Canadian HR Reporter

E D I T O R I A L 6 www.hrreporter.com EDITORIAL Editor/Supervisor: Sarah Dobson Employment Law Editor: Jeffrey R. Smith Labour Relations News Editor: John Dujay Production Editor: Patricia Cancilla Contributors: Lorenzo Lisi Carmen Jeffery CORPORATE Chief Executive Officer Mike Shipley Chief Operating Officer George Walmsley President Tim Duce Chief Information Officer Colin Chan Human Resources Manager Julia Bookallil ADVERTISING Business Development Manager: Fred Crossley (416) 644-8740 ext. 236 fred.crossley@keymedia.com Vice President Sales John Mackenzie PRODUCTION Designer: Ace Dequina Production Coordinator: Kim Kandravy Client Success Coordinator: Kshipra Dhindaw MARKETING AND CIRCULATION Subscriptions and Circulation manager: Keith Fulford Marketing Coordinator: Charlyn Macaraeg Global Head of Media Marketing: Adrijana Monevska ISSUE 33.06.2020 www.hrreporter.com Connecting with others through virtual events AMONG the many downsides of the pandemic has been the cancellation of so many events. Large or small, these are so important to HR professionals, not only in providing helpful learnings and takeaways but in providing a venue for networking and a sense of comradery. Having attended numerous events over the years, whether it's the Canadian HR Awards (presented by HRD Canada with support from Canadian HR Reporter) or annual HR conferences, I've always enjoyed connecting with people as they share stories, insights and tips with each other. That kind of opportunity is rare but always appreciated in the HR community. But all is not lost — in the virtual world, there are some amazing platforms now that can provide an experience online that's very similar to the on-site event. Attendees can watch live streams of keynote speakers, with question-and-answer sessions, or take part in live panel discussions to discuss industry issues. Of course, there's also the chance to check out various vendors at their virtual booths, and to request more information one-on-one through video chats. Plus, on the networking side, there are some great ways people can connect with each other. There's speed networking, where participants can look for new contacts, or they can connect and set up private meetings through online chats. Some of the platforms use avatars or graphics meant to convey an actual conference scenario, with actual rooms and booths, and they do a great job of immersing the user. For me, it's the human side that's important, and with so many of us becoming much more familiar and comfortable using video calls as part of the ramp-up to remote work, it's great to see that element of conferences is possible virtually. And once the pandemic subsides and in-person conferences are feasible again, I'm sure HR professionals will be champing at the bit to share war stories and to learn about what others are doing to survive and thrive. Here's hoping that will happen sooner rather than later. On the other hand, it's also likely virtual events will still hold a strong appeal as people realize they can be equally valuable and convenient. And the comradery is still there. Some amazing platforms provide an experience that's similar to an on-site event. Sarah Dobson, editor, Canadian HR Reporter group Contents of Canadian HR Reporter are copyright © 2020 HAB Press Limited and may not be reproduced in whole or part without written consent. HAB Press Limited disclaims any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this publication and disclaims all liability in respect of the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this publication. HST/GST # 70318 4911 RT0001 Canada Post – Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement 41261516 International Standard Serial Number 0838-228X. The publishers accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, colour transparencies or other materials. Manuscripts or other materials must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. KEY MEDIA and the KEY MEDIA logo are trademarks of Key Media IP Limited, and used under license by HAB Press Limited. Canadian HR Reporter is a trademark of HAB Press Limited. 20 Duncan St. 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON. M5H 3G8 www.hrreporter.com Subscription price: Canada: $175 plus tax; US and International: $175 USD Canadian HR Reporter makes every effort to ensure accuracy in all items reported, but cannot accept responsibility for the representations or claims made by sources used. It is also not responsible for claims made by its advertisers. HR_AD_REVISED_APR_2020.indd 1 HR_AD_REVISED_APR_2020.indd 1 2020-04-24 9:30 AM 2020-04-24 9:30 AM

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