June 4 & 5, 2025 | Online
Enhancing employer partnerships for student success.
Register NowWhy attend the Employer Relations Forum?
- Gain Practical Strategies – Walk away with actionable tactics to enhance employer engagement and maximize your impact — even when resources are limited.
- Stay Ahead of Trends – Learn the latest insights and strategies to strengthen employer partnerships in today’s changing landscape.
- Engage in Meaningful Discussions – Share challenges, solutions, and ideas with like-minded professionals across the U.S. and Canada.
- Affordable professional development – A two day conference plus a dedicated platform for continued collaboration.
Gain insights, refine your strategy, and make connections.
Live presentations by experts in the field
Collaborative roundtable discussions
Engaging discussion boards
Interactive networking opportunities
Program Features
Sessions will feature interactive workshops, facilitated discussions, and real-world examples of employer relations best practices.
- Expert-Led Sessions: Discover actionable tactics to drive better results.
- Employer Insights: Learn what top recruiters value in campus partnerships.
- Collaborative Discussions: Exchange insights, share experiences, and explore proven strategies.
- Diverse Perspectives: Hear from employers and ER professionals across the U.S. and Canada.
More than a Virtual Conference
Virtual conferences offer the benefits of being more affordable and
more accessible,
but the Employer Relations Forum offers even more than that.
All registrants will have access to:
A networking platform to connect with other participants
A discussion board for posting topics, engaging in conversations, and sharing
A resource centre for accessing materials and presentation recordings
2025 Expert Presenters & Panelists
Anthony Pangilinan
University of Alberta
Career Centre
Chris Milliken
Merrimack College
Sr. Director, Employer Engagement and Experiential Partnership Development
Chrys Tsilibes
University of Connecticut
Assistant Director, Center for Career Development and Life Skills
Colleen Slade
University of Saskatchewan
Employer and Community Engagement Coordinator
Doreen Dockweiler
AMD
Global Head of University Relations
Doug Surtees
UBC - Okanagan
Employer Relations Specialist
Dr. Tenneisha Nelson
University of Saskatchewan
Experiential Learning Coordinator, Career Services
Emily Gregory
University of Alberta
Manager, Career Education, Student Services - Career Centre
Garth Gibbes
Ivey Business School
Associate Director-Corporate Recruiting
Graham Donald
Brainstorm Strategy Group
Founder & President
Graham Donald
Brainstorm Strategy Group
Founder & President
Graham Donald is one of North America’s leading experts on attracting, recruiting, and engaging students and graduates.
He founded Brainstorm Strategy Group in 2003 where he supports major employers and post-secondary institutions’ success through research, training, and strategic consulting. His clients include KPMG, University of Toronto, Deloitte, GE, McGill University, HSBC, UBC, Rutgers University, PwC, and many others.
Each year he is invited to speak at numerous national and international conferences on topics related to attracting and engaging future generations. He also hosts numerous annual conferences and training programs including the Campus Recruitment Forum, the Strategic Enrolment Marketing & Management Forum (SEMM Forum), the Employer Engagement Academy, and the Post-Secondary Leaders Academy.
He was Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers (CACEE) and the founder of Canada’s first job board for students, Campus WorkLink. He has also held leadership roles at Workopolis, Simply Hired, and Day Communications.
He received both his BA and MBA from the University of Toronto.
Heather Packo
Elon University | DePaul University
Incoming Associate Vice President, Student Professional Development at Elon University | Current Director, Kellstadt Career Management Center at DePaul University
Janell Ciemiecki
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Employer Relations Manager
Jason John
University of Toronto Mississauga
Assistant Director, Employer Relations & Marketing, Career Centre
Jennifer Husband
QuadReal
Director, Early Talent
Jessica Kant
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
Corporate Relationship Manager
Kelly Hart
Temple University
Director of Student and Employer Engagement
Lauren Starr
Ivey Business School
Associate Director, Corporate Recruiting, Career Management
Leesa McLeish-Diaz
University of Toronto Scarborough
Employer Engagement Coordinator - EDI, Academic Advising & Career Centre
Maria Garofalo
Sheridan College
Employer Relations Advisor, Co-op/Internships
Martha Day Sanford
Boston University
Executive Director, Industry Engagement, Questrom School of Business
Melissa Waterman
University of Toronto Scarborough
External Relations Officer, Management Co-op
Sheila Schaffzin
Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
Associate Director of Corporate Relations
Tammy Kim-Newman
York University
Associate Director, Employer and Alumni Engagement
Tenzin Zongdho
RBC
Senior Manager, Early Talent Acquisition
Program Highlights
Day One
Wednesday, June 4th, 2025
Opening Plenary
Hot Topic Roundtables: Real Issues. Real Solutions. Peer-Led Conversations that Matter.
