International Opportunities and Best Practices

9-10:30am - Global Ideas and Knowledge Trends

Brock Dickinson, Principal, Millier Dickinson Blais, Stoney Creek, ON

• Global economy:  latest trends
• Business networks, city networks, idea generators

11am-12:30pm - Communitech Hub Programs and Partners

Iain Klugman, CEO, Communitech, Kitchener, ON

• Creating an innovation ecosystem
• International connections

1:30-3pm - Immigration Retention for Smaller Centres

• Attraction and retention—who does what
• Building local capacity through Local Immigration Partnerships and Employers’ Councils
• Sharing services and best practices with neighbouring communities
• Provincial support of rural initiatives

3:30-5pm - Group Exercise - New Connections for Community

• What is required to build connections in your community?

October 30th

9-10:30am - Introducing SMEs to Exporting

• Niche market identification
• Practical steps for export success

10:30-11:30am - Increasing exports: Taking the next step

• Helping companies access international markets and increase exports
• Provincial assistance programs

12:30-2:30pm - International profile through internet and social media

• Managing your brand online
• Strategic use of social media for reaching international audiences

3-4pm - International Partnerships

• Local policies for international partnerships