HR Tech Summit delivers insight into future of work

Hundreds of HR professionals got crucial advice on how to use technology to their advantage at landmark event

HR Tech Summit delivers insight into future of work
Eager to stay ahead of the pack when it comes to HR technology, hundreds of industry insiders turned out to Canada’s first HR Tech Summit to learn how digital tools can bolster their business.

As the conference opened in Toronto on Tuesday, the 550-strong audience heard from HR leaders and tech experts about the best ways to utilise technology for their company, and how investing in the right systems and software creates a competitive advantage.

In his keynote speech, LeapGen chief executive Jason Averbrook offered attendees insights into the digital future of HR, how technology will impact person-to-person interactions, and how HR professionals must embrace strategy and design thinking to stay relevant.

Speakers, including HR experts, thought leaders and other business insiders, delivered talks and led workshops across topics as diverse as the use of tech in employee experience, benefits and brand leverage, to the role analytics play in making business decisions, and best practice for investing in new technology systems.

The role of big data, both in streamlining HR tasks, and in delivering business results, was of particular interest to many in the audience, with sessions on the use of analytics to engage staff, boost retention and apply business strategy.

Leading HR consultant Jodi Johnson led a panel on the ways in which artificial intelligence and machine learning are changing recruiting and employee experience.

The panel – Diagram’s head of talent Marie-Eve Bernard, Karen.ai’s chief executive Noel Webb and Helpful’s CTO Farhan Thawar – discussed how businesses can best utilise AI, what it means for talent selection, and how it will impact future jobs.

Summit attendees also learned about technology selection and how to identify the best solutions for their company’s needs, and how tech – including social media – can make or break their brand.

Artificial intelligence system creator Zoom.ai won the grand prize in the Tech Den start-up competition for its automated virtual assistant tool.

Zoom.ai was one of five start-ups that pitched and explained their innovative ideas to Talent Tech Labs’ managing director Jonathan Kestenbaum, MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund director Michelle McBane and Crowdmatrix vice president of wealth creation Leah Carr.

Zoom.ai won a $20,000 marketing campaign from Key Media in HRD Magazine and HRD Online, while also having the opportunity to secure funding from one of the investors.
   
   

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