11:30 am - 12:15 pm EST
Join fellow employer relations professionals for a series of fast-paced, small-group roundtables focused on today’s most pressing challenges and emerging practices in employer engagement. This is your chance to share strategies, swap stories, and spark new ideas in a collaborative setting.
Each table will focus on a different hot topic—ranging from AI to advising to employer engagement in hard-to-reach industries. Come ready to contribute, connect, and take home practical insights you can put to work right away.
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Graham Donald
Founder & President, Brainstorm Strategy Group
Concurrent Workshops
Building Long-Term Employer Relationships: Lessons from the Field
12:30 - 1:15 pm EST
Strong employer partnerships don’t happen overnight—they require strategy, persistence, and adaptability. In this panel discussion, experienced employer relations professionals will share real-world case studies of how they’ve built and sustained successful long-term relationships with hiring organizations.
Through a challenge-solution-outcome framework, panelists will provide insights into:
- Overcoming common obstacles in employer engagement
- Strategies that led to stronger, more committed partnerships
- Measurable outcomes and lessons learned along the way
This session offers a unique opportunity to hear practical examples of what works (and what doesn’t) and walk away with actionable ideas to strengthen your own employer relationships.
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Chris Milliken
Sr. Director, Employer Engagement and Experiential Partnership Development, Merrimack College
Melissa Waterman
External Relations Officer, Management Co-op, University of Toronto Scarborough
Jessica Kant
Corporate Relationship Manager, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
Garth Gibbes
Associate Director-Corporate Recruiting, Ivey Business School
Concurrent Workshops
Navigating Decentralized Employer Relations: Challenges, Solutions, and Best Practices
12:30 - 1:15 pm EST
In a decentralized employer relations (ER) model, multiple career offices, faculties, and work-integrated learning (WIL) units may engage employers independently—often leading to inefficiencies, employer confusion, and inconsistent student access to opportunities.
This panel brings together employer relations professionals who have firsthand experience navigating decentralized systems. Panelists will share practical strategies to improve coordination, minimize duplication, and enhance employer engagement while respecting the autonomy of different units.
Key discussion points include:
- Helping employers navigate decentralized structures and find the right point of contact
- Reducing duplication of employer outreach and fostering collaboration across departments
- Ensuring equitable student access to employer opportunities across programs and faculties
- Implementing shared employer engagement tools, tracking systems, and communication strategies
- Strengthening the institutional brand while balancing decentralized approaches
Whether you're working in a centralized or decentralized model, this session will offer valuable insights and concrete strategies to enhance employer engagement and student success.
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Colleen Slade
Employer and Community Engagement Coordinator, University of Saskatchewan
Tammy Kim-Newman
Associate Director, Employer and Alumni Engagement, York University
Chrys Tsilibes
Assistant Director, Center for Career Development and Life Skills, University of Connecticut
Leesa McLeish-Diaz
Employer Engagement Coordinator - EDI, Academic Advising & Career Centre, University of Toronto Scarborough
Concurrent Workshops
Innovative Employer Engagement: Beyond Career Fairs and Info Sessions
1:30 - 2:15 pm EST
In today's competitive landscape, fostering meaningful connections between students and employers requires moving beyond standard information sessions and career fairs. This workshop delves into bespoke employer engagement strategies that have proven successful in enhancing student-employer interactions.
Panelists will showcase real-world examples and provide insights into how to design unique engagement opportunities that benefit both students and employers.
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Lauren Starr
Associate Director, Corporate Recruiting, Career Management, Ivey Business School
Jason John
Assistant Director, Employer Relations & Marketing, Career Centre, University of Toronto Mississauga
Dr. Tenneisha Nelson
Experiential Learning Coordinator, Career Services, University of Saskatchewan
Martha Day Sanford
Executive Director, Industry Engagement, Questrom School of Business, Boston University
Concurrent Workshops
Exploring Diverse Models of Employer Relations in Higher Education
1:30 - 2:15 pm EST
Employer relations (ER) structures in higher education institutions vary widely, influenced by factors such as centralization, the presence of dedicated co-op or work-integrated learning (WIL) offices, and faculty involvement. This panel brings together ER professionals from universities and colleges across Canada and the USA to share their unique organizational models and strategies.
Key discussion points will include:
- Structural Variations: Understanding how ER functions are organized—centralized career centers, decentralized faculty-based approaches, or specialized co-op/WIL offices—and the rationale behind these models.
- Resource Allocation: Insights into team sizes dedicated to ER and the scale of student populations they serve, highlighting how resources are managed to meet institutional goals.
