Janet Ecker, President of the Toronto Financial Services Alliance, addresses Homecoming participants.

Opening Reception (Thursday, June 10, 5:30pm)

The Toronto Financial Services Alliance (TFSA) hosted the Opening Reception. Guest speakers included:

Many other firms participated in the reception and were available to meet with participants.

The Job Market in Toronto (Friday, June 11, 7:45am.)

  1. Breakfast and welcome from the Province of Ontario.
  2. Perspectives from Executive Search: Representatives from Thorek/Scott, Caldwell Partners, Knightsbridge and SpencerStuart answered questions about the job market in Toronto and were available for discussions at the conclusion of the panel.
  3. Perspectives from Industry: Representatives from McKinsey & Co, RBC Royal Bank, Rogers Communications and TorQuest Partners shared how you can make the most of your international experience.

Lunch (Friday, June 11, 12:15-1:30pm)

Lunch was generously sponsored by the Bank of Montreal for all participants, with an opportunity to interact with senior executives including the Managing Director & Global Head, BMO Capital Markets and Executive Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Marketing.

Individual Meetings (Friday, June 11, 2:00-6:00pm)

This afternoon was set aside for participants to arrange meetings with contacts specific to their areas of interest.

Networking Reception (Friday, June 11, 6:30-8:00pm)

The Emerging Leaders Network organized a networking event with their members, a diverse group of leaders working in the private, public and non-profit sectors. Homecoming participants came to find out what people are doing both professionally and personally to make the city a better place. Julia Deans, CEO of the Toronto City Summit Alliance, hosted the reception.

Luminato First Night (Friday, June 11, 8:00pm)

R&B star Melanie Fiona and rocker Sass Jordan headlined a celebration of Canadian divas in the Festival’s free opening-night concert at Yonge and Dundas Square.

Neighbourhood Tour and Family Friendly Event (Saturday, June 12, 9:30-4:00pm) 

We kicked off the neighbourhood tour at 9:30 Saturday morning with a family friendly event at the historic Wychwood Barns in Toronto’s St.Clair West neighbourhood. All Homecoming participants were invited to meet us at the historic TTC streetcar repair barns with their families or on their own for one of the city’s best farmers’ markets. There was a great outdoor playground for the kids and lots of good coffee and food for the adults.

From there we moved on to Liberty Village, dubbed by many as the “hottest” neighbourhood in Toronto according to Wikipedia, for brunch at noon (pay your own way) and a neighbourhood walk-around. After that we took the streetcar through the financial district to the Distillery District, with a walking tour of this pedestrian-only area, and ended up at the Mill Street Brew Pub.

Dinner (Saturday)

Dinner at a local restaurant with Torontonians who have returned to the city after having lived abroad.

Closing Brunch (Sunday, June 13, 11:30am-1:30pm)

The City of Toronto hosted a closing brunch that will be moderated by John Tory, Chair of the Toronto City Summit Alliance. Representatives from the City of Toronto and civic leaders heard your impressions and suggestions for the City.