productivity at work has been impacted by financial worries, and 60% of employees surveyed by the Financial Health Network said they’d be more likely to stay with an employer that offers a program designed to help them better manage their finances and improve their financial well-being.

• Identify how financial stressors impact employee productivity and turnover.
• Learn to build a simple, effective financial wellness program that actually helps your employees.
• Leverage your group retirement provider to boost financial literacy among your employees.

Time to Wrap Up and EVOLVE!

Reflect on key learnings, ask questions and discuss practical applications with speakers and peers. Leave with a clear understanding of actionable ideas, emerging best practices and next steps to take back to your organization, ensuring the knowledge gained translates into real-world impact and helps your organization EVOLVE.