
Workshops
& Events
Join Food Processing Skills Canada at six locations across Canada for the first annual FoodAbility Inclusion Workshops – an interactive day of exploration and awareness of how embracing Disability Inclusion (DI) can benefit your business and your team.
Don’t Miss This Opportunity
Join us for an empowering national workshop designed to break barriers and dispel myths surrounding neurodiversity in the workplace. This hands-on event, led by experienced professionals, will equip you with the necessary tools and understanding to embrace the incredible potential of those who are neurodivergent or on the autism spectrum. Discover the transformative impact of inclusivity as you engage in interactive sessions that shed light on the realities, challenges, and benefits of fostering a truly diverse workforce. Take advantage of this opportunity to be at the forefront of change, empowering your organization to thrive through understanding and acceptance.
Accelerate your knowledge through:
1
Interactive sessions with Disability Inclusion (DI) and business experts on how to build a culture of inclusion that benefits your team and your bottom line.
2
Understanding how being disability inclusive can positively impact your recruitment, retention, and absenteeism challenges.
3
Practical takeaways on how productivity supports create efficiency and innovation.
4
Driving change and positioning your company as a leader in the food and beverage sector.
Be The First!
Be among the first in Canada to participate in the nationwide Inclusivity Meter. Share what you know, and explore what you may not know. These sessions will reshape how you think about talent by highlighting the power of hiring individuals with neurodiverse abilities and invisible disabilities. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, real-life stories, case studies and activities that demonstrate the tangible benefits of creating an inclusive culture.
Accelerate your knowledge through:
1
Disability Inclusion and business experts how to foster a culture of inclusion that benefits both your people and your bottom line.
2
Understanding how being disability inclusive can positively impact your recruitment, retention, and absenteeism challenges.
3
Practical takeaways on how productivity supports create efficiency and innovation.
4
Driving change and positioning your company as a leader in the food and beverage sector.

Participate
Share what you know
Agenda
Workshop
8:30 am - 9:30 am
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Registration and Breakfast
Morning Session
- “Follow what The Baker Did” a powerful introduction and overview of business advantages and undeniable data
- Inclusivity Meter – measuring what Canadians know…and don’t know about inclusion
- Understanding Neurodiversity and the spectrum – Stories, discussion, activity, information, and Case Studies from employment
- The power of Diverse teams – a food processing business success story from BC, activities, discussion and invaluable information
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Lunch
Afternoon Session
- Everyone’s fear of disclosure – Stories of change, “looking through the eyes of others”, video Case studies and lively discussions are woven in with vital information and advice
Accommodations & Adjustments – Listen to others tell you it’s not all about time and money. Stories of change, solve some capacity and business problems, peer discussions again combine with key information and advice about how small changes can yield real results
“Changing culture – you’re not alone” more stories, examples and invaluable information and advice for you to start your journey towards “The New Normal”
WHO
Should Attend?
- Human Resources Professionals and Practitioners
- Business Owners
- Decision Makers
- Management
- Individuals WHO Manage Teams
WHAT
Is Included?
- Meals & Paid Parking
- Workbook, Resources, & Tools
- Professional Certificate & Digital Badge
- Workshop Value = $1,200 Per Person
1
Vancouver, BC
Monday, October 28th, 2024
Registration:
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Workshop Sessions:
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
The Westin Wall Centre
Vancouver Airport 2099 Corvette Way, Richmond, BC V6X 4K3
2
Edmonton, AB
Wednesday October 30th, 2024
Registration:
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Workshop Sessions:
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Delta Hotels Edmonton South Conference Centre
4404 Gateway Boulevard NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 5C2
3
Winnipeg, MB
Friday November 1st , 2024
Registration:
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Workshop Sessions:
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Delta Hotels Winnipeg
350 St Mary Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3J2
4
Saint John, NB
Monday November 4th, 2024
Registration:
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Workshop Sessions:
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Delta Hotels by Marriott
Saint John 39 King Street, Saint John, NB E2L 4W3
5
Halifax, NS
Wednesday November 6th , 2024
Registration:
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Workshop Sessions:
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
The Prince George Hotel
1725 Market Street, Halifax, NS B3J 3N9
6
Waterloo, ON
Friday November 8th, 2024
Registration:
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Workshop Sessions:
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Courtyard Waterloo St. Jacobs
50 Benjamin Road East, Waterloo, ON N2V 2J9
WHAT
Is Included?
- Meals & Paid Parking
- Workbook, Resources, & Tools
- Professional Certificate & Digital Badge
- Workshop Value = $1,200 Per Person
Meet Your Experts
Pete Bennett
Director & Co-Founder
Distinctability Inc.
With over 25 years of experience in the UK educational technology and digital learning field, Pete has established himself as a leading figure and influencer. His UK-founded organizations gained international recognition for their innovative global learning solutions, from online universities to blended accredited qualification pathways. He has successfully led significant implementations across the Caribbean, the Middle East, and China. Before his move to Canada, Pete served as an advisory board member for the Cranfield University CUBIC business incubation team. Since relocating to Canada, Pete has continued his impactful work in assistive technologies, supporting neurodiversity and intellectual disabilities. He has collaborated with notable organizations such as the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN), the Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE), Alzheimer’s Canada, the Canadian Accessibility Network (CAN), and the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS).
Pete is also the creator of the “Autism & Neurodiversity at Work” online learning series, offered at two levels—Employer and HR Professional and Employee Teams—by the FoodAbiility program from Food Processing Skills Canada.


Jason James McBride
Neurodivergent Workforce Expert
Co-founder, REAL International
Jason is a champion of inclusive workplaces by specializing in neurodivergent workforce development. His role as a National Partnership Specialist for the F.I.R.S.T (Fostering Inclusion in Red Seal Trades) program fuels his passion for fostering diversity within the workplace. His interest in food crosses all sectors… from farm to fork. As the co-founder of REAL Hospitality Network International, his work spans ten countries and allows Jason to enhance workplace practices globally.
With over 36,500 LinkedIn followers, his voice influences change. Jason has also accepted a new role as one of the DI (Diversity and Inclusion) professionals for Food Processing Skills Canada. His commitment to inclusion is not just about meeting diversity quotas or making statements; it’s about creating real, sustainable change that ensures everyone has a seat at the table and the opportunity to contribute their unique talents.
JOIN us.
Get ready to Lead The Way
Food + Beverage Businesses and Abilities Meet Here.
Get Involved
Are you ready to set the standard? Act now and pave the way for a stronger, more resilient industry.
#FoodAbility #InclusivityMatters #Oppportunity #Innovation #DiversityInTheWorkplace #FPSC #Leadership