GUELPH – Do you manage an equine facility, and struggle with business decisions or finding qualified staff?
Join University of Guelph students for the eighth annual Equine Industry Symposium focusing on business and employment awareness.
The free virtual event runs 7 to 8:30pm from Nov. 21 to 23 and is hosted by students in the university’s bachelor of bioresource management and equine management degree program.
People from all corners of the equine community will come together to learn how to manage daily and long-term challenges.
The theme for this year’s symposium is Stable Solutions, and the goal is to discuss issues such as recruiting young people and building industry support and standards.
Current issues such as labour shortages and lack of young people entering the industry can be addressed through responsible business decisions and collaboration within the community.
The first night will focus on bridging the labour gap, with a presentation on the current state of the industry by Kendra Coulter, leading expert in animals and work, animal protection and gender equality.
Coulter will set the stage by providing details on the current state of the industry, outlining current challenges and how to ensure the industry’s sustainability.
This will be followed by a panel discussion facilitated by Nature Canada policy director and former Equine Canada CEO Akaash Maharaj.
A panel of graduates from equine studies at the University of Guelph will discuss their experiences entering the equine industry and their challenges and successes in running equestrian facilities.
The second night will highlight boosting business efficiency with a presentation on successful business models from Wynbrook Equestrian Centre owner and CEO of Your Credit Union Joel Lalonde.
Sun Life financial advisor and show jump competitor Sean Jones will delve into succession planning and how to make current financial decisions based on future goals.
The final night Coulter will facilitate a panel discussion on buying into business fundamentals, featuring Jones, Wilton Group consulting CEO Bronwynne Wilton, Ontario Equestrian program lead Helen Richardson, and Woodbine senior manager Karl Lagerborg.
All three evenings will also include open Q&A sessions.
For more information or to register visit uoguelph.ca/oac/about/university-guelph-equine-industry-symposium.
Follow the symposium on Instagram and Facebook @equinesymposium or contact the team at eqevents@uoguelph.ca.
