THRIVE Calgary

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 9:30 AM–4:00 PM
Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre | Calgary, AB

Calgary’s workforce is changing—and global talent is an important part of building the organizations, industries, and communities of the future.

Join CRIEC's annual conference for a full-day dedicated to bringing together employers, business leaders, workforce experts, government representatives, professional associations, regulators, service providers, and economic development partners to explore how internationally trained professionals can strengthen organizations and contribute to a thriving economy.

This conference will focus on practical, employer-focused strategies for attracting, hiring, integrating, retaining, and developing internationally trained professionals. Attendees will gain insights, hear directly from internationally trained professionals about their experiences, and connect with organizations and partners working to build stronger talent pipelines.

This conference is designed for:

• Employers and business leaders
• HR and talent acquisition professionals
• Workforce development professionals
• Government representatives
• Professional associations and regulatory bodies
• Economic development organizations
• Settlement and employment service providers
• Organizations interested in building more effective global talent strategies

Gain practical ideas you can take back to your organization, expand your workforce network, learn from the experiences of internationally trained professionals, and discover how global talent can become a strategic advantage for your organization.

Whether you are looking to address talent shortages, strengthen your recruitment strategy, develop future leaders, or build stronger connections across Calgary’s workforce ecosystem, this conference will provide valuable insights and opportunities to connect.

Join us as we explore how global talent can help build stronger organizations, a stronger economy, and a stronger workforce future for Calgary.

Keynote: Ruhee Ismail-Teja, Vice President, Policy and External Affairs at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce

Breakout Session 1:

Moderator: Dennis Agbegha, Director of the Prairies at RBCx
Panelist: Amina Muhammad, Senior Advisor, Primary Care Alberta

Breakout Session 2: Mushay O'Connor, RPR, Talent Acquisition Specialist - Earth & Environment

Breakout Session 3: Ifeoma Ngwudike, Founder of Prosperra for Women

Breakout Session 4:
Moderator: D’Andre Wilson-Ihejirka, Executive Director, CRIEC

Panelists:

Shane Jaffer, Director, Global Partnerships, Invest Alberta
Wunmi Adekanmbi, Executive Director, Immigrant Techies Alberta
Shona Reilly, Director - Trade, Calgary Economic Development

Syed Musa Raza - Senior Advisor at Primary Care Alberta

Plenary Panel:

Moderator: Tracy Luca-Huger, Executive Director, Mentor Canada
Christopher Ballem, CEO, Agile Minds
Shalini Ayalasomayajula, Barrister & Solicitor, Shim Law
Pedro Silva, Global Strategic Distributors & Account Executive, Imperial Oil

Info: Find full session descriptions and speakers in our "Morning Breakout Sessions" Agenda!

Info: Find full session descriptions and speakers in our "Afternoon Breakout Sessions" Agenda!

Info: Mentorship has the power to accelerate careers, develop future leaders, and strengthen organizations. Join mentors, former mentee now mentor, and workforce leaders from a range of professions as they share real-world insights on how mentorship drives professional growth, talent retention, and long-term workforce success.

Info: What happens when employers look beyond traditional talent pipelines? Join this engaging panel to hear how organizations have successfully hired internationally trained professionals, overcome common challenges, and strengthened their workforce through diverse, highly skilled talent.

Info: Leadership is a critical skill for professionals at every level. This dynamic session explores the competencies needed to influence decisions, lead through change, and increase your impact, offering practical strategies to strengthen your leadership effectiveness regardless of your role or title.
This session may be eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or Continuing Education (CE) hours, depending on the requirements of the participant's professional association.

Info: Financial success is about more than earning a good income. Join this insightful session to learn practical strategies for building wealth, making confident financial decisions, and creating long-term prosperity for yourself, your family, or your business.

Info: How are technology, automation, and AI reshaping the future of regulated professions? Join leaders from fields like engineering, HR, accounting, and law for a forward-looking discussion on evolving professional standards, competency requirements, and the skills professionals and employers need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Info: Discover how unlocking immigrant talent can strengthen productivity, fuel innovation, and expand global business opportunities in Canada. This engaging fireside chat brings together leading voices in economic development, trade, and workforce integration to share practical strategies for building a more competitive and globally connected economy.

Moderated by:D’Andre Wilson-Ihejirka, Executive Director, CRIEC

Event venue & nearby stays

Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre, 1316 33 Street Northeast, Calgary, Canada

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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