- Strategic Objectives: Exploring the primary goals of different ER strategies, such as enhancing student employability, fostering industry partnerships, or integrating experiential learning opportunities.
- Success Metrics: Discussing the criteria and methods used to measure the effectiveness of ER initiatives, including employment rates, employer satisfaction, and student engagement.
By examining these diverse approaches, participants will gain a broader perspective on how ER can be tailored to fit various institutional contexts. The session aims to inspire attendees with practical ideas and strategies that can be adapted to enhance employer relations at their own institutions, fostering a community of shared best practices and continuous improvement.
Note: While structural changes may be beyond immediate reach, this discussion focuses on functional insights and innovative practices that can be implemented within existing frameworks.
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Kelly Hart
Director of Student and Employer Engagement, Temple University
Martha Day Sanford
Executive Director, Industry Engagement, Questrom School of Business, Boston University
Anthony Pangilinan
Career Centre, University of Alberta
Sheila Schaffzin
Associate Director of Corporate Relations, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
Inside the Selection Process: What Happens After Students Apply?
2:30 - 3:15 pm EST
Once a student submits their application, what really happens next? This panel brings together campus recruiters who will pull back the curtain on their selection processes—from the application deadline through to the final offer.
Employer relations professionals will gain valuable insights into:
- How hiring teams evaluate student applications
- Who’s involved in the decision-making process
- The role of applicant tracking systems (ATS), AI screening tools, and assessments
- Timelines, touchpoints, and communication expectations
Whether you’re supporting students in navigating recruitment or looking to strengthen your partnerships with employers, this session offers a behind-the-scenes look at how employers are making talent decisions today.
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Day Two
Thursday, June 5th, 2025
Student Voices: What Drives Student Engagement with Employers?
11:30 am - 12:15 pm EST
What makes students show up for employer events—and what keeps them away? This panel features students sharing insights on what drives their engagement, how they prefer to connect with employers, and what strategies truly support their job search and career development.
Discussion Topics:
- What Works: The employer events and outreach strategies that stand out.
- Why Students Engage: Key factors influencing participation in recruitment activities.
- Beyond Hiring: Employer-led initiatives that provide lasting value.
- Building Relationships: How employers can create meaningful connections.
- Diversity & Inclusion: What students expect from employers in today’s job market.
Gain insights to enhance employer engagement and create more effective recruitment experiences for students.
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Janell Ciemiecki
Employer Relations Manager, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Concurrent Workshops
Bespoke Mentor Matching: A case study with real-world examples of employer relations best practices
12:30 - 1:15 pm EST
UBC Okanagan hosts 12000 students in British Columbia that come from across Canada and the world. Situated in Kelowna, a metro region of only around 250,000 people means that's the University already enjoys strong relationships with all the regions major employers facing limited competition from other Higher Ed institutions
However, only about 30% of our graduates will remain in the region after graduation. How does an ERA professional support students and build relationships with innumerable employers beyond our region?
In 2024 UBCO launched the Global Pathways mentorship program to provide international students more direct connections to professionals within their chosen fields. Unlike most mentorship initiatives, this program did not start with a pool of potential mentors. Instead, this program focuses on building skills for students to develop their own connections and teach them to use the same tactics recruiters use when searching and contacting skilled workers. This translates to "Teaching a student to fish, while giving them the first fish for free".
By providing students with tailored, rather than generic, mentor matches and providing the skills to replicate that success, it creates a virtuous cycle where ERA professionals can crowdsource connections at otherwise challenging employers. This allows UBCO to engage with a wide geography while ensuring they are aligned with overall student goals.
Learning Outcomes:
- Support student networking efforts
- Improve international student outcomes
- Success/Challenges of mentorship programs
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Doug Surtees
Employer Relations Specialist, UBC - Okanagan
Concurrent Workshops
Strategic Campus Partnerships: Best Practices for Employer Relations Professionals
12:30 - 1:15 pm EST
Successful employer engagement doesn’t happen in isolation. Strong partnerships with faculty, student organizations, alumni services, and other campus units can amplify employer relations efforts, create more opportunities for students, and align with institutional goals.
This session explores how employer relations professionals can identify strategic partners, establish clear roles and expectations, and navigate challenges such as competing priorities, data sharing, and campus bureaucracy. Panelists will share real-world examples of win-win collaborations that drive student success while strengthening employer engagement.
