Think 2024

Evolve. Thrive. Inspire.

Join us on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at RattleSnake Point Golf Club in Milton, Ontario, to hear the latest from the Cowan team and expert industry partners on topics and themes that matter in the evolving landscape of benefits, retirement, and wellness. We also welcome special guest Keynote Speaker Robert Buren, dad, entrepreneur, athlete, author and acclaimed motivational speaker.

 

Registration Closed

Location & Date

Thursday, November 7, 2024 – 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
RattleSnake Point Golf Club
5407 Regional Rd 25
Milton, ON L9E 0L1

Buffet Breakfast and Lunch will be served. 
Full details and agenda will be sent to all registered guests one week prior to the event.

 

Speakers

Eric Termuende

Keynote Speaker:

Robert Buren: Dad, entrepreneur, athlete, author and acclaimed motivational speaker

Following a back-breaking accident, Rob had to decide what kind of life he could live without the use of his lower body. Over the course of 14 years, he has amassed an impressive list of achievements, some of which may seem impossible. An acclaimed athlete and speaker, be ready to shift your perspective on overcoming life's toughest challenges and finding the strength to move forward.

 

Lianne Clarke

Lianne Clarke

Principal, Vice President, Wellness & Disability, Cowan Benefits Ltd.

lianne.clarke@cowangroup.ca

Healthy Weight - A workplace perspective

Healthy Weight - A Workplace Perspective

Presentation (PDF)

Video:
Obesity is a hidden driver of benefit costs

Video:
Obesity is a complex chronic disease that requires a holistic treatment approach

Video:
The impact of obesity on your benefits plan

Video:
Employers can support employees living with obesity

Obesity is a complex, progressive chronic disease affecting approximately 30% of the Canadian population. It’s not a lifestyle choice. Obesity is associated with over 200 weight-related health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and mental illness. While it can’t be cured, it can be treated. Learn how you can support your employees who may be struggling to maintain a healthy weight.

Tari Duguay

Tari Duguay

Principal Consultant and Practice Lead, National Benefits Consulting, Cowan Benefits Ltd.

tari.duguay@cowangroup.ca

Evolve Your Benefit Plan: Designing to align with your corporate total rewards strategy

Benefits Evolved - Aligning your Strategy with Total Rewards

Presentation (PDF)

Video:
Your team members are an investment

Video:
An opportunity for change

Video:
Review your total rewards strategy

Video:
Measure your outcomes

Cowan expert Tari Duguay will review existing, new, and alternative plan design options that ensure a sponsor's total rewards program aligns with operational goals, health and wellness objectives, and corporate vision and mission statements.

Jacquie Fritsch

Jacquie Fritsch

Principal Consultant, Global Benefits, Cowan Benefits Ltd.

jacquie.fritsch@cowangroup.ca

Panel: The Evolving Landscape of Global Benefits Management

See panel discussion videos

Navigating the complex and evolving world of employee benefits can be a challenge in Canada, let alone in all the countries where our clients have locations. From design and administration to compliance and local norms, understanding the countries where we have employees and delivering locally relevant and compliant benefits can be overwhelming. But Global Benefits can also be exciting. Our panelists will shed light on the different aspects of the global evolution of multinational benefits from consulting and client points of view.

Shelly Redwood

Shelly Redwood

Principal Consultant and Practice Lead, Pension and Retirement Consulting, Cowan Benefits Ltd.

shelly.redwood@cowangroup.ca

Helping employees thrive in retirement

CAP Guideline Revisions and how they can Help Employees Thrive in Retirement

Presentation (PDF)

Video:
Revised CAP Guidelines

Video:
Key themes to thrive

Video:
Good governance is important

Video:
Investments need an ongoing review

Video:
Next steps

A look at the changing retirement landscape and how to support employees as they transition to retirement.

Seann McAleese

Seann McAleese

Davies Ward Phillips and Vineberg, LLP 

Hybrid Work 2.0

Hybrid work continues to be a consistent discussion area in the modern workplace. Employment lawyer Seann McAleese of Davies Ward Phillips and Vineberg, LLP will review hot-button topics, including related case law, how to address hybrid work in employment agreements, new employment tax-related issues, and other relevant considerations.

Seann McAleese

Seamus Breen

Global Consultant Lead, Actuary, Alliant Insurance Services  

Panel: The Evolving Landscape of Global Benefits Management

See panel discussion videos

Seamus is a global industry leader with more than 17 years of experience in employee benefits. Seamus has an extensive background working with a diverse range of national and international organizations and assisting with design and implementation of strategic employee benefits solutions that enhance business outcomes and increase productivity.

Seann McAleese

Maggie Fairbairn

Director of Global Benefits, Instacart  

Panel: The Evolving Landscape of Global Benefits Management

See panel discussion videos

As Director of Global Benefits at Instacart, Maggie has played a crucial role in building a competitive benefits package to help the company scale. She has a proven track record in strategic benefits management and organizational growth. She continues to excel in crafting unique employee benefit programs that enhance retention and support productivity. 

Seann McAleese

Karen Williamson

Senior Consultant, Benefits, Cowan Benefits Ltd.

Panel: The Evolving Landscape of Global Benefits Management

See panel discussion videos

Navigating the complex and evolving world of employee benefits can be a challenge in Canada, let alone in all the countries where our clients have locations. From design and administration to compliance and local norms, understanding the countries where we have employees and delivering locally relevant and compliant benefits can be overwhelming. But Global Benefits can also be exciting. Our panelists will shed light on the different aspects of the global evolution of multinational benefits from consulting and client points of view.

Questions?

Contact the Cowan Insurance Group Events Team, events@cowangroup.ca.

Cowan Benefits Ltd. is a subsidiary of Cowan Insurance Group Ltd.

Cowan is a partner you can trust. Client satisfaction is everything at Cowan Insurance Group. We’ve been providing customized, comprehensive insurance and risk management professional advice and placement to meet commercial and personal insurance, group benefits, and wealth management needs since 1927. Proudly independent and Canadian-owned, our award-winning client-centric approach and commitment to innovation and excellence have established us as a true market leader. We care about what you care about.

Giving back to our communities. Our success is rooted in the communities in which we do business, and we strive to improve the quality of life in those communities. The Cowan Foundation was established in 1995 in honour of the company’s founder, Frank Cowan, building on our commitment to community involvement, support and caring. Since 1995, over $35 million has been donated to 650 charitable organizations.