A Seat at the Table: The Future-Ready Leader

In recognition of International HR Day, HRBG’s May Masterclass, A Seat at the Table – The Future-Ready Leader, is an exclusive evening session designed for HR professionals, business leaders, and decision-makers navigating today’s complex and uncertain environment.

In today’s economic climate, organizations are facing increased pressure, tighter budgets, and rising employee expectations. Leaders are being asked to make more complex decisions with greater risk and less certainty. HR is no longer operating as a support function. It is being called upon to help guide strategy, influence outcomes, and support leadership at the highest level.

This Masterclass brings together perspectives from government, business, legal, and HR to explore what organizations are experiencing right now and what it will take to lead effectively through it.

Designed to be grounded and practical, this session moves beyond theory and reflects the realities organizations are navigating today. Through a structured evening of insights and discussion, we will examine where HR is adding value, where it needs to evolve, and how it can strengthen its role at the leadership table.

This is for you if:

• You are an HR professional at any level, from emerging to experienced
• You are a business owner or organizational leader
• You are in a senior leadership role responsible for people, culture, and operations
• You are a decision-maker navigating change, complexity, and workforce challenges

What you can expect:

The evening is designed to balance insight, discussion, and practical application:
• A moderated panel discussion with perspectives across government, legal, business, higher education, and HR
• A guided conversation with space for honest, real-world insight
• A closing keynote focused on leadership presence, communication, and influence
• Time to connect, discuss, and reflect with HR and business peers, owners, and leaders.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Sunningdale Golf & Country Club (465 Sunningdale Rd W, London)

Parking: Available on site

Tickets: $95 per person (includes Eventbrite fees and plated dinner; advance registration required)

Venue & Menu

Hosted at Sunningdale Golf & Country Club in Thompson Hall, the evening includes a plated dinner in a professional setting.

Dinner includes:
• Assorted rolls with butter
• Heritage lettuce salad with honey lemon vinaigrette
• Choice of entrée:
Oven roasted chicken breast with sundried tomato pesto cream sauce, basmati rice, and vegetables

OR
Wild mushroom risotto with grilled vegetable kebabs and basil cream sauce
• Dessert: warm cherry pie with vanilla ice cream
• Coffee and tea service

Guests will select their meal preference during registration. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Speaker Highlights

Host and Moderator:

~ Erika Oakes, Senior Project Manager - TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario

Opening Remarks:

~ Arielle Kayabaga, MP London West | Deputy House Leader, Government of Canada

Panel:

~ Dr. Robert Ventresca, President – King’s University College

~ Arielle Kayabaga, MP London West | Deputy House Leader - Government of Canada

~ David Wood, Executive, Board Chair, and Faculty – Ivey School of Business

~ Nic Preston, Principal Lawyer - Preston Legal | Managing Partner – HRBG

Closing Keynote:

~ Chris McAuley, Founder and Owner - MCAVOY Inc.

Our Valued Partners

A/V Provided by – Music Central Entertainment

Photography provided by – Reid Lucier Photography

Videography provided by – Labourly

Please note that photography and videography will be taking place, and event footage may be used by HRBG for promotional purposes.

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Join us for an evening of honest conversation, practical insight, and forward-looking perspective as we explore what it takes for HR to lead through uncertainty.

Seats are limited. Secure your spot and be part of the conversation.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher HRP4B HR MasterClass and Mentorship Groups