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Heather Packo
Incoming Associate Vice President, Student Professional Development at Elon University | Current Director, Kellstadt Career Management Center at DePaul University, Elon University | DePaul University
Emily Gregory
Manager, Career Education, Student Services - Career Centre, University of Alberta
Maria Garofalo
Employer Relations Advisor, Co-op/Internships, Sheridan College
Martha Day Sanford
Executive Director, Industry Engagement, Questrom School of Business, Boston University
Chrys Tsilibes
Assistant Director, Center for Career Development and Life Skills, University of Connecticut
Employer Panel: Inside the Hiring Landscape – Trends, Tensions & What’s Ahead
1:30 - 2:15 pm EST
What’s really going on in the job market right now? In this candid conversation, a panel of campus recruiters and talent acquisition leaders will share how they’re navigating today’s biggest recruitment challenges—from overwhelming application volumes to evolving expectations around AI, equity, and efficiency.
We’ll explore:
- How AI is shaping (and reshaping) early talent hiring
- Strategies for managing large applicant pools or struggling to attract the right candidates
- What it will take for the campus job market to rebound—and who’s already adapting
- What strong employer relations partnerships look like from the employer’s side
- Whether you're looking to better support your employer partners or anticipate where the market’s headed next, this session will give you a front-row seat to what’s top of mind for recruiters right now
Here are some potential questions:
- How would you describe the current state of campus recruitment in your organization or industry? Are you seeing any trends that concern or encourage you?
- How is AI showing up in your recruitment process right now—either internally or via vendors? Are there specific tools or approaches that are adding value or raising red flags? What do you wish schools understood about how AI is impacting the candidate experience or selection process?
- Are you seeing changes in application volume—either surges or drop-offs—in your roles or regions? How are you adapting?
- What are some ways employer relations professionals can make themselves indispensable to your team in this environment?
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Tenzin Zongdho
Senior Manager, Early Talent Acquisition, RBC
Doreen Dockweiler
Global Head of University Relations, AMD
Jennifer Husband
Director, Early Talent, QuadReal
The World Needs More Employer Relations (And Employer Relations Needs to Do More)
2:30 - 3:15 pm EST
Employer relations is more than job postings and info sessions—it’s a strategic function that bridges campus and industry, drives student success, and helps employers meet their talent goals. When employers struggle to hire students effectively, they scale back. When they succeed, they invest more. That’s where employer relations comes in.
This session will challenge you to think bigger about your role and the function of employer relations on campus. We’ll explore how to increase your impact, better support employers, and ultimately grow opportunities for students. Whether you’re a team of one or part of a broader career services office, you’ll leave with ideas and inspiration to make your work more powerful and visible.
Walk away with:
- A deeper understanding of how employer relations supports both student and employer success
- Practical strategies to help employers get better hiring results
- Ideas to grow your influence and position employer relations as a strategic asset
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Graham Donald
Founder & President, Brainstorm Strategy Group
Registration Rates
Regular rate valid until May 28th, 2025.
Non-Members of the Employer Relations Alliance (ERA)
Option 1: Registration + ERA Membership Package
Register for the Employer Relations Forum AND become a member of
the Employer Relations Alliance (ERA) for less than the cost of an annual
membership!
Individual
(includes 1 year ERA membership)
$595$695
per person
Group of 2 to 4
(includes 1 year ERA membership)
$995$1,095
per group
Group of 5 to 10
(includes 1 year ERA membership)
$1,795$1,995
per group
Option 2: Registration Only
(does not include membership in the Employer Relations Alliance)
Individual
$495$595
per person
Group of 2 to 4
$895$995
per group
Group of 5 to 10
$1,695$1,895
per group
Members of the ERA and their
Guests
Employer
Relations Alliance Members
$95$195
per person
The ERA members'
registration fee is a nominal fee charged to encourage active attendance and
participation. All ERA members will receive a credit equivalent to the fee paid that
can be applied to their membership renewal.
Employer
Relations Alliance Members' Guest
$95$195
per person
Guests of ERA members must
work at the same institution as the member. If guests choose to become ERA members
in the future, they will be given a credit equivalent to their registration fee.
Employer Relations Alliance Members
$95$195
per person
The ERA members' registration fee is a nominal fee charged to encourage active attendance and participation. All ERA members will receive a credit equivalent to the fee paid that can be applied to their membership renewal.
Employer Relations Alliance Members' Guest
$95$195
per person
Guests of ERA members must work at the same institution as the member. If guests choose to become ERA members in the future, they will be given a credit equivalent to their registration fee.
No refunds will be provided within three weeks of the program. Cancellations three weeks or more before the event date will be refunded less a $50 administration fee.
Substitutions from the same organization are welcome at no cost up to three weeks before the event date.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Contact Julie Rahmer, Learning, Research & Engagement Lead at
julie@brainstorm.ca
with any questions or concerns you may have.
Leading employers, universities and colleges rely on Brainstorm for strategic advice, informative insights, and practical professional development.
©Copyright 2025 Brainstorm Strategy Group