With London looking for ways to keep Western students in town after graduation, soon-to-be graduates of The University of Western Ontario and Fanshawe College will connect with hundreds of the city’s top employers thanks to a unique networking idea.
The half-day Student-2-Business Networking Conference, scheduled for Jan. 26 (1-7:30 p.m.) at the London Convention Centre, will connect students with local business leaders, allowing them to pitch skills and experience to local employers.
For more information, and to register by the Jan. 16 deadline, visit the London Economic Development Corporation website.
“The goal is to help students understand the local business environment in London and to make connections with community/business people through the networking event,” says Jeny Wallace, Director, Workforce Development with London Economic Development Corporation, noting last year’s attendance of 700 students and business representatives could double this time.
“For business, it is to help them tap into the talent pool of our graduating students,” adds Wallace, adding it’s a win-win situation for all involved. “We know that students will not all stay here, but if they are connected they might even come back.”
The second annual event will feature workshops and a keynote address from Richard Florida, Director of the Martin Prosperity Institute and Professor of Business and Creativity at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. The founder of the Creative Class Group, an advisory services firm, Florida is considered one of the brightest public intellectuals on creativity and the economy.
His address will combine in-depth analysis, cutting-edge trends, compelling personal stories and a touch of humour to demonstrate the relevance and importance of the creative class in today’s economy.
After the workshops and keynote, students can meet and mingle with hundreds of potential employers.
Registration is $10 and includes 50 business cards, transportation between campus and the conference centre, two conference sessions, the keynote address and the Student-2-Business mixer with food and beverage.
For more information, and to register, visit www.ledc.com/s2b.