Student-run conference on sustainability with shot at guaranteed job interviews
Over the weekend, Lang business students welcomed over 100 student delegates at the Lang Sustainability Conference, the largest student-run conference at the University of Guelph.
The conference invited delegates from across Canada for an immersive three-day experience focused on exploring and discussing business solutions to the social, environmental and economic challenges facing the world. Delegates included students from the University of Guelph and seven other Canadian universities.
Throughout the weekend, students were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones by participating in workshops, learn from several industry thought-leaders, and develop meaningful networks with both industry professionals and like-minded peers.
Delegates heard from several industry leaders at the conference, including:
- Jim Estill, Founder and CEO at ShipperBee, and CEO at Danby Appliance
- Dan Branson, Senior Director at Loblaw Brands Limited
- Christophe Hennebelle, Vice President Human Resources and Corporate Affairs at Transat
- Brien Convery, Director of Early Talent Acquisition, Attraction and Engagement at RBC
- Trevor Langdon, CEO Green Standards
The conference culminated with a case competition, where delegates broke off into teams to strategize business solutions for a case presented by RBC. The case was based on a recent RBC report on future obstacles facing the Canadian agricultural sector, including an aging workforce and a widening skills gap. Teams were tasked with developing feasible business solutions to overcome these obstacles.
Thanks to the sponsorship from RBC, the winning team received a first-place prize of $3,000 and guaranteed interviews for the job of their choice at RBC. Congratulations to the winning team, U of G students Mathew Gauthier, Liam Ireland, Sabrina Jazic, Heather McGeer, and Rachel Provis.
“Over the past 9 months, I’ve had the privilege of creating and planning the inaugural Lang Sustainability Conference alongside an incredible team,” said Danielle Tyl, Director of the Lang Sustainability Conference. “The overwhelming success of event would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the most amazing and hardworking LSC team, the Lang Students’ Association, our title sponsor RBC, the Lang School, and all our partners and guest speakers.”
The conference wrapped up with a Gala Globe Reception, closing keynotes and the presentation of delegate awards.
Congratulations to the Lang Sustainability Conference team on organizing such a successful event, and a special thank you to RBC for supporting the conference as the title sponsor.