Exclusive Expert Roundtable Sessions
Get ready for an exclusive opportunity to connect directly with leading industry experts! In this dynamic, fast‑paced session, Subject Matter Experts from ACSESS and WEC will each host their own discussion table, giving attendees the rare chance to engage one‑on‑one with the people shaping the future of the staffing and workforce solutions industry.
Over one hour, you will rotate through three expert‑led conversations, choosing the topics that matter most to them. This is a unique moment to dive deep, ask questions, exchange insights, and gain tailored guidance.
Topics will be grouped in the following categories:
Topics will include:
In a world of AI, why Human Analytics remains an important component for background screening with Brian Smith
In a world increasingly driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, understanding the balance between automation and human oversight is crucial, especially in sensitive areas like background screening. This session will explore the essential need for human analytics in the background screening process, demonstrating where AI excels and where human judgment is irreplaceable. We'll dive into real-life examples of how AI is used in screening, the limitations of AI, and we will touch briefly on the legal and privacy concerns that come with it.
Federal Government Procurement in Canada - Challenges and Opportunities with Martin Chénier
The federal government procurement process for buying professional services is described as "complex". Having been exposed to "both sides" of the process (selling and buying), Martin Chénier founded the Procurement Alliance of Canada to help bridge a knowledge gap. PAC members gain insights on the "why" and "how" to help improve the procurement experience ... for both sides.
Contract Staffing: Professional workforce solutions and the relationship with Independent Contractors with Alex MacKenzie
The segment of the staffing industry working with independent contractors is often termed contract staffing or consulting services.
While traditional private employment agencies employ workers directly, this segment facilitates relationships where professionals—often high-skilled—remain self-employed while working for client organizations.
Canadian Staffing Market Insights and New Market Segmentation from SIA with Michael Schultz
Join SIA’s Economist and Canadian staffing market analyst, Michael Schultz, as he reviews SIA research findings, focusing on the 2026 SIA Canadian Staffing Market Survey and the updated temporary staffing market segmentation it enabled. This session will discuss the structure of the Canadian market, the composition of temporary help revenue across occupations supplied, and what developments and trends in the Canadian economy and labour market portend for staffing activity.
EOR as the New Normal: Global Scaling Challenges and Opportunities with Johan Opperman
Employer of Record (EOR) models are rapidly becoming the backbone of global cross-border hiring. This roundtable explores how EOR structures reduce risk, simplify international expansion, and support business growth in a globally competitive market. Johan Opperman will share insights into operational, legal, and strategic considerations for scaling through EOR.
Global Skill & Talent Scarcity: What is going on in LATAM and APAC with José Augusto Figueiredo and Lohit Bhatia
Skill shortages are affecting labour markets worldwide. This session brings together LATAM and APAC leaders, José Augusto Figueiredo and Lohit Bhatia, to explore how emerging markets are addressing shortages through large-scale skilling, employer partnerships, and innovative workforce models. Attendees will gain global insights into tackling scarcity with practical, region-tested solutions.
Global Labour Market Intelligence & Forecasting in the Age of Big Data with Noah Yosif
This roundtable explores how staffing industry data is collected and used, drawing on sources such as public statistics, staffing agency data, surveys, and emerging big data. Participants will discuss key challenges and opportunities, including data gaps, comparability issues and the growing potential of combining traditional and alternative data sources. The session focuses on practical ways to interpret and triangulate data to support robust analysis, early signals and labour market forecasting.
Integrating Ukrainian Refugees into the Workforce: Lessons from Italy and Poland with Antonio Bonardo, Anna Wicha, Agostino di Maio and Liliana Strupp
Italy and Poland have become a key case study in integrating Ukrainian refugees into labour markets. This session examines how Italian and Polish employment agencies, institutions, and employers worked together to create pathways into decent work. With insights from these European WEC members, attendees will explore what Canada, and other countries can learn from their approach, and how beneficial refugees can be for local economies.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: what happened after Mexico's Labour Transformation
Mexico’s labour reform promised a new era of transparency and balance, but the reality has been more complex. In this candid session, Gerardo Calderón, President of the Communication Committee of AMECH, examines what truly changed after the reform, highlighting not only the gains but also the challenges, unintended consequences, and uneven outcomes. A must-attend discussion for anyone seeking real-world lessons from one of the most ambitious labour transformations in recent years.
If Skill Shortages are Growing and Remote Work Is Now Mainstream, Why Isn’t the Staffing Industry Racing To Own The Global Talent Pipeline? A conversation with Ross Stewart
With remote and cross-border work now a normal part of business design, staffing firms need to rethink where and how they access talent. This World Café discussion, with Ross Stewart, explores why global talent access needs to become part of day-to-day staffing strategy; what makes a source market genuinely usable at scale; and why Africa is the most compelling place to start. Delegates will leave with a clearer view of the non-negotiables that turn global talent into usable supply - and usable supply into profitable growth - in a way that is practical, ethical, and commercially relevant.
Driving Effective Lobbying in 2026: Lessons from Ireland’s ERF Strategy with Brendan McGinty
Ireland’s Employment Recruitment Federation (ERF) has emerged as one of Europe’s most effective lobbying forces in labour market policy. In this roundtable, Brendan McGinty shares the strategic pillars behind ERF’s 2026 lobbying approach — from leveraging employer coalitions to crafting evidence-based policy positions. Attendees will explore how proactive engagement, coordinated advocacy, and smart narrative framing can strengthen the private employment sector’s influence in national and international policy conversations.
Platform Work at a Crossroads: Risk or Opportunity for Private Employment Services? With Martin Klingen
As platform work expands, governments around the world are reevaluating regulations, worker classifications, and platform responsibilities. This roundtable examines whether platform work poses a threat to traditional employment or offers significant opportunities. WEC Global Public Affairs Network Chair Martin Klingen will lead discussions on global regulatory trends, labour market challenges, and strategies for integrating private employment services with digital labour platforms effectively.
Partnering with the ILO: Strengthening Labour Markets Through Global Cooperation with Mohamed El Derwy
International Labour Organisation (ILO) partnerships can drive stronger labour-market governance, better workforce protections, and more inclusive policy development. This session, led by Mohamed El Derwy, invites ILO-engaged leaders to explore how global collaboration, shared research, and tripartite dialogue can help governments and private employment services shape modern, fair, and resilient labour markets.