The future of agriculture will bring together people from across the sector - from farmers and researchers to business leaders, entrepreneurs and communicators. That topic will be the focus of the lecture by Canadian agricultural entrepreneur, business leader and advocate Kim McConnell on October 27th for the latest event in OAC’s Future Thinkers Speaker Series.
Titled Cultivating Connections: Leadership & Opportunity in Agriculture, the event will bring together members of the OAC community, alumni and the broader agricultural sector to explore the relationships between agriculture, business, research, communications and the many areas that contribute to Canada’s agri-food system.
McConnell is a founder and former CEO of AdFarm, an agricultural marketing and communications agency that works with organizations across Canada and internationally. Throughout his career, he has worked to strengthen the understanding of agriculture and its importance to the broader agri-food sector, while supporting young people and the next generation of agricultural leaders.
McConnell will discuss how different disciplines, departments and areas of expertise can come together to create opportunities and help shape the future of agriculture and food.
“Some of the most important opportunities in agriculture emerge when we look beyond our individual areas of expertise and recognize the connections between them. Kim McConnell has spent his career working at the intersection of agriculture, business, leadership and communications, and we look forward to having him share his perspective with our students, faculty, staff, alumni and agricultural community," - OAC dean Dr. John Cranfield
Cultivating Connections: Leadership & Opportunity in Agriculture with Kim McConnell
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026
3:00 - 4:00 PM - Fireside Chat and Q&A with Kim McConnell.
4:00 - 5:30 PM - Networking Reception
University of Guelph Arboretum Centre or online via Microsoft Teams
McConnell has received several honours for his contributions to agriculture and business, including being named a Member of the Order of Canada.
“The agricultural sector is full of people, ideas and disciplines that may seem separate, but are deeply connected,” says McConnell. “When we bring those perspectives together, we create opportunities to solve problems, build businesses and strengthen the future of agriculture.”
The event is free, offered both online (via Teams) and in-person and will include a question-and-answer period, followed by a reception with light food and drinks.
The Future Thinkers Speaker Series brings leading experts, changemakers and thought leaders to OAC to explore the future of innovation in food, agriculture, the environment and communities.
The event is supported by the OAC Class of 1959 and the Future Thinkers Fund.
Future Thinkers Speaker Event with Kim McConnell:
- Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Fireside Chat and Q&A with Kim McConnell.
- 4:00 - 5:30 PM - Networking Reception
In-person and online (via Teams)