Catalyst Convene Toronto

The Catalyst Convene Toronto Conference & Dinner is the premier gender equity conference and awards event for advocates of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This year’s theme, the Catalyst Effect, calls attention to the energy of individuals when we collectively commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion—creating a force so strong we lead a massive wave of change.

The Catalyst Convene Toronto Conference will be hybrid, which means there will be both an in-person component and a virtual component. The Dinner will be an in-person only event.

Catalyst Champion recognizes Canadian business leaders who accelerate progress for women in the workplace. Catalyst Awards is open to organizations across the globe and recognizes specific initiatives or programs that promote gender diversity and inclusion within an organization.

Corporate leaders from around the world who are intentional about inclusion and belonging.

The Catalyst Convene Toronto hybrid conference and Dinner is open to all.

A Catalyst Supporter is an organization that donates to Catalyst and receives benefits such as Supporter-only trainings, insights, and outcomes-based tools.

Find out more: https://www.catalyst.org/solutions/pricing

Catalyst Convene Toronto annually recognizes Champions who value and accelerate workplace inclusion for women across their intersecting identities. Champions are exceptional role models: they inspire other corporate leaders by intentionally and strategically creating inclusive workplaces where individuals—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability—can thrive.

Catalyst Champions recognizes individuals across these four categories:

• Company / firm leader is a CEO, president (in Canadian incorporated companies or subsidiaries in which there is no CEO), or managing partner. To be eligible, nominees must have a minimum of two women on their executive team, at least one of whom is living across a marginalized identity of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and/or ability.
• Business leader is an individual who plans, directs, and formulates policies; sets strategies; and provides the overall direction of a business unit, division, practice, or team.
• Human resources (HR) / Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leader is an individual who is within the HR or DEI function at their organization. They could be at any level within their organization and have a direct mandate to focus on HR/DEI initiatives impacting employees across the organization or business unit.
• Next generation leader is an individual who is on the path to becoming a leader at their organization. This category can include those leading and engaged with ERGs.

Catalyst Champions must:

1. Be based in Canada and employed by a for-profit entity, including: a company, subsidiary, limited liability partnership, commercial crown corporation, or commercial co-operative.
2. Have a role that fits within one of the four Champion categories at the time of nomination and the time of the public announcement of Champions in June.
3. Have been in their current role, or a similar role, for a minimum of three years.
4. Not be employed by an organization that is a finalist for the Catalyst Award in the same calendar year.
5. Not be a previous Catalyst employee.
6. Agree to the following if selected as a Champion:
   • Allow their name to be announced publicly.
   • Review a written profile prepared by Catalyst and participate in a video created to highlight their work.
   • Be available to attend and participate in the Catalyst Honours event in fall 2025.

Learn more about the criteria for selection.

Fill out the nomination application.