|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Did you join Cannexus26 for the 20th anniversary of the conference? More than 1,200 in-person and virtual attendees came together in Ottawa and online to connect, learn and celebrate the career development sector.
We took to social media to see what attendees, presenters, exhibitors and partners had to say about their Cannexus experience. Going through the photos, reflections and comments, we were sure of one thing – this milestone year was marked by depth, generosity and a strong sense of community.
While we couldn’t include everything, we’ve compiled a snapshot of your conference takeaways from last week. You can also check out #Cannexus and #Cannexus26 on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X for more!
Tech tip: This post is jam-packed with wonderful posts from Cannexus attendees – you might need to give it a minute or two to load.
Counting down to Cannexus26
In the days leading up to Cannexus26, anticipation was already building across social media. Attendees, partners and presenters shared their excitement about travelling to Ottawa, reconnecting with colleagues and diving into a packed program. These early posts set the tone for the week ahead – a milestone conference grounded in curiosity, learning and community.
A milestone moment – celebrating 20 years of Cannexus
Cannexus26 marked a major milestone: 20 years of bringing Canada’s career development community together. Several posts paused to recognize the significance of this anniversary and the role Cannexus has played in shaping professional practice, policy conversations and sector-wide collaboration over two decades.
View this post on Instagram
Learning and connecting from the main stage to session rooms
Across keynotes, workshops and breakout sessions, Cannexus26 delivered learning that was both practical and deeply human. Presenters reflected on standing-room-only rooms, engaged audiences and the vulnerability required to lead meaningful conversations in today’s complex world of work.
AI, ethics and the human edge
Artificial intelligence was a recurring theme at Cannexus26, but the conversation went well beyond tools and technology. Attendees reflected on sessions that centred ethics, empathy and the irreplaceable role of career development professionals in supporting whole humans – not just data points.
The big takeaway for me, personally? Employers lean harder into AI for screening and shortlisting, while they simultaneously shift back toward in-person interviews to verify those crucial “soft skills” that won’t be as visible on paper.
With AI everywhere lately, it was so grounding to hear Sonny talk about why our human skills like empathy and connection matter even more now. A great reminder to lean into what technology can’t replace.”
Learning that travels home
For many attendees, Cannexus26 sparked ideas they were eager to bring back into their daily practice. Posts captured thoughtful reflections on neuroinclusivity, leadership, self-belief and professional growth – along with concrete actions attendees planned to take after the conference.
Connection, community and belonging
Beyond the formal program, many posts highlighted the quieter moments that make Cannexus special – hallway conversations, shared laughter, mutual support and the comfort of being among peers who understand the work. These reflections captured the heart of the Cannexus community.
See you next year
Thank you to everyone who shared their Cannexus26 experience and helped capture the spirit of this milestone year. We hope to see you again at Cannexus27. Be sure to sign up for Cannexus updates for announcements about next year’s conference, including the call for presenters.
