Conference Overview

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

DBCS strives to bring the most prominent speakers each year in order to keep its delegates in touch with current events in the field of sustainability. In the past, keynote speeches have been held in McGill’s largest auditorium, which has the capacity for 650 and allows us to reach out to a large group of people. This year, DBCS is proud to welcome Dr. John Francis, an avid environmentalist and UN Peace Ambassador, with an inspiring message to share. True to this year’s theme, we have invited Dr. Francis to Montreal because we believe that his presence and story have the power to evoke real intrinsic change and unite different stakeholders for the good of humanity.

COCKTAIL

An opening cocktail is one of the key networking events and brings together members of Montreal’s sustainability community. Many speakers and sponsors attend this event in order to expand their network within the growing field of sustainability. In addition, it provides an excellent opportunity for company representatives to meet and recruit prospective future employees who are conscientious and driven. In the past few years, the Title sponsor has used this time to express their motivation to become involved in DBCS.

WORKSHOPS

Workshops during the conference afford our delegates the opportunity to learn from speakers in a more intimate setting. Delegates are divided into groups and given the chance to hear entrepreneurs, NGO representatives, McGill professors, and corporate guests speak about their current projects and best practices in sustainability. The smaller group setting allows students to engage in discussions with our speakers. This interactive environment promotes shared learning, not only for delegates but for speakers, as well. It is also a great venue for representatives to demonstrate their organization’s culture and promote employment at their firms.

SUSTAINABILITY FAIR

Each year, DBCS hosts a sustainability fair which is open to the entire McGill community, as well as to the public. It gives organizations a chance to meet exhibit their projects and products at our fair, or share the mission of their company with attendees. Further, bringing together a number of sustainable organizations from the local community allows for the opportunity to network with potential clients, employees or business contacts.

SOCIAL EVENTS

Despite the fact that DBCS is a conference focused on management issues, we are not just about ‘business’! Each night we provide entertainment and organized social outings, allowing you to relax, laugh, maybe dance, and get a little taste of the infamous Montreal night-life. We are always conscien- tious of our delegates who may not drink or enjoy the ‘clubbing’ scene, and cater our nightly events to satisfy a broad spectrum of attendees. Our evening events are a great way to cut-loose at the end of the day, and most importantly, allow you to get to know your fellow delegates better. We strive to provide forums that are conducive to making meaningful connections and friendships – after all, every one of us is part of the next wave of organizational leadership!