As the way people work evolves, the second annual Goodman Alumni Summit is aiming to prepare Brock grads for what’s next in the workplace.

The full-day event, which is open to all Brock graduates, will explore how organizations can adapt to rapid changes in technology, workforce expectations and global business environments.

The Goodman Alumni Summit takes place Friday, Sept. 19 during Brock’s Homecoming weekend, with early-bird ticket prices available online until 11:59 on Friday, Sept. 5.

After the success of last year’s inaugural summit, Goodman Dean Barry Wright is excited to welcome grads back again and experience the energy that comes from discussing emerging issues.

“Together, we’ll explore how the future of work is being shaped, by technology, by people and by the choices leaders make today,” Wright said. “It’s a chance to reconnect with classmates and gain fresh insights you can bring back to your career.”

When generative AI came onto the scene, keynote speaker Darrell Keezer, founder and CEO of Candybox Marketing, recognized that entire marketing industry was about to be disrupted.

In his keynote, Keezer will share the inside story of how a mid-sized agency turned a potential existential threat into an engine for record-breaking growth by focusing on AI augmentation over inaction.

“Join us at Brock University to see how embracing AI augmentation unlocks new revenue streams, happier teams and a future where technology and talent grow together,” Keezer said. “I will leave you with a practical roadmap and the confidence to ride the AI wave instead of being swept away.”

The agenda for the summit was carefully crafted by members of the Goodman Alumni Network (GAN) committee, with a focus on sessions that would help attendees develop professionally while also broadening their professional network.

“As grads, we share a unique bond where Goodman shaped how we think, work and lead,” said GAN chair Sean Chamberland (BBA ’17). “The Alumni Summit is our chance to come back together, share stories and dive into how the future of work is evolving.”

Other sessions include an AI for leadership conversation, exploring how AI can be used in a day-to-day work environment, a future of jobs panel combining experienced business owners and human resource leaders to share insights for what’s next, and a series of lightning talks on Bitcoin, sustainability and alternative work arrangements by Professor Ernest Biktimirov, Associate Professor Sylvia Grewatsch and Professor Mark Julien, respectively.

• What: second annual Goodman Alumni Summit
• Who: all Brock grads are invited to attend
• When: Friday, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Where: Goodman Atrium
• Why: to reconnect and examine the future of work
• Tickets: available online, with early-bird prices available until 11:59 on Friday, Sept. 5